The next morning, Kousuke woke up to the usual, "Time to get up." The familiar voice said.
Kousuke rolled over in bed, chucking a pillow at the figure in the doorway, then sat up suddenly, "Ayumu, you're up! Are you going to school today?"
"Yes, and you missed by the way. I think you're aim is getting worse." The brunette smirked, and dodged the second one thrown at him.
Kousuke climbed out of bed, headed to the bathroom, showered and dressed. He entered the kitchen and to his surprise, there was still breakfast out on the table for him.
Kousuke sat at the table next to Ayumu, "Are you sure you're feeling okay? I think that fever might have fried some brain cells." He said as the brunette punched his shoulder.
"Damn it, Narumi! I see you got your strength back." He added, rubbing his now sore shoulder.
"Hurry up and eat or I'm putting it away." Ayumu threatened, standing to clear his place.
Kousuke ate quickly, as he normally does; he rinsed his dishes, leaving them in the sink. He then slipped on his shoes and jacket, grabbing his bag from the floor and followed Ayumu out of the house.
The two walked down the street, and when they looked ahead, they saw Hiyono waiting for them on the corner, "Hey guys!" She said, as they approached her, "So Ayumu, you're feeling well enough to go to school now?"
"Yeah, I feel much better thanks."
"That's good." She smiled happily at the brunette, while Kousuke rolled his eyes at her.
The three of them continued on, and upon reaching the school's gate, met Eyes getting out of his brother's car.
"Hey Eyes!" She yelled, waving an arm. He closed the vehicle door, and then waved slightly as he began walking toward them.
"Whoa, what happened to your face?" Ayumu asked, looking at the large bruise that covered the boy's cheek.
"Looks like you got punched." Hiyono added, making Eyes glance away nervously.
"I wasn't watching where I was going last night and I ran into the open closet door." He said, placing his hand over the dark mark on his skin. Kousuke raised an eyebrow at the comment, unbelieving.
"I'm glad to see you're feeling well enough to attend school again, Ayumu." Eyes said, trying desperately to change the subject before someone else asked anymore questions.
"Thanks." The brunette smiled.
They headed in, meeting up with the others by the large oak as always, and Eyes was thankful that everyone believed his story, not asking too much into it. Azure eyes aimed their gaze toward the red head and noticing that he was being watched, he glanced over. Eyes could see in his emerald orbs that Kousuke wasn't convinced by his story but wasn't going to get into it in front of everyone.
Ayumu suddenly stood, "I have to go speak with Ms. Sasaki about the stuff I missed. I'll meet you guys inside." He said, waving a hand as he turned, heading to the large building. Not long after, the bell rang and the rest of their group moved, shuffling slowly toward the main entrance.
Kousuke sat in his chair, leaning back, staring at the white fluffy clouds out the window. Once again, Mr. Shibuya had been called away for some unknown reason and gym would have to wait until the afternoon. The red head sighed at the thought of having to go to the library again, instead of heading out onto the roof. Kousuke liked the feeling of the sun beating down on him, warming him, though there was no way that he could convince Ayumu that going to the roof would be a good idea.
The class gathered their things, moving in tandem to the library. Kousuke, of course, made his usual fit about having to go but Ayumu with his reasoning methods persuaded the red head to join them.
Eyes sat at the table in the back corner of the library, Kousuke had fallen asleep about twenty minutes ago, leaving Ayumu to do his half of the work. The silver haired boy tried hard not to stare at the red head, he missed the conversations on the roof the two of them had had. Eyes liked Ayumu, but with him around Kousuke seemed to shut down, and would stop talking to him.
"Is something wrong?" Ayumu whispered, as chocolate eyes looked on in concern.
Eyes was startled out of his daze, "Pardon? Oh, I'm fine." He said, trying to smile, but finding that hard to do today.
"Are you sure? You look really bothered."
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Okay, as long as you're sure." The brunette said, still worried about the troubled look on the boy's face.
Both boys worked in silence the rest of the period, and when the bell finally rang, Eyes couldn't get away fast enough. Kousuke stirred from his slouching position, and Ayumu wondered how he didn't have back problems already, he sat up rubbing at one of his eyes.
"Good morning, lazy ass." Ayumu snorted, placing his books back in his bag.
"Shut up." Kousuke countered, standing, "Hey, where did the new kid go?"
"I don't know. He has a name you know, and it's not the new kid. You should start calling him by it."
"Why should I? 'Sides he doesn't care."
"And how would you know, did you ask him?" Ayumu asked, quite annoyed now. Kousuke just snorted, leaving the table and headed toward the exit of the library. The brunette grabbed his bag and heaved it over his shoulder then proceeded after the red head.
On the roof, the group began to eat, talking about nothing in particular. It was Rio, who finally brought up the question that had been bugging everyone since they arrived.
"Does anybody know where Eyes went when the bell rang?" She asked before taking a bite of her sandwich. A few shrugs and a couple half finished sentences were her answer, and not being pleased with that she continued, "So nobody saw him leave? I wonder where he went, and have you noticed all the-"
"Can we talk about something else or am I the only one who doesn't care about what's going on in the life of the new kid?" Kousuke huffed, stopping Rio mid sentence.
"Well, what do you want to talk about, Kousuke?" Ryouko asked, then added, "And you don't need to get all huffy about it either."
"I don't care, I'm just sick of hearing about him." He finished, closing his emerald eyes again. The subject changed, then changed again, and they soon forgot about Eyes for the moment. Kousuke sighed inwardly; he didn't want them talking about Eyes' personal life like that. He knew they were curious, so was he, but he didn't want any gossip spreading about him. Kousuke knew something was going on and he had plans to find out what it was.
Lunch ended, and Kousuke found himself outside for gym class, unfortunately for him, he never seemed to like what they were doing while outside.
"Damn it! I fucking hate football!" Kousuke grunted, slowly getting to his feet after being tackled by a group of the larger looking jocks, who just happen to be on the football team.
He staggered over to Ayumu and the girls, who were seated on the bench, "Whose bright idea was this? Why can't we play something fun like poker or maybe something that doesn't involve being beaten to a pulp? 'Cause I'd kick all your asses at any card game!" He said, sitting down beside Sayoko, who quietly slid down the bench.
"Well tell me why Ryouko's not having any problems?" Ayumu asked from the far side of the bench, a wide smile playing on his lips.
"It's 'cause she's a fucking track star, and if I weren't so beaten Narumi, I'd be over there kicking your ass right now." Kousuke threatened, quite pathetically.
After a minute, he noticed exactly who all was sitting on the bench with him. Ayumu was at the far side; beside him was Rio, then Eyes and Sayoko sat next to him. The red head watched the boy, trying to be discreet about it, and was doing a pretty good job of it until he noticed teal eyes watching him. He glanced down at the teal eyed girl, locking eyes, she jumped slightly, and then she quickly looked away. Kousuke shrugged her off and watched the rest of the game from the bench.
"Kousuke, can I speak with you?" Mr. Shibuya asked, waving him over after class. He waited a moment until all the students had left the immediate area, and then began again, "I've noticed that your language is getting a little out of control. I know your history and your… lack of parental guidance but-"
"Oh, come on!" Kousuke shouted, "I can't believe you're actually using that as an excuse for me! I haven't heard that one since I was thirteen. Just so you know, it's not 'cause of my lack of parents that I act the way I do, everyone else swears too, it's just I don't give a shit who hears me and if you have a problem with it you can fuck yourself."
"Just go do laps, Kousuke. I don't want to discuss this with you. Be warned though that next time the punishment will be worse."
Kousuke jogged off, "Fucking bastard." He said, out loud.
"Watch it or you'll be suspended." He yelled, obviously hearing his farewell comment.
Kousuke just continued on, cursing under his breath. He rounded the final turn, aiming for the showers and just as he passed the teacher one last time, he heard, "Say it in your head next time."
Kousuke entered the shower area, and hearing water running, he knew who was there. He finished quickly, heading back into the locker room, and he found Eyes standing in front of his locker. The red head strolled over, leaning his side against the empty locker beside Eyes'.
"Hi there." Kousuke said casually, letting his wet hair touch the locker's cool surface.
"Hello." Azure eyes glanced over for a second, and as he began to reach into his locker, the door suddenly slammed shut, giving Eyes just enough time to pull his hand out of the way.
"What are you doing?! You nearly crushed my fingers!" Eyes shouted, pulling his hands to his chest.
"Relax, I made sure your hand was outta the way." He said, as emerald eyes seemed to count the bruises on the other. The silver haired boy felt those eyes staring at him and grabbing the handle of the locker, he pulled, and it opened slightly then slammed shut. He pulled again, and having the door bang closed; he looked up realizing what was happening, a hand belonging to the red head held the locker door shut.
"Remove your hand." Eyes said, and Kousuke noted that it wasn't a request.
"After we talk."
Azure eyes narrowed, "I don't think we have anything to talk about."
"What and I thought you liked our little talks?" He smirked, having a bit too much fun with this.
"Now is not the time for talks, we have to get back to class."
Kousuke turned, facing Eyes and slid across the lockers so his back was covering the one the other boy was trying to get into.
"Would you move? I would like to get dressed now."
"This time you're going to tell me who's doing that to you?" Kousuke said, becoming serious. He took a step forward, closer to the silver haired boy, their eyes locked and Eyes felt the other gently touch his chest and as he looked down at the hand, he was pushed backwards onto the bench behind him.
"Sit and talk with me." The red head smiled at the shock on the other's face. Eyes stood only to be pushed back again.
"Stop it! I don't want to talk."
"If you want to go, just tell me who's doing this to you?"
"It's none of your business, just stay out of it." Eyes demanded, standing.
Kousuke looked at him, "Why?" He asked, "Why would you protect someone who's hurting you?"
"Leave it alone, you will only make it worse." He said, averting his gaze.
Kousuke stared for a moment at the silver head of hair, then shrugging moved away from the locker, heading toward his own. He opened the locker door then paused, "I remember another promise I made… one to always protect a certain someone." He said, beginning to get dressed.
Hearing the softly spoken comment, Eyes turned swiftly, he wanted to tell the other everything but all he could do was smile.
The two changed in silence, and then Eyes followed slightly behind Kousuke back to the classroom. Kousuke knocked on the door, "Enter." The voice answered.
He slid the door open, and Eyes immediately stepped in front of the red head, bowing, "We are sorry for being late. We were held up." He said, his azure eyes peeking through his long bangs.
Ms. Sasaki raised an eyebrow, and encouraged them in, mentioning to be more careful in the future. Emerald eyes stared in shock, normally he would have been scolded, sent to the hall and then have detention after school for being late.
Kousuke slouched in his desk, sighing heavily. He closed his eyes, getting comfortable, when he felt something hit him in the head. Looking down, Kousuke found a small crumpled ball of paper; he glanced back up to see where it had come from. Hiyono waved slightly, then pointed at the ball of paper. Emerald eyes rolled in their owner's head, and grabbing the paper ball he unfolded it.
Hey Kousuke, what happened to you guys? We should talk after school. Hiyono. Kousuke narrowed his eyes, annoyed; crumpling the paper again he tossed it at the back of the brunette's head in front of him. He smirked as chocolate eyes came into view, glaring at him. Kousuke leaned back in his chair, now that made him feel better.
The teacher lectured on and on about something or another, though Kousuke had been only half listening, until the bell rang. The students packed their bags and quickly filed out of the room.
Kousuke flung his bag over his shoulder and was about to leave, when Ms. Sasaki called him back, "I heard what happened between you and Mr. Shibuya. And I have to say that I'm very disappointed with you." She paused for a moment, while Kousuke sighed inwardly, "I want you to stay after class today to think about what you did and said."
"But I didn't do anything!"
She stopped him there, "I don't want any excuses just sit." Kousuke huffed, sitting in the closest desk to him.
Kousuke pushed the main door of the school open, using excessive force, and it slammed back when it reached as far as it could go. He stormed down the stairs, angry and frustrated at the stupidity of teachers, who have nothing better to do with their time then to torment students that didn't do anything.
The red head reached the bottom of the stairs, and was about to leave the school grounds, when a tug on his jacket stopped him. He glanced back to find Eyes, "Hey-" He managed to get out before the boy hushed him, and pulled him around the side of the building.
"What the hell's going on, Eyes?" Kousuke asked, when he was allowed to talk again. Azure looked up into emerald; he smiled, wrapping his arms around the red head's waist.
"Whoa…"
"Thank you, for before." Eyes said into the soft fabric.
"Huh?" He stared at the silver hair, "What are you talking about?"
"For what you said in the locker room. I really appreciate it." Eyes loosened his grip on the other, glancing up again.
Kousuke's confusion lingered a minute longer, until he remembered what all had been said, "Yeah well, umm… thanks for getting me out of trouble." He said, not knowing exactly what to say. He blushed slightly, unsure of how to react to this kind of contact, nobody ever hugged him, not even Madoka, yeah sure she tried a couple of times but he had always pushed her away.
Eyes pulled himself closer again, seeming to enjoy the warmth emanating from Kousuke. He watched the boy hugging him and after a moment decided to give him this one embrace, so the red head wrapped his arms around the other, holding him tight. Kousuke felt Eyes melt into his arms, and he had to admit, it felt… nice.
Kousuke finally pulled out of the hug, pushing the boy back until he was arms length away, "Alright, enough of that." He said, suddenly feeling very claustrophobic. The smile on Eyes' face disappeared slightly, but he nodded in agreement.
"I take it that was all you wanted to say." Kousuke continued, beginning to leave again.
Eyes shuffled his feet in place, and just before the other was completely out of reach, he took a step grabbing Kousuke's arm, he pulled the red head back around until he hit the wall. Kousuke looked down in a daze, unsure of what had just happened. Azure eyes looked into emerald ones, and Eyes' body seemed to move on its own, leaning up until their lips met, gently kissing the other.
Emerald eyes widened in shock, and then Kousuke pushed the boy off of him, "I think you misunderstood me. It's not like that between us, we're just friends."
"…Yes, of course." Eyes said, taking another step backwards, "I'm sorry." He muttered, walking quickly back to the front of the school and away from the other. Kousuke stood speechless, unable to follow.
Eyes' brisk walk turned into a full out run upon leaving the school grounds. He ran all the way to his house, stopping a few houses before to catch his breath.
"I am such a fool." He said aloud, wiping at his eyes, "Now I have ruined everything." Eyes tried to slow his breathing, and running a hand through his wind blown hair, he headed up the walkway. He stopped for an instant before opening the door and entering.
Eyes slipped off his shoes, and dropped everything at the door. He moved through the living room and kitchen, and reaching the stairs, he headed up. As he approached the top step, he halted looking down the hall, and seeing his brother's room empty he turned in the opposite direction, heading to his own room.
Once inside, he closed the door quietly, just in case, and then flopped down on the bed. Eyes grabbed a pillow, pulling it to his chest and closing his azure orbs, buried his face in it and slowly he drifted off to sleep.
Kousuke had awoken from his daze, and had chased the boy to the entrance of the school, stopping at the gate. He figured the boy wanted to be alone for a while, and he thought that the two of them could talk it out in the morning. Kousuke turned and slowly made his way home.