Author's Note: I'm so sorry for the ridiculous delay! I've had this sitting on my computer since June and I haven't put it up here. Bah. Anways...I hope you enjoy!

As the final bell rang, Kahoko waved goodbye to Nao and Mio and left the classroom as quickly as possible. She just wanted to be out of school, away from people, away from anyone who might see or suspect…

She shook her head and kicked herself mentally. Nobody knew. There was no evidence to raise any suspicion. Yunoki was infallible, floating down the hallways, exuding an air of serenity and friendliness, leaving stunned girls in his wake. Kahoko couldn't help but smile at how well he pulled off his act. She knew what was hiding underneath that façade.

She shivered. If anyone was going to let the story slip, it would be her. After lunch, when she'd returned to class rumpled, red faced, and out of breath, she feared that it would be obvious what had just happened. Of course, nobody said anything. Nobody, short of Nao kicking her chair and hissing at her when she spaced out and didn't hear the teacher call on her three times to answer a question.

"Hino!"

She jumped and turned around quickly, sighing in relief when she realized who it wasn't. "Tsuchira, you surprised me!"

"Ah, sorry. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be staying at the school later than usual tonight. I have soccer practice. We'll have to reschedule. I apologize."

Kahoko repressed the urge to smack herself on the forehead. She'd completely forgotten that he'd asked her to accompany him to the music shop to practice together after school. She smiled instead. "It's okay. I probably should be spending more time studying anyways. We can talk more about it next week, okay?"

He grinned back. "Of course. Bye, then!" He set off at a jog, and Kahoko raised her hand in a wave, dropping it and her false smile as soon as he was out of sight. She exited the school gates and started her walk home, grateful to finally be alone.

Relief was short-lived. Only a few minutes of peace passed before a telltale black car stopped at the curb near her. Kahoko was tired of fighting, and she just opened the door and got inside without a word.

"Well, that was simple. Have I won you over so completely? You must be weaker than I thought."

Emotionally and physically exhausted, Kahoko leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes. Whatever he was planning, we would do it regardless of her protests. There was no use resisting.

"Where is your family at this time of day?"

Confused, Kahoko opened her eyes and glanced over at Yunoki. "It's just my mother and I. Right now she…" she paused to glance at her watch, "she is probably getting ready to leave. She'll be meeting up with a few friends, and they're going to some restaurant and attending a show tonight."

"It's settled then."

"What is?"

"I'd like you to invite me over to your home. I've never visited, and I'd say that an empty house is a perfect opportunity."

A few moments ticked by in silence as she realized what he was inferring. "You can't be serious!"

"Kahoko, I am always serious with you."

She flushed at the way his voice sounded when he said her given name. She tried to think of an argument—any argument—that he wouldn't be able to shoot down immediately. It was futile. She nodded and shut her eyes again, leaning her head against the window.

Yunoki murmured something to the driver, who nodded and pulled back onto the street.