I stood up and walked towards the stairs. Runo was standing there. I hesitated to speak. She just stood there, puzzled, and she looked a little…I don't know…weird I guess. She stepped down on the first step coming down. Alice ran down in front of her and grabbed me by my shoulders. She pushed me to the wall where Runo couldn't see us or anyone else.

"Be careful Dan! She's delusional!" She whispered. She looked like she saw a ghost, which made me a little scared. I played it off.

"I got this." I said as I gently put down Alice's hands and walked towards the stairs again.

"Whoa!" I yelled as I hit the ground. Runo was right at the bottom step. I stared at her, stunned and confused. I gulped real hard and then stood up. Runo laughed a little, but returned to be angry after I stood up.

"I'm sorry Runo. I was just foolin' around. Can't you take a joke?" I said to her as I rubbed my head. Runo made an evil face. I could tell that I agitated her.

"Can I take a joke? Can…I…take a…JOKE!" She yelled with her arms tensily at her sides and her head down. She grabbed me by my shirt and put her fist to my face. I tensed up and leaned back.

"You crushed my legs! You call that a joke!" She yelled once more.

"Uh…yeah." I said nervously. What a dummy! I fell right into her trap. She grinned (evilly) and clenched my shirt tighter.

"I'll teach you how to play jokes." She said as she drew her fist back. Crap! I had to get out of this. As soon as I tried to get away, Runo pushed me to the wall and brought her fist around. I was as good as dead. I just closed my eyes and moved my head to the side. 1…2…3…4…I counted how long it'd take her to hit me. I felt it coming like a mistle to a target. 5…I thought as I expected the punch to land already.

"Huh?" I said as I opened my eyes. Runo was staring at me with her cheeks puffed out. She was trying to keep from laughing at me. I growled at her.

"Thanks a lot Runo." I said as I grabbed the hand that still clutched on to my shirt. Runo let go amd started laughing. I looked behind her and saw Shun, Marucho, Alice, and Julie laughing. I blushed in embarrassment and looked at the floor.

"Boy were you scared!" Shun teased.

"I'm so tired of you guys and your stupid pranks. I'm outta here." I said as I walked up stairs. They kept laughing.

"You better come back down, Dan, before Runo gets a hold on you." Shun teased again. I flicked him off and then went into my room. They still laughed, as I expected. This just doesn't get any better. I plopped on my bed and stared at the ceiling again. I heard a knock on the door.

"Dan. It's Runo." Runo said sadly.

"Go away!" I was so angry.

"I'm sorry. Can I talk to you?" She said as she slid her hand on the door.

"For what?" I said as I turned over in my bed.

"Dan." Runo complained. I ignored her.

"Open the door." She said calmly. I heard noises at the door and I looked at it. I heard a thump on the floor. My eyes opened widely. What is she doing?

"Dan, it's Julie. Open up." Julie said all happy like.

"Go…away!" I said to her.

"No! I'm not going anywhere until you open this door." She demanded.

"Then I guess you'll be spinning the night, because I'm not coming out until breakfast is ready for tomorrow." I said as I turned over.

"Fine!" Julie said as she stomped down the stairs. I inhaled and exhaled deeply.

"Dan. It's Runo again. Please open the door." Runo said sadly again. I got up and opened the door and then I quickly closed it.

"Are you happy now?" I asked her.

"Just open the door, Dan!" She yelled at me. I got up and opened the door. Runo came in and sat on my bed. I sat in a bean bag chair.

"Sit by me Dan." She told me. I got up and sat by her.

"I'm sorry. After all, it was just a prank." She said smiling and mocking my words. I shook my head and looked down. Runo grabbed my hand and held it tightly. I looked at her hand then at her face.

"Dan, you're being a hypocrite." She pointed out to me.

" No! You are! Now you know how it feels when someone takes things too seriously." I said as I smiled. She put her head on my shoulder. I blushed a little ad then grabbed her shoulders and lifted her upper body so that it can be straight up. She smiled and so did I. We moved in for a kiss…

"Hey! Are you two making up yet?" Shun ruins the moment.

"Yes…Shun!" I said with a sign of irritence. Shun winked at me and then closed the door. Runo laughed and then stood up. See you later Dan. I think I'm gonna head home." She said as she opened the door. Then she walked out. Dumb Shun! Ruins everything!