A/N: Nothing to say really, other than this chapter is a bit different AND that there's JouichixKimiko and some other stuff in here. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: …nah.

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Secrets

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GROANING, Sora opened his eyes slightly, his blurred vision clearing as the sound of a muffled conversation cut through the air. Where am I? Did that hurdle kill me? With a soft moan, he rolled onto his side and stared at nothing in particular before the door leading into the room he occupied slid open and Daisuke stood in the doorway, still dressed in his P.E. kit. "I see that you're awake again?" He probed lightly, a small smile tugging at his lips and sniffing, Sora rolled onto his back and stared up at the brunette. "Hey," he called grinning stupidly and grinning back, Dai stepped into the room and allowed the door to slide shut behind him. "Hi to yourself, how's your head?" He probed and shrugging, Sora moved to sit up and pressed his back against the small cot's headboard as he felt an aggressive pounding in his temples.

Moving towards a small stool resting in a corner by the window, Dai sat down and stared lazily out of the window. "Feels like my head's about to explode," Sora whined pulling his legs up and rested his chin against his knees as his cerulean eyes landed on his best friend and he offered a small smile. "What you thinking about?" He pressed and blinking, Dai looked away from the window shrugging casually as he did so. "Nothing," he replied and Sora nodded and with a light yawn he reached up to scratch his sun kissed blond hair only for his fingers to be met with the rough material of the bandages there. "I bet Yin-Sensei had an epiphany when I slammed my head into that hurdle huh?" He teased good naturedly laughing lightly but Dai didn't find it funny and fixing Sora with a sober expression, he wrenched his fingers together.

"You scared me, you dumbass."

Blinking, Sora stopped laughing and stared back at Dai with a surprised expression, his eyes ever readable to the brunette. Feeling guilty, Sora buried his face into his knees, mumbling a nearly inaudible "sorry" as he did so. Daisuke sucked in a deep breath, and squared his shoulders before he sighed. "That was probably the scariest moment of my life, seeing you in so much pain…I realize I never want that to happen again." He stated, his shoulders slumping and looking up at the brunette, Sora shot him a quizzical look. "What are you trying to say, Dai?" He pressed and sucking in a shaky breath, Daisuke tried to fight back the tears that were coming as he got to his feet and moved towards the cot his friend occupied. "Sora," he called in a soft voice which caused the blond to purse his lips and listen carefully.

"I don't wanna compete anymore—for Yame, I mean."

"You're kidding right?"

Sora was flabbergasted and at the look Daisuke was wearing he was sure that the brunette wasn't playing. This was serious, something they had both secretly pledged to one another over five years ago; there was no way that Daisuke was going to just quit—not when there had been some form of progress. "Today showed me one thing, you mean a hell of a lot to me than Yame and—" Dai caught himself, his shoulders trembling and his cheeks heating up as he clenched his fists at his sides. This caught Sora off guard, and he stared up at Dai with wide eyes, hoping to God that the other boy would explain himself fully. "I just realized that if I have to lose you I don't want the last competition we have to be over something as stupid as a girl." He explained catching and holding Sora's gaze.

"Dai—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence because he was suddenly engulfed in a warm embrace. Daisuke's arms were wrapped around him protectively and his body trembled from the tears that now flooded his vision. "You scared me so much," he mumbled into the smooth skin of Sora's collarbone. The blond just sat there stiffly, his gaze not very focused as he stared at nothing in particular, his mind was reeling and he lifted his left arm to try and pull away from Dai but he found that nearly impossible when Dai's grip around his neck tightened. "No, can we stay like this for just a few minutes?" He mumbled and blinking, Sora nodded tightly his hand lowering back to the bedspreads.

"Hai."

…

Humming a very distant tone to himself, Jouichi leaned back against the handrail outside of Holy Cross's main entrance. Shoving his hands deep in his pockets, he inclined his head forward and stared down at his black loafers for a brief while before the glass doors opened and two familiar figures stepped out. "Took you long enough; Kaito." He called lazily and the said blond shot the younger boy an impassive glance while Hikari frowned. "You can't talk to Kaito-san anyway you please!" She roared and shifting his gaze sideways, Jouichi shot her a sadistic grin and pushed his lithe form off the handrail. "I wasn't talking to you, Hikari." He stated blatantly obviously offending the girl who looked as if she would attack him if Kaito hadn't placed a hand out in front of her. "Jouichi," he called and said boy raised his head and locked gazes with the older boy.

"How may I help you?"

"We need to talk—alone."

Kaito studied the boy before him before he nodded affirmatively. Allowing his hand to fall back at his side, he spoke calmly to Hikari without even meeting her gaze. "You wait for the next car, Jouichi and I will take this one." If Hikari was pissed off it sure as hell showed on her face for she pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest but remained relatively quiet despite the internal battle raging in her head. Jouichi's grin broadened at the expression on the girl's face as Kaito idly strolled by him and he followed behind and towards a parked limo.

Sliding into the back, Jouichi wasn't that impressed with the interior—it was the same as the limo he rode in on a daily basis with Izzie and Mae; but what did surprise him was the large black binder marked Confidential on the row of seats across from him. Biting his lip, Jouichi tossed his bag onto the other chair before launching himself onto it, allowing his body to successfully cover the binder just as Kaito slid into the back and the door was shut. The limo lurched forward, rolling easily over the asphalt road as the two teens remained silent. Kaito had been busy tapping away on his PDA while Jouichi stared lazily out of the limo's tinted windows. He had to admit, his rear was beginning to hurt from having to sit on the binder but he refused to move, he needed to know what was so confidential that it had to be placed in its very own binder and listed as confidential.

"What did you want to tell me, Jouichi?"

The sound of Kaito's curious voice pulled Jouichi out of his thoughts and turning away from the window, he stared at the blond before shrugging casually. "Oh y'know, just wanted to know what's been going on. We all haven't been together for a proper meeting in what feels like ages." He explained and Kaito nodded, placing his PDA very carefully back in his bag and crossed his legs, eyes trained on the younger boy. "I'm aware of that, that's why I'm calling a meeting tomorrow night. Don't get any plans for then." Jouichi nodded halfheartedly, his gaze landing back out of the window. "I want in," Jouichi stated after a moment of silence, completely managing to confuse Kaito.

"Pardon?"

"I mean with the plan, the game plan that is. I want in."

Looking away from the window once more, Jouichi stared lazily at the older boy who seemed to be accessing this new information and this egged Jouichi to continue on. "I want to know everything, I don't want to be left out and I want to call the shots — not listen to them." He stated confidently and Kaito remained silent for awhile, before he nodded slowly. "Alright, you win. You can call the shots; you are this team's most valuable asset after all." He pointed out and Jouichi grinned broadly as he leaned back in his seat and propped his elbow on the window pane. The two stared at one another before Kaito quirked a curious brow. "Is that all?" Kaito probed and Jouichi nodded, sinking in his seat.

"Can I drop you off somewhere?"

"Seiyo High would be nice."

Kaito didn't even ask questions, he simply shot an order at the chauffeur and sat back digging through his bag for something as Jouichi stared out of the window. Once the limo pulled into Seiyo High, Jouichi pushed the backdoor open and sliding both his rear and the binder off the seat he slipped out of the car, letting the black binder hit the asphalt. Turning to look back at an unsuspicious Kaito, he flashed a broad grin and raised his hand in a wave, fingers spread apart as much as possible. "Thanks for the ride and talk—take care, Kaito." He said cheerfully before he stepped back, kicking the binder out of the limo's way and slammed the door shut. As the limo began its exit, Jouichi bent forward and picked up the binder and stuffed it haphazardly into his bag, a stupid grin plastered to his face. "Sucker," he chuckled chancing one last look at the limo before he broke into a slow jog towards the school building.

…

"Oi, Kimiko!"

Picking up a few water bottles wedged in between the bleachers, Kimiko stood up at the sound of her name and blinking, she spotted Hinta sprinting across the perfectly manicured grass towards her. "Hinta," she called nodding in acknowledgment as she carefully descended down a few steps and deposited her armload of water bottles into the trash can. "What can I do for you today?" She probed, pushing a few wayward strands of hair out of her face. Stopping in front of the bleachers, Hinta shielded his eyes with his right hand and stared up at the thin girl. "Did you hear? Sora got his head banged in pretty bad today during junior gym. Bummer really, there's no soccer today because Dai bailed on practice." He explained and Kimiko's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

"Sora got hurt? That idiot, I'm gonna pound him into the ground for scaring the shit out of me!"

Hinta blinked as he placed a hand on his waist and grinned. "He's alright Kimiko, nothing major." He explained and Kimiko pursed her lips and nodded tightly, her shoulders stiff. She didn't care if he had thrown himself off the Eiffel tower and had bounced back in no time, it didn't change the fact that he had gotten hurt and in gym nonetheless and she was just finding out about it—at five thirty! Releasing a shaky breath, Kimiko flexed her fingers and moved a little too aggressively into another aisle. "So," Hinta started his grin melting and an uneasy look tainting his face. "How's Ayame?" He asked in what he hoped was a casual tone and Kimiko shrugged bending to pick up more garbage, boy did she hate this part of her job. "Not sure, why don't you ask her yourself?" She muttered irritably and Hinta frowned.

"I would, but I think she hates me now."

His voice was sad and standing up, Kimiko moved back to the garbage and shot the brunette a sympathetic expression. "She doesn't hate you, she's just confused." She answered for her friend and blinking, Hinta nodded slowly, his green/blue eyes locking with Kimiko's violet eyes. "So…you'll ask her for me?" He pressed and Kimiko's expression broke into one of confusion. "Eh?" Hinta grinned lowering his hand and taking a few strides backwards. "Thanks a lot, Kimiko!" He exclaimed turning easily and sprinted back across the field.

"I never said that! Hey, get back here, Hinta!"

Groaning, Kimiko ripped the latex gloves she had on off her hands and dumped them into the bin and plopping on the edge of a bleacher, she pressed her fingers to her pulsating temples. Things weren't going her way as of lately and to top it off she was going to have to tread into some very dangerous waters with Yame soon. Releasing a deep sigh, she closed her eyes and allowed her shoulders to slump forward, legs slightly parted. "Just great," she mumbled to herself.

"Girls shouldn't sit with their legs open like that y'know."

Kimiko's eyes snapped open at the sound of a voice she had heard only once but that had been enough to penetrate her thoughts on a regular basis. Turning around, Kimiko stared at the familiar lithe figure of someone she had deemed to be a real nuisance in her mind. "You," she hissed pointing accusingly at the dark haired boy standing at the top of the bleachers. Jouichi wore a broad grin, his hands shoved deep in his pockets and his lower part poking out forward slightly. "Hey," he greeted in a lazy tone and frowning, Kimiko jumped to her feet and placing her hands on her waist stared curiously at the boy watching her intently. "What do you want? Last time I checked you didn't attend Seiyo High." She pointed out and Jouichi smiled as he nodded and pulling his hands out of his pockets, he clapped drily.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious, Kimi-chan."

She didn't know why it bothered her so much, everyone she knew referred to her with the simple enough nickname but for some reason, the response that arose from the Queen's Chair at Jouichi's usage of it was different. A deep scowl settled on her features as her cheeks grew hot and from Jouichi's position tainted a slight pink. "What do you want?" Kimiko repeated more annoyed than before and Jouichi shrugged, taking a step forward, he easily stepped down bleacher after bleacher, only stopping when three bleachers separated them both. "Nothing really, I'm just blowing off some extra time." He replied shrugging and Kimiko frowned. "Extra time? Don't they teach you people anything up at that snooty school of yours?" She spat and Jouichi grinned toothily.

"What about you? You're not doing anything."

Blinking, Kimiko ran a hand through her hair before she shrugged. "That's where you're wrong pretty boy; I have duties that I'm obligated to do." She spat and Jouichi quirked a brow, his grin becoming smug. "So, you think I'm pretty don't you?" He jeered and Kimiko snorted, "so what if I d—NO! You idiot!" She screeched catching her blunder immediately, her cheeks growing redder and her heart beat increasing. Jouichi chuckled, as he pulled his hands out of his pockets and locked them behind his neck. "Mm hmm, I can't really blame you…I have that effect on people." He replied winking at Kimiko who groaned looking away from him just before Jouichi's phone buzzed and a familiar whimsical ring tore through the air.

Opening her eyes, Kimiko blinked before she frowned. "And once again your phone goes off during a conversation with me. I'd have to say whoever's on the other end of that line has the same idea as me—stop talking to me." She stated casually and Jouichi groaned. "You have no idea." At the sound of his voice, Kimiko chanced a look back at him. Looking over her shoulder, Kimiko watched as Jouichi fished his mobile out and not even looking at the screen, he turned the phone off before dropping the mobile in his bag. "It's rude to turn off your phone when someone's trying to call you." Kimiko stated almost self consciously and Jouichi chuckled. "Trust me, you'd do the same too if you knew who it was." His tone was light and friendly—but then again, when wasn't it?

Pouting, Kimiko allowed her arms to fall limply at her sides as she turned to stare at the boy fully. Studying him closely, she decided that he was nice to look, completely dripping with boyish charm. "See something you like?" Jouichi teased after Kimiko had spent a whole two minutes looking him up and down. Realizing that she had been caught, Kimiko blinked and averted her gaze, cheeks now as bright as a ripe tomato. "In your dreams," she snorted and a broad grin ripped Jouichi's face in half. Jouichi was just about to close the distance between him and Kimiko when something happened that no teenager should ever have to face.

"Jouichi-kun."

At the sound of his name being said in a sickeningly high pitched, friendly tone both Jouichi and Kimiko directed their gazes to the foot of the bleachers where Maeda stood, her bag hanging off her right shoulder and large sapphire eyes glued to Jouichi's frame. "Maeda," Jouichi called and Kimiko's brows furrowed as she glanced back at the boy. "You two know each other?" She questioned and Jouichi sighed, lowering his head. "Sadly," he muttered and Mae forced a bright smile on her face, her gaze never leaving Jouichi's face. "It's a surprise seeing you here, I didn't think I was going to see you today." She stated and Jouichi nodded tightly, and raising his head, he met Mae's gaze. "It wasn't planned," he replied and blinking, Mae nodded before her grin grew and she extended one small hand.

"Come here."

Kimiko didn't like the way Maeda was acting; that wasn't to get confused with the fact that Kimiko had never really liked the girl in the beginning but now, now she wasn't so sure why. Her chest hurt, that much she was sure of and when she caught Jouichi shift from the corner of her eye she didn't know what was happening. The boy stepped by her, his shoulder brushing against hers causing her heartbeat to increase in the process as he descended the bleachers' steps. She watched almost in a daze as Jouichi extended his hand and Mae intertwined their fingers, her grin broadening as the boy wore a scowl. What happened to the grin he just had on? "I'm happy to see you, Jouichi." Mae stated pulling Kimiko out of her thoughts and Jouichi nodded slowly, still scowling and fingers still intertwined with the blonde's.

"Same," he replied drily and if it were possible, Mae's grin broadened before she did something that nearly ripped Kimiko's heart out of her chest. Grabbing onto Jouichi's collar, Mae brought the boy down to her level and pressed her lips to his firmly and passionately. Kimiko watched as the girl's eyes slid shut and her free hand threaded through silky black tresses. I wonder how it would feel to thread my fingers through his hair—wait, WHAT?! Kimiko was nearly hysterical when they pulled away and it was as if Maeda finally noticed that she existed. "Oh, hi there Kimi-chan. How are you today?" The question was harmless enough but Kimiko couldn't help but feel it was all fake—almost as if Maeda had meant to do what she had.

Unable to speak, Kimiko smiled forcefully and nodded, noting that Jouichi wouldn't look her in the eye before Mae grinned and nodded. "Well, we should really be going. Bye Kimiko-chan!" The blonde waved idly before she stepped forward, pulling Jouichi along with her. Kimiko watched the two retreat, a very confusing part of her hoping that he'd look back and when he only slouched forward for Mae to whisper in his ear and press her lips against the side of his face; Kimiko bit her lip and looked away. Kimiko didn't know why it bothered her so much; it wasn't like she actually stood a chance with him. It was only natural for someone that gorgeous to be with another inhumanly gorgeous person.

So that explained why he was always hanging around Seiyo High. He was dating Maeda Kiyoshi, that made a lot of sense, seeing at they both went to the same school at one point. They're probably absolutely happy together. Frowning, Kimiko released a frustrated groan and slammed her foot into the trash bin causing it to wobble before it toppled over, spilling its contents all over the steps. She didn't know why her heart was hurting or why she felt the sudden urge to cry. Sniffing, Kimiko broadened her shoulders and marched down the steps and on her way towards the main building. This right here was the reason why she hated boys on a whole.

--

Ok, hate me for doing this. I KNOW Maeda's a bitch for doing that to both Jouichi and Kimiko but you have to realize, she's a VERY selfish person. She doesn't like sharing and that also comes to sharing Jouichi with other people (even though it seems as if she LIVES to HATE him,). So that clarifies this, YES! Mae realized in the few minutes of Jouichi and Kimiko's conversation that she HEARD that they MIGHT like each other. Thanks for reading and the reviews. And, don't get any funny ideas of throwing rocks (or tomatoes) at me for making Mae do what she did to Jouichi. CRAP, I just gave out a VERY attractive idea just now didn't I –groans- I really need to learn to talk in my head…

Next chapter: MORE drama. Hope you guys enjoy!

Updated: January 8, 2010