A.N.: Haaah!!! And here's the next update, guys!!! You know what, I'm pretty much amused at the way things are going in my story. I love twisting plots… and giving people headaches, hehe… But, don't worry! Nothing is final yet! As for now, you can't wallow in despair thinking that Shin will end up with Megumi. But don't be sure about the ShinKumi part too! Oooh… I'm sooo evil, haha… Anyway, on with the story, folks!!!

blaine36

The university district was, as usual, alive with the students and workers rushing about their business. Shin was no exception. Bag held tightly in one hand, he pushed through the tide of students making their way toward the school. As he reached the building, he made for the stairs, walking briskly. He then bumped with a small figure, also looking like it's in a hurry, sending it sprawling on the ground. He looked down to see Megumi staring up at him, a blush forming fiercely on her cheeks.

"Are you alright?" Shin reached down and helped her stand as she brushed down her dress. He picked up her things and handed it to her, making Megumi blush even more.

"I-I'm okay," she said, smoothing her hair. "I'm sorry; I didn't look where I was going! I was such in a hurry!"

"It was me who wasn't careful," said Shin. "I don't mean to pry, but this isn't your school, right? How come you're here at a school day?"

"Oh, I was processing an application with the principal," said Megumi. "I'm transferring to Keiko University today as a Business Management student."

"What?! You- You're transferring? Here?" Shin stood there, shocked. Why did she have to transfer here, of all places?

"Father made me," she said, looking a bit put out. "Are you a bit uncomfortable with the fact that I'm studying here with you? I can cancel the transfer if you like. I have a feeling father wants this just to make sure we'll get closer to each other."

"N-no," Shin lied. "I'm okay with it. I'm just… surprised…" With this Megumi blushed even more and looked down.

"Oh! Look at the time!" Megumi then jumped as she glanced at her watch. "You better get going Shin-san, or you'll be late. I have to go to the registrar's office, anyway."

"Uh… okay," said Shin, starting to leave.

"I'll see you later, Shin-san," Megumi smiled up at him, again making him wonder how her face can be so pretty. Why did he have to think that!? She waved at him then departed, walking with an extra spring in her step.

Shin sighed as he watched her leave, running a hand through his hair. What next? She'll share his apartment? And the fact that he's starting to think she's pretty is not helping matters.

Sighing heavily, he then made his way to the classroom, a million thoughts running through his head.

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Wind played havoc with her hair as Yankumi made her way out of the Kimigawa school building after dismissal. Tucking her hair behind her ear to stop it from obscuring her vision, she smiled as she thought of the students' reaction to her new do. A lot of her female co teachers had said it suited her better, and her students were staring at her with their mouths wide open, not used to their childlike teacher without the pigtails. She blushed as she thought of the reason behind the loose do.

"Don't bother looking for them," he had said. "You look better without the pigtails anyway." Then he had kissed her. Yankumi blushed even fiercer at the memory of his cool lips on her forehead, then stopped dead on her track, eyes wide.

Did she just blush because of him? Her former student?

She slapped herself twice on the cheek, as if ridding herself of the blush that had taken residence on her visage.

It was just a mere kiss on the forehead! It was a platonic, friendly kiss done because he feels like he wants to!

Oooh, really? said a small voice in her head. I don't recall a single, freakin' time Tetsu ever kissed you on the forehead, or Minoru for that matter.

"Oh, shut up, you," she said to herself, setting off once again.

Since when did you start talking to your head? The small voice inside her head said. Face it, Kumiko, there's a certain bit of romance going on between you and that Uchi-bozu… Real smooth… for a former student like him to like his sensei…

Having lost track of where she was going Yankumi didn't notice she was straying towards the Keiko area, moving along the tide of people to the University belt. As she emerged to a less trafficked area she bumped with a tall man who was making his way to a ramen shop.

"Wha- Oh! Sorry!" Yankumi was pushed to her senses at their collision and looked up to see the surprised Shin gaping down at her through dark eyes.

"Sa-Sawada!" Yankumi said, shocked to see his former student the second time this week. Oh well, this was the Keiko University district, after all.

"Yankumi," said Shin, his surprise evaporating, his face coming back to its expressionless state.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" She questioned him, for all the world like he was her student again.

"I'm getting food," said Shin flatly.

"Food…" said Yankumi, nodding matter-of-factly. After a while of nodding she remembered that she received a text message from Uchi a while ago saying to bring home some ramen. "Oh! I forgot, food! Uchi asked me to buy some ramen today! C'mon!" She grabbed Shin by the hand and pulled him into the shop, where they ordered their ramen.

"So…" Yankumi began as they sat in a table, wallowing in awkward silence. "Do you always go here for food?"

"Whenever I feel like it," said Shin quietly. He was gazing straight at her, as if studying her intently. "You have your hair down," he said after a while.

"What? Oh, this," Yankumi laughed good-naturedly, one arm behind her head. "Uchi said I look better without the pigtails. I couldn't find them a while ago, and I was late too."

"Uchi lives with you?" said Shin, disgusted at how accusing his voice had sounded.

"No, not really, he just spent the night at our house. He's working at our company, after all." Yankumi smiled happily.

"Your company?" said Shin, surprised.

"Our group owns a construction company just near where Uchi lives," said Yankumi. "I personally had the office hire Uchi because he really needs a job at the time. Everything worked well for us in the end. With him working at the company I spent more time with my former students, as I can see them whenever I want to."

"How are they?" Shin asked, forgetting for a moment that he shouldn't really care about whatever happened to his former classmates.

"They are well, I suppose," said Yankumi cheerfully. "Kuma's running his father's ramen shop, Minami is busy with a lot of girlfriends, Noda now works for a famous fashion line, and even Yuki made it to a lovely college!" She clapped her hands in a gesture of cheer and grinned at Shin.

"Well, they could be a lot better, you know," she said. "If you would just try to make time and show up for just one party with all the other 3d guys…"

"I can't," said Shin suddenly.

"Huh?" Yankumi's smile froze on her face.

"I – I've got a lot of things to do. My schedules all filled up, I can't even have time for myself, much less parties," said Shin.

"But don't you miss them?" Yankumi asked.

"…" Shin didn't answer Yankumi's question. He just stared at his bowl and wished that he could go away and be alone in his apartment.

"Sawada, they miss you…" said Yankumi. "How can you not miss them too?"

Shin was spared a response when his cellphone rang. He took it from his pocket and answered the call.

"Shin," it was his father. "I need you here at the office immediately. Where are you?"

"I'm at a ramen shop, father," said Shin. "I'll be there in minute."

"Be quick," said his father, and hung up. Shin tucked his phone back in his pocket and looked up to see Yankumi, who was watching him.

"I'm needed at my office," said Shin. "I really have to go."

"Oh!" Yankumi stood up after him. "I should be going too. I have to get home early, anyway." The pair walked out of the ramen shop. Once they were outside, Yankumi turned and smiled up at Shin, who maintained his usual dark expression.

"I'll see you, Sawada," she said. "I hope next time we can really talk." With that, she walked away towards the bus stop. Shin watched her leave, wondering if things will ever be the same again.

Just keep your head up and turn your back on the past, Shin. He told himself. You'll see, they'll stop bothering you.

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It was nearly dark when Yankumi finally made it home. She walked inside to be greeted by the Ooedo kumi.

"Ojou! Welcome back!" The kumi bowed in greeting. Yankumi smiled at them and made her way in the household, looking for a certain young blonde.

"Looking for me?" A husky, low voice appeared behind her ear when Yankumi peeked in a room. She turned to see Uchi smiling at her through his light locks.

"Uchi! Here's the ramen you asked for," Yankumi handed him the bag and smiled cheerily. "I got enough for the whole kumi."

"Thanks," he took the bag and laid it on a nearby table, turning his attention back to Yankumi. "So," he said in the husky voice that made Yankumi blush a little. "You kept your hair down."

"I-I thought you said it was fine," Yankumi stuttered, unsure of what to say.

"Better," said Uchi. He leaned down on her and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

"Uchiyama…" Yankumi's blush went deeper as she tried to fight it. "I… I don't think this is…"

"I don't really care, Yankumi," said Uchi. "I'm not your student anymore." He leaned in closer, until his face was inches from hers.

Yankumi did not know what was stopping her from protesting. She just closed her eyes in a dreamy trance as she waited for his lips to close on hers.

Uchi couldn't believe this was actually happening. It was like some kind of dream. He went closer to her, so that they're lips were centimeters apart.

Then he stopped.

"Not yet," he whispered to her lips. "I don't want you to do something you'll regret, Yankumi." Her eyes fluttered open at that, and she gazed at him, her blush fiercer than ever.

"I'll wait for you to feel the same way I do," he said. "I won't hurry. I might end up losing you instead."

Yankumi couldn't say anything. This was her former student, one who almost kissed her and was now telling her he'll wait for her. It wasn't right. But, strangely, she felt warm and happy. Maybe because he's the first guy ever to give her this kind of attention.

"Right," Uchi backed away and picked up the bag of ramen. "Dinner's gonna be ready in a minute. I'll put this in the kitchen." With that, he left a stunned Yankumi standing by his bedroom door, walking with an extra spring in his step.

A.N. That ends the next chapter of my story. Umm… I hope you're not scared by the way things are going… I promise things will turn out well in the end. As I said, I love headaches!!! And I love the idea of sharing them!!! Ooh… So, bout the uchi/Yankumi pairing… well, I kinda like it… Can't say if I'm gonna let them be… Maybe I will maybe I won't… So review if you want me to change things or not!!!

Next Chapter: Megumi transfers to Keiko University and Kuroda announces the upcoming charity event!!! (I think a certain reviewer would love to find out about this one… winks)

Jade-chan