A/N: Well, another chapter. I can't wait until Christmas! Haha, that was totally random. )

Disclaimer: Nope. Shaman King is definitely not mine.

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Chapter 5: Budding Emotions

"Pirika, I love you! Please accept my feelings and become my girlfriend!"

"No, wouldn't you like someone popular? Become mine and you'll be engulfed with popularity!"

"Why would she want popularity if she's already popular? Pirika be MINE! Our love for each other will surpass all else!"

Pirika slowly backed away from the mob of boys. Her eyes widened with horror as they started to get closer and closer. All of them were trying to get a little piece of her. "No! Go away! Don't touch me! AHHHH!"

"AHHHHH!" Pirika jerked awake. She found herself slumped on her desk in the classroom. After blinking for a few seconds, she noticed her two friends staring intently at her.

"What? " Said a confused Pirika. "Is there something on my face?"

"No. Nothing's wrong." Sheila said half heartedly.

"It wouldn't matter even if there's something on your face. Boys will still fall head over heels over you." Added Lily.

"It's not like I asked for that." Pirika muttered with a shudder. "It's starting to give me nightmares."

"Wish I had the same problem as you..." Sheila thought for a moment. "You know what? You should get another boyfriend. That way they'll get the hint and stop bothering you."

"You say it like it's so easy. People can't just 'get' a boyfriend. You have to like them first. And they have to like you."

"Well, ask any boy and nine out of ten will say they adore you. Anyways, I never said you had to like him That way. Just hang around some guy friend instead of us for awhile and let everyone's imagination will take over."

"Hang around some guy friends?"

"Yeah, it's not that hard. You have plenty of guy friends. Pick someone you enjoy hanging around with and hang out with him."

"But I don't have that many close guy friends. In fact, I don't have close guy friends period."

"Come on Pirika. Just think. Who's the first boy that comes to mind? Who do you enjoy spending time with?"

"It's ok. Sheila, I'll tell you what. I'm pretty sure they'll stop bothering me. But if they continue, I'll try your way. Ok?"

"I don't care if you try my way or not. I was just giving a suggestion that's all."

( o )

"Pirika! Please accept this token of my love. I thought it brings out the color of your eyes."

"Um, no it's ok. I don't need any gifts."

"Please take it, I beg you! I'll buy you anything if you just say you love me."

"Um, sorry I have to go now. Um, thank you for your present...I guess..."

The trio hurriedly left their lunch table. Pirika, still holding the beautifully wrapped present, wasn't sure what to do. She seemed lost in her thoughts.

What should I do? I can't just keep taking stuff.

Meanwhile, Lily and Sheila were talking among themselves.

"So, the 16th one this week."

"Yep, I'd feel bad for the poor guy, but Pirika seems to be under some major stress."

"You would too if a guys confessed their love for you everywhere you go."

"Can't disagree there. It'll never happen to us though."

"Nope."

Should I really do what Sheila suggested? It just...doesn't feel right to be tricking people like that. It doesn't hurt to think about it right? Ok, let's see. The first guy that comes to mind...Think ,think, think. Huh? Wait, that doesn't make sense. Why did I think of him? Let me try again. How come he's the only person that comes to mind?! Why him?! Haha, maybe my brain is telling me I like him. Nah, that can't be. I probably didn't get enough sleep.

( o )

"Screw." That was the first word Ren said as he walked out of the school. He looked up at the sky. "April showers bring May flowers. I guess the old saying is true."

Without much ado, he briskly walked towards the gates. All around him he saw other students taking out their umbrellas, desperately trying to keep dry. Serves you right dumbo. Well, too late regretting it now. I just hope my hair doesn't get messed up.

It began to rain harder and harder. All around him, Ren could see people scrambling to stay dry. Now, the sound of the pattering rain began to cover up all other noises. Rain dripped down his nose.

Suddenly, it was like earplugs were taken out of Ren's ears. A wave of noise once again surrounded him. It took him a while to realize that an umbrella was over his head.

"You looked wet. I thought since I'm going home too, we should share an umbrella." Ren looked beside him, and there she was, struggling to match Ren's wide strides.

"I don't need an umbrella." Ren stubbornly insisted.

"You're soaked to the bone. Ren didn't you even watch the weather channel before you left today?"

"Does it matter whether or not I watch it? I told you. I don't need an umbrella."

"There's no harm in sharing an umbrella with me. And anyways, I just don't want another person sick. Horo Horo being sick and grouchy is enough for me."

"Do what you want. I don't care."

"Ok then... Hey Ren, is it ok if you hold the umbrella? It's hard enough trying to walk as fast as you. Please?"

"I never told you to hold your umbrella for me."

"Fine, fine." Pirika rolled her eyes.

It wasn't long before someone called out. "Hey! Pirika! Hey! ...Is that you Ren?"

Behind them was a group of giggling girls. They were all huddled together under two large umbrellas, and were all curious to know why Pirika and Ren were walking together. "Are you guys...on a date?" One of them asked.

"Oh, no. Ren just didn't have his umbrella. Since we're going to the same place, I thought it'd be better if we walked together. Right? Ren?" Pirika elbowed Ren. However, he didn't say anything. Instead, he glared at the girls.

"Aw, that's too bad. You guys looked so sweet together under the umbrella." Another girl teased. "You two look so cute together."

"Haha. Well, that's not going to happen." After a moment's hesitation, "So that means he's still up for grabs!" Pirika wondered what Ren's reaction would be. She was slightly surprised to see him still so moody, and silent. Then, he gave an hmph and quickened his pace.

"Guys, Ren's walking too fast. I'll see you tomorrow."

( o )

Rumors are flying around again.

It was math class and the teacher was rambling on about something. Pirika didn't feel like listening. So instead, she looked out the window and admired the scenery. I guess I should be glad that I'm being paired up with someone. At least that way, less boys will bother me. But...ARGH! Stupid conscience. I feel so guilty. What if Ren didn't want a rumor to start? Is he going to hate me? Should I—

"Pirika! Answer question 24 please."

"Oh, um, the answer is 1024."

"Correct. Pirika please pay attention in class."

"Sorry..."

( o )

Pirika hesitantly walked up to Ren. He was taking stuff out of his locker and had an annoyed look on his face. But she knew that this was the only chance she'll get.

"Ren, I'm so sorry about this. Please don't be mad at me."

"Mad at what?" Ren's eyes narrowed. "Is there something for me to be angry about?"

"Erm, it's nothing much actually. It's just...Haven't you heard the rumor?"

"What are you talking about?"

Pirika was surprised. Ren seemed genuinely unaware of what was going on around him. "Because of yesterday, some people think we're going out." She paused. "I'm sorry people misunderstood the situation. I know how you probably wouldn't want people to think you're dating me."

Ren scoffed, "Let them think what they want. If they're idiotic enough to believe something like this, then they're not worth worrying about."

"Then...you're not mad at me?"

"Sometimes you're as stupid as your brother you know that?" Ren said while giving his famous sneer.

"I know I should feel insulted right now, but I'm just thankful you're not mad at me." Pirika replied back with a large smile on her face.

After she left, Ren turned to face his locker and let out a small chuckle.

( o )

"Pirika?" A boy tapped Pirika on the shoulder.

"Huh? Oh, please no. I'm sorry, but I really don't want to date anyone right now. Please understand me." Pirika tried to explain as fast as she could. She was really starting to hate these conversations. She prepared herself for what was going to come next.

"You seemed lonely so I've decided to keep you company."

That was new. Heh, well I'll definately give him props on originality.

"Oh, thanks. I really appreciate it. But I'd like to be alone right now."

"You know, when something is bothering you it's better to talk about it with someone else. That ways you'll have two people sharing the burden together."

He seems...sincere. He doesn't seem like he's after me. But I don't know whether or not to trust him.

"Yeah, but what if it's a personal problem?"

"A bit of advice, it's unhealthy to hold stuff in. It'll make you age faster."

Pirika couldn't help but smile. "Haha. So, are you telling me this from personal experience?"

"Nah, I'm smart and tell people what's bothering me without them attempting to pry it out from me. Here, let me help you start. Today I got yelled at by the teacher because I was late for class. Now, your turn..."

"I..I'm seriously starting to get annoyed at all those people trying to get me to date them. They don't even know the real me. Yet all of them tell me how they're the perfect guy for me."

"My, my. That IS a big problem. Sorry, I don't think I can help you with it. But what I can do is help you forget about it temporarily. Come with me."

"Where are we going?"

He grabbed Pirika's wrist and pulled her towards the door. "To the park."

"What can we do at the park?"

"Lots of things. Come on!"

( o )

Pirika let out another peal of giggles as she collapsed on the grass. "Not fair! Where did that water balloon come from anyway?"

"That's a secret."

"Haha, next time I'll get you back! Just you wait."

"Yep, next time. It's getting late. We should go home now."

They both looked up at the star speckled sky. It took all of Pirika's mental strength to peel her eyes away. "Hey, this is so stupid but, I don't know your name."

"Yeah, that IS pretty stupid." He agreed. "My name is Roy."

"Roy. Hmm, that's an easy name to remember." Pirika stood up and brushed the dirt off her skirt. "Well Roy, it was nice meeting you. I'll see you sometime."

"Ok. See you."

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A/N: Ohh, another guy in Pirika's life. What's going to happen?!?!

Ahahahaha. Like always, I apologize for updating so slow. I know. It's been like, two weeks. So, how do you like the story?

I know, I know. Roy? What kind of character name is that? Well, I'm currently watching FMA right now...so...yea.

Be Patient. ) I'll update soon.