They shine like gems, a brilliant colour, the likes of which I've never seen. So rich and bright…I can see the mirth hidden just beneath the violet surface. How are they so captivating, so… beautiful?

"…-okay?"

Huh?

A hand waves in my face. I notice that my attention has been elsewhere for the past minute or so. The eyes take on a concerned look. With effort, I draw myself back to the present, and to my current situation.

"Hey, are you okay? Here, let me give you a hand."

He holds his hand out in an open, inviting gesture.

Slightly confused, I reach my hand towards his and he grasps it lightly; pulls me to my feet.

"Sorry about bumping into you. Didn't look where I was going." He smiles apologetically, lips curved upwards. I take the moment to observe his features. Hair the colour of chestnut, woven into a braid. Lightly bronzed skin, a heart-shaped face, and… those eyes. Those radiant eyes.

"I'm Duo Maxwell, by the way." He holds his hand out again, and I shake it uncertainly, unused to such forward behavior. "Today's my first day. You know where the office is? I can't seem to find it." He scratches the back of his head in what seems like a sheepish manner.

I point down another hallway to my left, and he glances in its direction. "Go straight down here, take a right at the first bend, and keep going. If you pass the cafeteria, then you've gone too far." After a moment's thought, I add, "It should have a sign above it that says, 'Main Office,' if I'm not mistaken."

He chuckles. "I guess it'll be hard to miss then, huh?" He glances back at me, and smiles.

"I better get going now. It's been nice meeting you!" He starts walking.

About halfway down the hall, he stops, and looks over his shoulder. Grinning, he winks, and disappears down the hall.

Even moments after, I can hear the echo of his footsteps reaching my ears.

It takes me a moment to realize that my heart is still beating. By the time I realize that it's a minute to the bell, I'm sprinting the rest of the way. I make it on time, but only by a moment's worth. The seated students stare at me for a glance, as does the teacher. Unconcerned, I make my way to my usual desk.

Let them wonder.

For the rest of the day, my mind was occupied with thoughts of one intriguing entity by the name of Duo Maxwell.

Come the next morning, it seemed that there was only one thing that everyone was talking about.

"Did you hear about the new student in first period history?"

"Who hasn't? Marlee told me about it this morning, and oh my gosh, he is stunning!"

"Did you see his face?"

"Did you see his smile?"

A dreamy sigh. I slowly open my locker, and exchange my books.

"I saw him in the halls this morning, and wow…just, wow."

"What's his name?"

"A 'Duo Maxwell,' I think. What a hottie!"

"I wish he'd go out with me. Never hurts to try, huh?"

I sigh. It seems that he's been able to catch the attention of everyone at school in such a short time. At this rate, he'll become a definite part of the 'in' crowd. It's only second period, and he's already made his presence known. Here, that's an almost impossible feat. I'm guessing he'll become one of the most influential people at the school, one hundred percent.

It's been a while since our school's got a new student. Now that I think about it, even she took a couple days worth to establish her place. And, at the moment, she turns out to be the one running the school; dictating who's in, and who's out. Which clubs should run; which ones should be cut. The student council budget. Everything has her presence in it somewhere.

Suddenly, I'm flooded with bad memories. I've tried to suppress them, but to no avail. But why now?

Then, I wonder. What will happen if they meet? It's inevitable. The popular definitely hang together, so obviously they'll see each other eventually.

…What if they start dating?

I shake my head, not wanting to delve into the possibilities. I sigh.

Better give it up, Yuy. He'll never notice me, or even want to be my friend. I imagine that our chance meeting in the halls will be the only occasion where I've been free of all judgments. Once he's been absorbed into the masses, I'll only be a passing shadow. Or worse, maybe he'll start in on this little game of theirs as well?

I bite my lip, and shake my head. Better ditch any thoughts I have of him. Yesterday was only a meeting by chance. It held no meaning; and he's probably already forgotten about me. It would be best to forget about him as well.

Shutting my locker, I lean against the shut door and close my eyes. Bitterly, I smile, hiding it from passerby.

The first bell rings, and I slowly get up. It's time for class.

Turning around, I prepare to head to my classroom—

Only to set myself face-to-face with the one and only, Duo Maxwell.

He grins at me, his eyes sparkling. "Hey. Remember me?"

I can only nod dumbly.

His smile widens, and I find myself drawn into his presence.

"I just thought about yesterday, and I realized that I never got your name. What was it again?" He looks at me expectantly. I find myself not wanting to disappoint him.

"…My name's Heero. Heero Yuy."

"Great! Hey Heero, can I compare my schedule with yours?" He immediately pulls out his, and looks at me sheepishly. "I kinda got lost for the first few periods, so I thought you could show me around during lunch? Assuming you have it fourth, I mean."

I glance around nervously, all too aware of the stares being directed our way. "Are you sure you don't want anyone else to give you a tour? I mean, it seems as though anyone would be willing to do it."

He looks at me, confused, with disappointment clearly showing on his face. "You mean you can't?"

"No, no, of course I can," I respond quickly. "I just…wanted to make sure you wouldn't prefer to go with anyone else." I look to the floor, and mumble quietly, "I'm not exactly the most well-liked person around here."

"I find that hard to believe." I look up, surprised. Once again, he wears that mischievous grin of his. Suddenly, he spins around abruptly, and starts walking.

"I'll meet you in the front of the school next period, okay?" he calls over his shoulder. Looking back at me, I not in affirmation. He smirks, and turns the corner, his braid the last of him I see.

I snort. What a flirt. But I wear a small smile, as my thoughts turn to our conversation. I guess he won't turn out as bad as I thought he would.

Only the rest of the period to go.