Chapter 3

Ulrich proceeded through the day like regular but the memory of the dream remained on his mind. He felt something within himself that was both familiar & not at the same time. The classes were a blur to him and again all his friends would ask if he were alright to which he responded with a shrug of the shoulders and 'I'm just tired' reply. At lunch however, he began walking through the forest thinking to himself. 'Maybe I should go to Lyoko to blow some of this steam off.'

"Ulrich? Hey Ulrich, wait up." A sweet voice called out from behind him breaking his thoughts. It was Aelita.

"Hey princess, what's up?" he asked stopping and turning around to face her.

"Not much really. What are you doing out here? Have you been feeling alright? You've been spaced out the whole day, were all worried about you…especially me." The tone from how she said all this immediately made Ulrich feel guilty, making Aelita sad is by far something worse than what Xana could do to him or so he believes.

Before he could say anything else Aelita stood on the tips of her toes and placed her hand on his forehead innocently to check his temperature causing him to go so red that the devil himself would be jealous. Not to mention she obviously wasn't paying attention to their proximity because her lips were a little over an inch from his while her hand was placed on his chest right above his heart so that she could keep balance.

"Hmm, you don't feel too warm. Yet your heart feels like its about to beat out of your chest." She stated before removing the hand on her head to place it on hers for comparison.

"I I'm fine Aelita, honest." He said not in the least bit convincingly causing her to narrow her eyes at him.

"Don't lie to me Ulrich, you know I can tell now when you do. Besides your head just started to get warmer." She said once again placing her hand innocently upon his forehead only this time her chest was against his. Ulrich's eyes shrink and he gently grabbed her hand & pulled it off before stepping back with a nervous smile.

Aelita stared at him confusedly and it only took a matter of seconds to understand why Ulrich pulled away from her causing her to blush as a small crept up on her face at the thought he was embarrassed around her and found her attractive. After all, Ulrich really isn't that difficult to figure out especially if he liked a girl. It simply made her a bit giddy especially after her last night thoughts and that now was the first time she could confirm he was interested in her well at least physically.

"Believe me Aelita, I'm fine really. I'm just relaxing my mind for tomorrow." He stated more firmly. Aelita smiled.

"Hey Ulrich I wanted to ask…"

"Hey! You two! What are you doing out here?" Odd's voice called out interrupting Aelita before him and the rest of the gang came jogging up to them.

"Yeah you both vanished after class." Jeremy stated.

"I'm sorry guys, I didn't mean to worry you. I was just getting some air and Aelita followed to check on me." Ulrich responded by rubbing the back of his neck and smiling at them with Aelita.

"I appreciate all of your concerns but I am fine though."

"Are you sure Ulrich?" Yumi asked genuinely.

"Yeah Yumi, I'm fine. I promise."

"Good. He-hey guys can you give me and Ulrich some time alone?" She asked.

"Sure. Come find us when your done." Sam said winking at Yumi.

Aelita was the last to turn to leave feeling a little ping of pain in her chest at both the interruption of her and Ulrich's conversation and at the thought of Ulrich and Yumi alone. She shook her head, smiled at them and began following the others before feeling a masculine hand grab her wrist softly.

"I'm sorry princess, we can talk later right?" Ulrich asked with a warm smile.

"Of course Ulrich. Later." Aelita said blushing a bit looking into his eyes before walking past Yumi.

Aelita was so focused on her thoughts she didn't even notice the glint of anger coming from Yumi as she watched her pass.

'Does she…no. She couldn't be.' Yumi thought.