Chapter 2

Two and a half hours later, just as the bell rang, Kuki handed her math test in with satisfaction. She grabbed her bag and books, and headed out the door. By this time, she'd nearly forgotten that morning's bizarre occurrence. Humming softly to herself, she made her way upstairs one floor to her locker. A couple of people smiled at her, and a couple of guys even winked at her. Amused, she brushed their flirting attempts away with waves and eye rolls. Sure, they were cute, but she just wasn't interested. Basically, the only guy she thought about was Ace. Well… basically. There was one other guy. She sighed. Popular. Athletic. Handsome. And… he probably didn't even know her name.

"Sanban!" called a voice. Kuki turned towards Rachel, one of her friends, just as she approached the Japanese girl. "Are you coming with Fanny and I," she began, motioning to the redhead standing beside her, "to the cheerleading tryouts or what?" Kuki grinned, stuffing her things into her locker. Just because she was usually shy and quiet and smart definitely did not mean she was a nerd or a social outcast or something.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

A few minutes later, the three girls made their way to the North Gym on the third floor. A couple more guys approached Kuki (and the other two for that matter), but as usual, she brushed them away.

"Kuki? Are you crazy? Tyler is so cute!" exclaimed Fanny.

"Not interested."

"What about Scott? C'mon, he's smart, funny, and cute!" tried Rachel, poking her friend.

"Tyler's pretty funny…" muttered Fanny.

"Yeah, but he's about as smart as a bag of rocks," replied Rachel.

"Not interested," Kuki cut in before the two could get into a heated debate.

"Oh, puh-lease, girl. You have to like somebody!" exclaimed Rachel. Fanny nodded in agreement.

"Well…"

"Is it that aviator jacket boy? Race?"

"Race?" Kuki asked, bursting into a fit of giggles. "Ace."

"Yeah, him. You can do better, Kuki," Fanny said in mock disapproval.

"He's cute though!" she protested.

"Not as cute as him," Fanny whispered suddenly, discreetly pointing towards a group of guys heading the same direction as them from the opposite side. Kuki's breath stopped short. It was him.

"Hiya, ladies," called out one of the boys, walking up to them.

"Hi Chad…" they chorused. Rachel blushed.

"Hey, Rachel," he said, grinning, addressing her separately. She turned an even darker shade. But Kuki's wasn't paying attention to them. Her gaze was fixed on another blonde, standing behind Chad. And shockingly enough, his gaze was fixed on her.

"Sanban," he murmured gruffly.

"You know my name?" she asked, surprised. The other boys laughed.

"Duuuude. He like, stalks your Facebook," interrupted one. The quarterback punched him. Hard.

"I do not! And shut up, Maurice."

"Just speaking the truth, Wallyboy." The guys broke into laughter again, much to Wallabee's dismay. The situation was getting increasingly awkward, but all Kuki could think was, really?

"Anyways, catch you girls later. If you know what I mean," Chad said, winking at Rachel. They chorused goodbyes and parted ways. The three girls headed into the gym and got prepared.

How they didn't notice the same dark skinned girl perched at the top of the lockers facing the gym, recording every word, she would never know. She raised the same device to her ear.

"Well, whaddya think?" she asked, obviously pleased with herself.

"Their infatuation with one another might prove useful." The person on the other line snorted. "Report back to headquarters, Numbuh 5." Suddenly dead serious, he added, "May I dare to request, with the girl?"

That day after school, Kuki walked home alone. The surroundings and route reminded her of what had happened earlier, along with the fact that for some stupid reason, absolutely nobody was around. She was extra careful this time. Yet she still didn't hear the agile footsteps until it was too late, until her attacker had tackled her to the ground and knocked her out cold.