Disclaimer: No way

Author's Note: I guess I'm going on an update rampage right now because I feel so guilty for not writing anything in so long. Anyway, sorry this took so long and thanks to everyone who's stood by me in my too-long hiatus.

Fate

Someone Like Me

Odd stared at the math book on his desk, trying to decipher the foreign text as he scanned it. "When did they start putting letters in math?"

"About three years ago, when you started sleeping in class," Ulrich replied, only pretending to study his English novel.

The blonde laughed. "My sleeping in class started long before that…anyway, back to these letters. Isn't math supposed to be numbers? These people are insane."

Jeremie glanced up, already finished with his Calculus homework, and stifled a snicker. "Seriously Odd, if you'd just pay attention in class, you wouldn't be so lost."

Before Odd could retort, they were interrupted as Yumi sat down at the table, pulling out her headphones. "Wow…all of you are studying. I'm surprised."

"Where's William?" Odd asked innocently.

Yumi turned to glimpse at the library door. "I dunno. He said he'd meet me here."

"I just remembered, I have soccer practice soon. See you guys later."

As Ulrich stood to leave, Odd called after him. "It's only four o'clock, Ulrich!" But the German boy pretended not to hear him as he ducked out the door and hurried down the hallway.

Why did he have to pretend like everything was okay? He knew why-because he didn't have to pretend. He wanted to pretend. That way, no one got hurt.

Well, no one but Ulrich.

He threw his backpack on his bed with unnecessary force before changing into his soccer uniform and cleats. He tried in vain to stop thinking about Yumi, but it was impossible. His mind was like a sponge; it soaked up every thought of her as if it was always thirsty.

Then again, he was always thirsty for Yumi, as weird as that sounded in his head.

By the time he reached the field, he realized he was still an hour early. In his hurry to ditch Yumi and avoid seeing her with William, he'd arrived too quickly. With a shrug, he decided to practice some goals.

He pictured William as the goal keeper, and Ulrich let out all his rage at the situation with every kick.

He hated William.

He hated William with Yumi.

He hated pretending like everything was perfect.

He hated hiding his feelings.

He hated having these feelings.

By the time he'd kicked a goal for every problem, he was exhausted. He lied in the grass and stared at the deep, blue sky.

Why couldn't Yumi see that William was no good for her? Why couldn't see what was so obvious to Ulrich himself. They belonged together…

He shook his head, eager to get rid of the thought. His heart tore as he thought of her.

If only she could love him; if only she could be happy with someone like him.

With a sigh, he rose. He decided to lock away every thought he had of Yumi. As long as she was happy, he would be happy too-

Or, he would pretend to be happy, at least.

He kicked another goal, determination setting in. He was so engrossed with ignoring his thoughts of Yumi, that he didn't notice her in the stands, watching him.

If only Ulrich could love someone like me…

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