A/N: First of all, I'd like to lay my reasons flat down. The laptop I worked all my hard sweat into got cursed and locked by itself without anyone touching it (yeah, I was stoked too). Second, everything that had to do with No Air, including the current chapter I was working on, disappeared. I know some of you might be thinking I'm pathetic for the karma I'm facing. Heck yeah, I'm suffering it, and I know. Almost a month has passed, has it? Yes, I think. And as of now, I worked my butt again on this chapter after it got erased. Originally, it was long. I just don't know if it will turn out the same after this. So I'll just rush things a bit but don't worry, the chapter will be as is. I get grumpy when I come across something I worked so hard on only to find out it's been obliterated by my stupid laptop. Anyways, here you go!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tekken and its characters. All rights belong to Namco.

Summary: And it was at that very thought that made her shiver and sweat. "Come on, just a week without it. I'm sure you can still live." He said, planting one of those cute grins on his mouth. Red tint crept all over her cheeks.

Chapter Five: Day One, Secrets Revealed

"Get your backs into it, anchovies!" Coach Wilcox shouted, clapping his hands.

Ah Phys Ed, the first period every Mondays and the most thrilling subject for the jocks (both genders). Surely they ace the sport, but for some it was the definition of pain. Like it's their fault they're not inclined in these kinds of things. Surely it's not.

Unlike Lili, although inexperienced, she still managed to be excited about the whole thing. "I hope this'll be any fun, and safe." She murmured to Alisa, extending her joints as a form of stretching. As for the gynoid, stretching wasn't in her system knowing she's a you-know-what, though most people have no clue.

"I assure you, Miss Lili. Most of the missions I have gone to are way harder than this." Hearing this made the princess think if either it was something to be worth feeling secured about or more fearful. But it shan't be taunted, nonetheless. It was Gym class, for crying out loud. She had the reason to be terrified. She also had the will to be valiant albeit the fact she's a fighter. "I think it is Dodge ball today. That should not be a hard one." And with this, she gave a sweet smile making certain of her words.

Suddenly, a familiar Asian face caught her eye as he moved stealthily beside her uttering, "Alisa's right. Oh, I forgot. You don't have any experience about Phys Ed, do you? I bet you don't." His hand made its way to his mouth at his point.

That last sounded like an insult to Lili. Of course, she somehow had minor knowledge about the subject but there was no reason to get cocky. She got tired of the constant treatment he coldly laid on her and decided to release from his turf. Instantaneously snapping at her sudden movement, he jerked his hand towards hers and pulled her to a stop. Not wanting to hang about with his presence, she requested her hand back. He shook his head in refusal. "Hey, don't take it seriously,"

"Jerk. Let me go this instant. I'll shout if you hold me longer than 5 seconds."

"No."

He was so stubborn. He was really stubborn. No matter how many times you dagger words at him, he'll still have things his way. She never knew he was that spoiled. At that very moment, she wanted to scream real badly. "Okay, you got my wrist and my attention. J-just what are you trying to do?" Lili hissed, closing the last question as a shriek. The face that was revealing humor suddenly turned into a straight, serious one. It took him a while to answer but 8 seconds passed and he finally apologized. "I'm sorry about earlier by the way. The thing with the purse and stuff…"

Lili tilted her head in confusion. "Really? Is that all?"

"Yes." He smirked.

"Why you son of a—"

She was abruptly cut off by the sudden puff of Coach Wilcox's whistle. The loud sound signaled the start of the game. But for a start, he gave a regular breakdown about the current game. He then gathered all of the students into one scattered group.

"All right, the standard rules apply in the game so I expect you to show some sportsmanship. I will be grouping you into two teams, shuffling both of your classes. I also expect that even though you'll be working with different companions in this match, unity should be implied. Understood?" And at the clarification, everybody nodded.

Turning to Lili, perplexity loomed her head as she tried to guess what the old man said. 'How in hell am I supposed to participate if I don't even know the rules?' Her face paled as she anxiously thought of a way to solve her problem.

Hwoarang noticed this and can't help but feel sorry for her. He leaned over her ear. "Yo princess, just prevent from being hit by the red ball. It's as simple as eating caviar."

"Shut up. I know how. The main reason why I'm horrified as hell is because of that!" she pointed to the person on the opposite.

The auburn-haired lad sighed as he raked his fingers through his hair. Being fully aware of the possible opponents, he can't help but be frightened too.

Both of them got alarmed by the declaration the 48-year-old Gym coach made with their groupings. Here are as follows:

Team A

Hwoarang
Lili
Alisa
Julia
Kaylee
Ayden

Team B

Asuka
Jin
Leo
Christie
Lars
Brayden

'Wait a second, how the hell did I become a part of Asuka and Jin's group? Well this is great.' Leo silently thought as she scratched the back of her head.

Asuka also became aware of the groupings and cursed under her breathe. She then turned to her cousin as if she were to whisper something, which is what she did.

"How are we going to deal with that… that androgynous person?" she hissed, her expression still striding with her words.

He couldn't care more about the situation. As a matter of fact, he could've made it similar to a crumpled paper and throw it away in one go. But seeing as how she was bothered, he plainly said: "Don't mind her; she's not even hurting you. Stop making such a scene."

"I'm not! People like her should be our rivals, not our t-teammates!"

Irritated, he lightly shoved her beside and positioned for the challenge. Asuka, on the other hand, remained silent and flashed a face of bewilderment. "Shut up and play, will ya?"

The game started smoothly, gradually dirtying and getting aggressive (namely the Kazama cousins). But it was no problem for the blonde beauty. She seemed to have fun along the way, especially since it was her first time to take part in such sport. In total she hit almost quarter of the group. But she was aiming for a certain brunette who happened to be on the mutual side.

Hwoarang stood beside her as Lili spoke, "These people are inhuman!" Giving her the same look the opponents had on her, he replied: "So are you, princess! Are you sure you haven't played Dodge ball before?"

She chuckled at his statement as she hit an opponent with terrible force. "Never."

A smirk was present on his lips as he aimed for a rival. Turning to the cousins, Asuka seemed to be in a bit of a bind with eliminating Lili. 'What the… this girl's paranormal! There's got to be something else I could do to put an end to it, just like I would normally plan.' Knowing Asuka, she'd say no to defeat. With all her possible might, she retreated her foot first and initialized great force on the ball she currently held. She aimed her focus on the said blonde and with one blow; she was ready to throw it.

Being caught off guard, the last thing she knew now was the strength the rubber ball emitted on her face. Lili drew back away from the mat all the way to the gym wall. The large impact of the ball made a slit across her rosy cheek, much to her dismay. Obviously staggered, everyone in the room fell silent and diverted their gazes to the now injured princess. The auburn-haired lad approached her trembling and cupped her face, penetrating her with innumerable questions if she was alright.

All she did was smile and weakly said: "I-I'm fine, Hwoarang. It's nothing to be in a fuss about." That kind of answer was unacceptable, he thought. Being hit in an almost terrible way and she just lets it slide?

He turned to the hitter and looked furious. "You bitch! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO HER?" But all he received was a cold, devilish glare from the brunette. He knew that if he got revenge for what she did, he'd be facing the wrath of the other Kazama.

Hwoarang turned to the old man. "Coach, aren't you going to do something about this? This is obviously absurd!"

Still in awe, Coach Wilcox finally came back to earth and said, "I'm sorry, son. This is Phys Ed. Wounds, cuts and bruises are initially a part of it," taking a quick glance at Lili, who was about to become unconscious due to the hit, before carrying on. "But if she means so much to you, why don't you escort her to Nurse Maria at the Clinic."

"What about her attendance at second period?"

"I'll write an excuse slip for it. So she can rest properly."

"And me?"

"Don't bet on it, kid."

The boy sighed as he looked at Lili, raking his hand through his spiky hair. He had to do it… for her. And to prove himself he wasn't like who he was before; the self-centered and self-absorbed boy he was back then.

Going back to her, he carried her bridal style and turned to the coach again. "Unsportsmanship-like acts must be tolerated, coach." He pointed his lips to Asuka, who wasn't caring at all to what was being discussed about and instead was filing her nails with a nail file.

The old man nodded before blowing his whistle. "Asuka Kazama!" he called, followed by a surprised reaction. "You're disqualified. Substitutes for Team A enter!" hearing this, she widened her eyes in surprise as if she couldn't believe what she had just been told.

Hwoarang gave a wink at Steve and Xiaoyu before departing to the Clinic, the half-conscious Lili still in his arms.

The blonde Britain cracked his knuckles as he giddily said, "This'll be fun, right Xiaoyu?"

"Right!"

"O-ow…" Lili moaned, slightly twitching in pain.

"Hold still, sweetie. This won't take much longer."

The sweet head nurse was applying Betadine to the blonde's cut which obviously hurts her a lot. Hwoarang couldn't help but smile at the scene. Being brave and all, she was a patient one.

Maria kept the conversation going to somehow minimize her pain. "That ball must've caused one heck of a commotion to this, didn't it?"

She nodded. Hwoarang took the answer for that one. "The hitter should have remorse to what she did. Lili didn't even do anything to her that time, yet her sinister-like mind just doesn't stop."

The kind nurse took a piece of band aid out of a box and removed the paper thingies on it, positioning them on Lili's cut. "Well, it is Gym class after all. You can't avoid stuff that is likely going to happen."

'She had a point there,' he thought, rubbing his chin. 'I could've sworn that old man also said the same thing. It does make sense, anyway.' He'd hate to admit it, but both the nurse and the coach rendered him speechless for a moment. It was also his fault he kept rejecting the fact and continued to blame Asuka. But then again, it was hard to keep still considering the fact it was typical of her to act in a mean way.

Few minutes after treating the wound, Maria heaved a deep sigh and looked at the now-remedied girl. She glanced at her fancy wrist watch and uttered, "Well look at that. It's exactly my break time. I have to get one of those yummy ice cream sandwiches before they run out. You wouldn't mind to look after your girlfriend for a while, right?"

Both of them blushed at the last. Getting the idea, she probably shouldn't have mentioned the 'girlfriend' part. Clearing his throat, he straightened the facts. "She's just a friend, Maria. And no, I don't mind. But I have to get back before second period or else—"

"You mean you're not staying with me here? B-but who's going to look after me?" Lili interjected, suddenly fixing her posture and glancing at the auburn-haired lad.

He shook his head in negation. "I guess you'd have to wait a few minutes more after I leave and before Maria gets back." Hwoarang noticed his friend's expression and felt like he died inside.

The sweet nurse laid her hand on the blonde's shoulder and gave her a warm smile. "After a few, maybe 20 minutes, I'll come back. So don't worry, okay dear?" And with this, she nodded and returned her warm smile.

Maria stood up and wiggled her fingers as she departed.

"Thank you, Hwoarang. It's good to know you'd got through all the trouble just to escort me…"

He looked at his feet as his hands made its way inside his pockets. "It's really nothing. As if someone would make the move, they barely know you. Even Steve." Though, he doesn't know much about her either. Just the part about her father's finances and aside from that was just the things he needed to know about Lili.

Lili fiddled with the hem of her skirt. She tried to come up with a question to buy him more time to be with her, afraid of being alone and all. "Were you like this when you were a kid?"

Shocked, he diverted his gaze from the feet to the girl. He wasn't sure how to answer, the fact he knew she has no idea what he was like as a child (or so he thought).

"Kind of, when I was maturing I guess. B-but that's all you need to know…" he again averted his gaze from her and focused his attention to the view outside the window.

Lili tried her best to avoid the 'rebel' topic, but he knew her problems. It was time she learned his. She stood up from the bed and faced him (his back, rather). "So being a rebel was also part of maturing?" Oh how she'd rue for saying that. As soon as she blurted it out, she covered her mouth, followed by a pair of saucer-shaped eyes staring at her. "H-how'd you—"

"Xiaoyu explained it to me while we were strolling around town last weekend. I can't believe it, though. Did you purposely didn't tell me or you just—"

"I was planning to."

A moment of silence commenced before he continued. "Don't think I had no intention of telling you—I was. It's just that… my past is something I was, shall and will be ashamed of. It wasn't worth exposing to the public because… They'd think I'm weak. And knowing how high I'm appreciated at this school, it's really hard to—"

"Adjust knowing they will possibly look down on you for knowing your 'secret'?" she interrupted.

His lips let out a small chuckle. "We have to stop finishing each other's sentences," he said as he sat down the bed followed by Lili. "As I was saying, yeah. I detest this faggot-y school, but that doesn't mean I have to detest my fame here too."

She tilted her head. "However, you didn't actually like school since the very beginning, did you?"

"I learned to like it a little. The cafeteria food sucks here back then, tell you that."

Lili felt somewhat relieved he was comfortable telling him his side of the story. That just meant she was a good friend to him. "What else did Xiaoyu tell you?"

"That's pretty much about it. Unless you'd like to add more." she slightly showed her evil smile, making him sweat drop on the spot. He fixed his necktie loose and voiced: "Lili… When I have the mood to say more, I will but… right now's not the time. I don't think I'm ready to tell you the mistakes I overlap before and now. I'm straightening my path."

Lili tilted her head once again. "Huh?"

Hwoarang chuckled all the way and shook his head, a sign she knew judging from the enticing eyes that went along with it. "Nothing. Dragging you in my mess will only jeopardize you more," he touched her bruise with his thumb and from the action, she flinched. "Wait until this heals before I tell you." With that last, he smiled and patted her head.

"Seriously, even though you're somewhat dense, you're also clever at the same time. But you're mostly stupid," She praised, trying to remove his hand off of her head, but to her expectations, it was still intact in place. He chuckled even more, not wiping that smile from his face. 'Seriously, this guy's not like any other guy I've dated. He's—'

Her thoughts were interrupted when a pair of muscular arms crept around her torso, pulling her into a sudden hug. Lili didn't know how to react to it at first, but throughout the time he was hugging her, she finally softened up, still confused at his gesture. "Why are you…?" she murmured quietly, which he fortunately heard and replied: "Nothing, really. I'd like to thank you also."

"For what, per se?"

"For letting me trust you with this secret of mine."

Her blush still radiated her cheeks from the hug, and she knew it deepened its color more when she heard that. Her dainty arms also made its way around his waist, as a reply to the embrace. Resting her wounded cheek on his left shoulder, she smiled back. "It's my pleasure, Hwoarang…"

It felt as if the world stood still between them. Everything, even their thoughts, stopped. All that mattered to them was that they were in each other's arms, the thought of trust dominating the feeling. Being comfortable with someone like your friend was a good thing, isn't it? That special sensation you get for pleasing people in your own way, and vice versa. Truly, it was what they felt.

Though, it was nothing more than a friendly hug.

Or was it?

It was Lunch time once again at exactly the right time it should be. The group of friends crowded their usual table and blended in perfectly with the rest of the student populace. Neither one of them broke the silence until—

"Greetings, people. I come in peace," Asuka saluted, placing her tray on the table while Jin stood behind her. "I'd fancy your decisions right about now, considering I gave you all time to think." All of them looked bewildered with what she said, as if it was in a different dialect. Xiaoyu objected, "How can we decide when we don't even know what you're talking about?"

Goaded, she sarcastically shifted her look to Leo. "You didn't tell them, huh?" And with that, she glared in a malicious manner while the girl being gaped at sweatdropped.

Leo stood up, realizing her fault. "I forgot to tell them," Pointing at the three candidates of the other class, she nervously smiled at the brunette. Anyone can tell she was shivering on account of her shaky, pursed mouth.

Asuka slapped her forehead. "Then how come Xiaoyu and the others don't know about it too?"

"You told them, didn't you?" with the last, she, too, smirked in an evil way. They exchanged that glare, that is, until the redhead broke it. "To cut it short, just tell us the damn thing! For Ch—"

"But wait… Leo, you're friends with her now?" Lili asked, focusing her attention to the androgynous lass, only to be replied by a gesture. She (meaning Leo) approached Asuka and draped her arm around the said friend and clarified their "relationship."

"See, since Phys Ed, I've been really enjoying her skills—" Lili almost choked while taking a forkful of spaghetti inside her mouth.

"And this girl happened to have really strong reflexes, plus the fact she's agile. Not to mention swift!" Asuka intruded. Lili feasted her eyes on the two as they shared a moment of teasing of compliments. But she can't interfere with their bond; it was nothing to be fussy about and at this point, they were clearly enjoying.

The others can't help but giggle at the sight. It was too extraordinary for them to bear. All that was left now was for their decisions for the "surprise" Leo and Asuka were talking about. "Anyways, many of you have probably been aware of the 'Teacher's Day' our beloved teachers are going to, which leaves us about 3 days of no school," the brunette momentary looked at everyone before proceeding. "I and Leo here have planned to stay at the Kazama beach resort Jin owns."

Lili, Xiaoyu and the others stared in awe at the thought of attending a resort, knowing it belongs to a name as big as the Kazama's, except for Hwoarang, who looked like he'd kill just to get out of the girly state he was occupying. To himself, he'd refuse such offer to stay 3 days for a stupid trip on Jin's island resort just because the teachers aren't around and they want to goof off. But since it was partly Leo's idea, rejecting a close friend's suggestion would give him the label "killjoy-slash-untrustworthy friend". Who would want that? Apparently, he didn't.

He glanced at Lili who, after sparkling in amazement before, looked down at her plate as if she realized something and fidgeted with her food. To his observation, she seemed to be in a vast space of thought. A part of his conscience told him to ask her what the matter was. He leaned closer to her as he whispered: "Is something wrong, Lili?" only to be ignored by her as she kept raking pieces of cut noodles on her plate.

"You know, it's not lady-like to play with food." He teased, placing his palm on the cheek. She reasoned with a glare. "I'm not playing with my food…"

"Then why are you so deep in state?"

'I thought so. You can't refuse that now.' He thought as he smirked.

"Because this has to be the worst spaghetti my mouth has endured the last 2 forks." She commented, holding up a forkful of spaghetti in front of his face. He knew very well she was partially telling her opinion on the said dish, and partially evading to his last. He had to try more seriously this time…

His palm never left his cheek, as continued to ask, "Stop averting my question, princess. I know a spaced-out person when I see one. And yours is… too obvious."

She kept that face for at least 6 seconds after his sentence then proceeded to rake remnants of the barely-eaten pasta. "Rien du tout," she spoke in a French-like accent, to which Hwoarang was surprised she could speak French. "I'm reminded of memories just thinking about beaches and the likes. But anyhoo, what's been done is done. Bringing it up is simply dismal on my part."

He rubbed his chin. "That depends. Was it terrible?"

Just as she was about to open her mouth, Asuka called her attention. "Hey Blondie! You comin' or what?" By the sudden call she gave, Lili almost dropped her fork. She turned her gaze to the brunette, fractionally pissed and curious at the same time. She still hasn't asked forgiveness for what she did back at the Gym. "I am not."

Silence stood around the table as Lili tried to finish her icky lunch. The poise princess could tell her answer shocked them very well, even Hwoarang.

As for Asuka, she remained stunned. She shrugged it off by crossing her arms arrogantly above her chest. "I would… probably enjoy that. But why aren't you?"

Adlibbed, she fiddled her left hand's fingers as she continued. "Because I have to assist my father's paperwork." Coming up with an alibi wasn't such a good idea, she presumed. 'One lie after the other follows disaster' her father told her once.

Xiaoyu pouted as she looked at Lili in a childish way. "That's a pity. And I could've enjoyed it with you, Lili!" she squealed. Steve also seconded notion. "Cown't yew indikt tha miserable wok to somebody else wike your butlah?" It was almost hard to comprehend everything he said with the bread he chewed in his mouth.

Asuka had a baffled facial expression before nagging to Steve. "What? Don't eat while your mouth is full, you dipwad!" she shouted with her usual aggressive look. The Britain plainly mimicked her in an immature manner.

Hwoarang smirked. "He said," He turned to Lili. "'Couldn't you indict that miserable work to somebody else like your butler?'" Lili mirrored his face, only hers was more pale and hot. 'Don't answer anymore, Lili. Remember what daddy said…'

To avoid turning the matter into controversy, she carried herself off her seat along with her tray and went to the drop-off station. The auburn-haired lad tailed behind her and carried his tray also.

"Lili!" he called.

Again, she pretended not to hear anything. He, obviously aggravated, slammed his tray down the station and faced her (who was on the right). The sudden move Hwoarang made startled her a bit.

"What is up with you? Y-you're acting so weird all this time the outing was mentioned! Why can't you—"

"Because I just don't like to!"

There was that awkward silence again. Lili was shivering in anger; Hwoarang was full of curiosity and disappointment. As she looked away, he said: "If you won't go, they better leave without me too." That sentence made her glance at him again, eyes as puzzled as her mind.

"You should go… Don't cast yourself inside something I decided by myself," she hid her eyes away from his. "I have my reasons why I don't like to go."

"Are they even important?"

Speechless once again. Lili tried her best not to produce any tears, but a naughty one escaped her eye. As much as she hated to be blocked off by a backfire, she also hated it when people have go over the fence just because they were worried about her. One of those people was Hwoarang, whom she knew to be an ache in the ass sometimes but those pain-jerking moments also counted as a symbol of his care for her.

Hwoarang once again asked. "Are you paranoid Asuka might do something to you on the trip?"

"Fractionally. About 73%…" she was still looking down. "The other 27 was because of the memories I held every time I come across beaches."

Hwoarang pushed his tray aside and motioned his hand near her face to wipe off the tear. "On the contrary, you'd be playing on white sand with us, not your memories. You don't need to reminisce on such things that dear to you. All the fun is with us. And…" Hwoarang tilted her chin up to a level where he can have a perfect view of her blue, watery eyes. "As long as you're there with me, I'll make sure she doesn't touch one strand of your honey hair."

A smile was present in her blushing face. Indeed, this guy in front of her really knew how to sweet talk his way into a favor. But from that time on, she was still unsure whether she was going anyway or relax at her home all alone.

Lili gripped on his hand and slowly discarded it from her face as she replied, "Sweet, but you can't convince me that easily. Hwoarang, I… I don't know. And if ever I made my decision already, it's final. I really hope you accept it."

The redhead nodded as he lightly pinched her wounded cheek. "I promise, princess! Even still, if you stay... I won't get to keep an eye on our bet." His smirk made Lili twitch. "Oh, right."

As he was about to leave, he took one last peer over his shoulder. "I'll be ready to rub it in your lovely face once you lose, by the way."

Veins popped around Lili's temples as she got an empty tray and sent it flying aimed at his head.

"Damn you, Hwoarang!"

To be continued…

A/N: Finally done! Yay, Lili-Hwoarang moments. Sorry it took a while, though. I tried my best to put it in the same context as the last one I worked on for nothing. Well, this cliffhanger will leave you curious. Will Lili join the rest on that outing or will she stay and lose the bet? Truly, it will be saddening for her if she doesn't. I'll leave you readers to that. Anyway, thank you so much for the people who alerted, favorited and reviewed this story. I was inspired the whole time I typed this on MS Word. Oh well. I claim Coach Wilcox, Maria, Kaylee, Ayden & Brayden by the way. Those being said, please review!