A/N: Anotha, anotha chappie! Hell yeah! Hell yeah! Whoopie, whoopie. Yupzee, yupzee! Shubidubi dooo la la la la! *dances around a bonfire like some crazy ancient person* Ahoy, my readers! I'm very happy because I get to update this fanfic regularly. I thought I would completely abandon this.. huhuhu.. Oh well, let's get it on! Please don't forget to leave a nice review, okay? Don't be shy! Tell me whatcha think :D

More Than Just A Crush

By: Killua K.

Chapter 11: Faked

Another day. Another confession.

I sighed as I looked at my shoebox filled with love letters from girls at my high school.

Such a pain in the ass.

As I took one envelope from the bunch, I immediately noticed a group of girls watching me from afar. Perhaps they were waiting if I would pick one of their letters. I shook my head and frowned at the thought.

The envelope was colored pink. I could clearly smell the sharp strawberry scent that wafted to my nose. Even though I've already received many envelopes such as this, I still couldn't get used to the smell.

I lifted the flap then took out the paper inside. It was a scented Hello-Kitty-stationery, on which large round letters were written neatly.

Dearest Aoshi-sama,

I have been waiting for this day, this time, this moment to pour my feelings for you on this letter. I wish you would take some time to read everything, from start to finish, and carefully digest its content. A favor like this would make me the happiest girl at Shizuoka Senior High...

'Happiest girl?' I paused for a moment. 'Pathetic...'

My name is Reiko Kurasagi, from class 2-A. You may not know me very well but I've been a member of the Kendo Club since freshman year. I've wanted to strike up a conversation with you ever since I joined the club but I just didn't have the courage to do it. I've always felt that I didn't deserve you and that you were too perfect for an average girl like me.

'Is this girl crazy or what?' I thought again. I shook my head then continued reading.

But I never lost hope. My friends encouraged me to continue having these feelings for you. And, I'm really glad that I followed their advice. Now, my feelings have grown stronger for the past year and a half. I admire you and your personality more than ever. And I've come to realize that I just can't stop adoring you, Aoshi-sama. I think I've really fallen for you.

I would really appreciate it if you respond to my feelings. I will be waiting at the back of the gym every afternoon starting from the day after I will have written this letter. I will continue to wait until you show up, Aoshi-sama. Thank you very much.

Love,

Reiko

Again, the letter was nothing special.

It was just like any others that I've received so far. Plain, simplistic, boring, worthless...

Stupid.

I folded the paper in my hand then slid it back in the envelope. I wondered if I should just meet the girl today and end this absurdity once and for all.

And then suddenly, as if my brain betrayed my own thoughts, my hand jerked and took another letter from the shoebox. I was surprised when it all happened in an instant. Reading only one letter at a time preserved my sanity. Anything more than that meant suicide.

This time, the envelope was colored black. Sometimes I see this kind, adorned with shiny stickers and glitters that leave a smear on my hands. It is perhaps the opposite of the scented pink envelope I receive from most girls. The content, of course, is nothing special, but one could clearly see how different the writer's personality is from others'.

Usually, girls who insert their love letters in this kind of envelope are weird. Most of them are emo, or some of them just want to call attention to themselves. I can sense that they are different because of the way they write the words and the way they phrase their intentions. Moreover, these girls usually have a unique way of confessing their feelings.

Just like a girl I know...But didn't she use pink back then? Ah, never mind. She still confessed in a weird manner.

I opened the letter then started reading it:

Dearest Shinomori-sempai,

I am not going to give up.

Lovelots,

Mi-chan

P.S. I heard that you've been going out with Takani-sempai. Congrats.

P.P.S. Just so you know, I've been practicing hard for Judo. How are your Kendo exercises going?

P.P.P.S. Oh, and Student Council picked me as one of the participants in a dating contest that's going to be held during the Summer Party. Can you believe that?

P.P.P.P.S. You don't have to worry about me. Soujiro accompanies me everywhere I go! He's really cool you know. But, I feel like...uhhmm...(please don't tell anyone, ok?) I feel like he acts weird sometimes. He's been clingy to me ever since *that* incident. We hang out almost every day, and...not that it's bad, it's just...it's just really, really weird. I wish I could tell you more!

'What?' I thought to myself in disbelief. 'That girl wrote to me just to rant about her life?'

However, it was long before I soon realized that there was another post script written at the very bottom part of the paper. I brought the letter to my eyes then examined the small fine print. It said:

P.P.P.P.P.S. I miss you, sempai.

I did not know why out of all the letters I've read in my life, this was the only one that made me smile and ache at the same time.

On the outside, the letter looked like nothing special. The envelope was even colored black. The characters were written in a messy way, almost illegible. And there wasn't even a trace of ornament or perfume usually used by girls to make their letters more appealing and interesting. It could have been easily mistaken for a piece of junk in my opinion.

However, the author and her words made the difference.

As I stood in front of the shoebox and held the letter in my hands, I felt a gentle tap on my back that suddenly seemed so familiar. I quickly turned around to check who it was, and surprisingly, a beaming countenance greeted me.

"It's been a while, Aoshi-sempai! Have you read my letter?" Misao energetically asked. Her blue eyes sparkled in indescribable happiness as she looked at me, smiling like a naïve child.

I was not able to reply right away but soon nodded my head.

"Did you like it?" She brought her face closer.

For some reason, my heart started to race inside my chest. I haven't seen Misao for days and yet it felt longer than that. Perhaps I've missed her more than I initially thought.

"It's...it's okay," I said.

She smiled even more widely. "Aaaahhh! That's a relief! Well then, I have to go! We have Judo practice today. I'll see you later then."

She waved at me like a kid then walked away.

I kept my eyes on her for a while. I never did that before when she used to stick by my side and bother me with her loud voice all the time. Now, I felt as if I had to or else I might not see her again.

I guess I should just finish my business with Reiko Kurosagi then...

Finally, I sighed, turned around and replaced my indoor slippers with sneakers. It was time to dump another girl.

"Please go out with me!"

The girl bowed in front of me. I looked at her for a moment then turned my back. I knew it was going to be a waste of time. Dumping girls was always a waste of time. At least I had the decency to show up whenever they requested me to do so.

"Sorry," I answered casually. I started to walk away from the place. The whole drama was over in a few minutes. Another record.

Of course, what followed next didn't come to me as a surprise. Reiko Kurasagi wailed like a child as she dropped on her knees. She cried and screamed as if it were the end of the world; while, I did not care a bit. I was tired of dealing with emotional girls like her. All they do is act as if they're the victims, when in reality, it's the opposite. I am the victim in every confession. I am the one who has to face these girls one by one and painstakingly hear their nonsense feelings. I am the only guy in school who has to endure this madness. No it's not flattering at all. It's totally not cool if you're the one being painted as a bad guy who does nothing but break hearts.

"THAT'S IT!" A loud angry voice pierced through my thoughts and shattered my contemplation.

I stopped walking.

"SORRY! THAT'S ALL YOU'RE GOING TO SAY?"

I turned around and saw two other girls standing beside the crying Reiko. The other girl looked at me fiercely as if she were going to devour my entire being.

"JUST WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" she shouted again.

I breathed deeply and closed my eyes for a moment. Not again, I thought. I walked closer to them then tried to answer.

"Nothing. Maybe something is wrong with you?"

"WHAT THE! Don't change the subject, you moron!"

"And why would I do that?"

"SEE! You ARE definitely changing the topic here. You know, mister, it took my best friend months to shore up her courage and write a goddamn love letter for you! And then you break her heart in a few seconds, without even giving her a reasonable explanation? Who in the right mind would ever do that? You turn your back and say a fucking 'sorry?' Just how fucked up is that, you bastard!"

I didn't answer. My eyes glanced at Reiko who was now wiping her tears and trying to stop herself from crying.

"You know what! I've heard rumors about you. About your notorious way of rejecting girls. But I never thought you could be this cruel! Don't you even realize how your actions affect the emotions of those girls? Have you ever even stopped for a second and reflected on your behavior? I mean, what's up with that?"

"Keiko-chan, p-please...stop," Reiko suddenly tugged the skirt of her friend and pleaded. The girl only briefly looked at her then she shifted her gaze to me.

"I don't know who you are. But surely, you have a lot to say. I wish I had all the time in the world to stay here and chitchat with you, but I'm running late and so I must leave. Now if you will excuse me," I turned my back for a second time then proceeded. I decided to make up a reason to get me out of that awkward situation.

Sometimes, this kind of scene happens when I reject someone. Most of the time, the girl's friends would get mad at my action and accuse me of being apathetic and rude. I don't mind for the most part. I never really cared about what they thought of me.

But today was different. Today, that girl's words stung me and showed me how much people like her loathed my true personality. Pathetic...I thought to myself. It's not my problem at all. They're the ones who like me first. Why wouldn't they try to research more on my personality so they know whom they're dealing with?

I looked up and saw the sun shining brightly in the blue sky. Puff of clouds were scattered here and there. I smiled slightly when I realized how beautiful the day was. It was such a waste though that I had to face the ire of Reiko Kurasagi's friends on a perfect day like this.

I went to the bicycle parking lot and took my keys from my pocket. I was about to unlock my bike when I heard Sano calling out to me from afar. I turned my head and saw him running towards me.

"AO-CHAN!" he shouted loudly. I've told him not to call me by that name several times but he's just so stubborn.

"Going on a date?" he asked me as soon as he ended up standing in front of me.

"Nah. I'm going home to take a nap," I said as I finally unlocked my bike.

"Oohh...oh well, I thought you were interested in seeing the ballet club perform today."

"The ballet club? When?"

"I think it starts in fifteen minutes. In the auditorium," Sano said. He removed the cap of a bottle in his hand. Then he drank from it to quench his thirst. "Oolong tea?" he offered.

I shook my head. "How did you know about this?"

"Well...I have a – a reliable source shall we say," he winked at me as he took another sip from his bottle.

I pulled out my cell phone from my pocket and checked if Megumi sent me a message about her club's performance. Unfortunately, there wasn't any. I was slightly disappointed when I realized this.

"Is Megumi going to be there?" I asked Sano.

"Actually, she's the one who told me that they're going to dance today," he laughed loudly as soon as he explained to me. Suddenly, Sano put his arm around me and jokingly wrestled me. "Let's go!"

"Hey!" I reacted. And then as if by instinct, I tackled Sano and twisted his arm behind his back. He screamed in pain as he held onto my shirt and begged for mercy. I chuckled when I saw his pitiful state. Slowly, my hands loosened their grip on his arm and neck. I continued to laugh when I looked at him. That's my Kendo practice for today, I thought to myself amusingly.

"Okay, okay! I get it! That's a yes, I suppose," Sano grumbled as he stretched his twisted arm and tried to massage his neck. "Wow...you really got me there, Mister Shinomori. That hurt pretty bad. Ugh!"

I put back the lock on my bike then parked it again. "C'mon. I don't wanna be late for Megumi's performance," I spoke. I patted Sano's back gently but he brushed it off like a kid throwing a tantrum.

"Pssh...after bending my arm like that, all I hear is I don't wanna be late for Megumi's performance. I didn't know that falling in love makes one forget how to say sorry," he muttered.

We started to head to the auditorium as we walked under the beautiful afternoon sky. I noticed that the sun gave off pinkish rays that scattered across the vast space above and pierced through the clouds. I smiled when I saw this scenic view.

"It's a beautiful day," I spoke softly.

"Hm?" Sano raised his eyebrows at my comment. He glanced at the sky quickly then looked back at me. "It looks normal to me...Didn't know you had a romantic side, Ao-chan!"

"Romantic side? I was just admiring the view, that's all, rooster head," I retorted.

"Well, I mean, isn't looking at the sky and admiring the sun and clouds what most romantics do? They pretty much appreciate anything in nature and always find something beautiful," he explained. "That's what girls like you know."

I didn't speak anything after that.

We passed the dojo on our right as we walked. Some of my club mates, who were resting outside the huge wooden door of the dojo, waved at me when they saw me. I simply nodded my head in respect then I eventually ignored them.

"Inter high's coming up! Aahhh...this summer is going to be exciting, my friend! Do you think you can get the gold?" Sano excitedly asked.

"I hope so," I replied. "It's going to be a great achievement if I manage to do it."

"Oh yeah! Of course! I'm also excited for the Judo Club. I heard that Makimachi is the contender for the gold this year. Aaah! A girl, could you believe that? It's going to be a first for our school if that happens," Sano shouted while we were walking. I was glad that no one else was there when he did that.

"I know she could do it," I said.

"You really believe your best friend, huh?"

"I'm confident in her skills. She's a brilliant and strong girl. I've seen her wrestle her club mates many times."

"Ooohhh...sounds like an Amazon warrior to me."

I chuckled at his comment. "Precisely. You should see her transform during their practice. She's unstoppable. Hiko-sensei told me that before."

"Ehhhh..." he sounded skeptical. "But isn't that Makimachi like a weird girl? She always sticks to you every time and everywhere. I thought she'd be the weak, girlish type."

"Nah, she's actually the opposite. I've known her since we were kids. She preferred toy guns and trucks over dolls and teddy bears." I smiled when I reminisced my childhood. She never changed a bit...

Except for the long braid that was now gone forever.

Until now, I don't know the reason why she impulsively cut her hair. She's grown that for years, but it only took her seconds to cut it off.

You know, mister, it took my best friend months to shore up her courage and write a goddamn love letter for you! And then you break her heart in a few seconds, without even giving her a reasonable explanation?

The angry face of Reiko Kurasagi's friend popped in my head when I thought about Misao's hair. I didn't understand why she had to show up in my mind. I didn't find any connection at all.

Could it be..? I contemplated. I tried to piece everything together. No, but that's impossible. Why would she be upset over that kind of thing? Why would she take away the most precious thing in her life just because of...just because of...

Because of me?

Misao's face loomed inside my mind. I could hear Sano's voice vaguely in the background. I was too consumed in my thoughts that I barely noticed what was happening around me.

'Like it, sempai?'

'Yeah, I know you don't. You don't like anything about me anyway, ne?'

That was what she said to me before, the day after she cut her braid off. I wasn't able to answer her question right away because I was too shocked to see her hair so short. I've always admired her long black hair. It was the only thing that reminded me that she was a girl. It was the only thing – the only thing about Misao that I've really, really adored so much. The only thing that...

"AO-CHAN! ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?" Sano's voice interrupted my contemplation. I quickly glanced at him.

"Oh...ugghh...so what was it again? I'm sorry," I said as I scratched my head.

"I said we could sit here right in front of the stage. See? The show's about to start," he gestured.

I realized that we were already inside the auditorium. Students rushed through the doors and eventually settled down on the rows of seat. Then I turned my gaze to the huge stage in front of us. There was a giant backdrop displaying an imaginary dark forest. Several small lights were attached on the huge display, as if fireflies filled the vast space before us.

Sano urged me to sit down, and I followed him, my eyes fixed at the stage. I sank into my seat and made myself comfortable. It's been a while since I last saw the ballet club perform. I was a little nervous because I knew that I would see Megumi dance again. Would I feel the same way I felt three years ago? I wonder...

"Errhmmm...I'm not really a big fan of ballet you know," Sano commented. "I feel like it's too...too GAY, ya know what I mean?"

"Why not? It's for cultured people," I said. I smiled at him.

"Are you trying to say I'm not cultured?"

"Just saying," I shrugged.

"HA. HA. Very funny," Sano pouted his lips. "I wish the school had hip-hop club instead! That'd be more awesome. Not some paper-thin people dancing in tights and tutus. And don't even mention the music they play, gawd."

"Well, why don't you just leave?"

Sano wasn't able to reply right away. Even in the dark, I noticed that he blushed a little bit when I made that remark. He looked stunned for a second then his reaction turned into something of a person acting in denial. "I...I c-can't do that."

"Interesting!" I said. "Here you are ranting about your dislike for ballet and yet you ought not to skip the show. Why is that, Mister Sagara?"

"Uhmm...I – I made a p-promise with someone," he replied. "Yeah. That's right! I told someone that I would see her dance no matter what. I – I mean, aren't you just like me? You're only here because you want to see Megumi dance, but you're not really a ballet junkie, are you?"

"I guess you have a point there."

"See? So uhhh, yeah...I'm staying – even if I'll prolly just doze off or somethin'. You know what, let's just enjoy the show. Here! It's starting," Sano took his eyes off me then immediately looked at the stage.

In an instant, the great hall turned dark.

The music started to play. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake resonated in the auditorium and several dancers gracefully entered the stage. Two lines formed on the side and stayed on their respective places. I watched intently as I waited for Megumi to appear on the dance floor.

"Sooo...what do you think so far, huh?" Sano asked me.

"Nothing even happened yet, Sano," I replied.

"Oh. That's right. I guess I have to shut up then," he scratched his head then looked back at the stage.

I was relieved when Sano said that. At least I knew he wouldn't bother me for a while. I returned my gaze at the ballerinas posing in a tableau. They wore white tutus adorned with sequins and gems arranged in elaborate designs. I thought their costumes were a little distracting, but then perhaps that's just the way they really dress.

Suddenly, a woman slowly entered the scene. Her hair was tied neatly in a bun, which was decorated with a white head dress that sparkled in the dimly lit set. As she gracefully stepped across the floor, her long arms extended in the air and moved lightly as a feather. A spotlight accentuated her petite frame and emphasized the emotions displayed on her face. Her eyes spoke of delight and happiness, but her expression suddenly changed when an evil sorcerer appeared and casted a wicked spell upon her.

"It's Megumi!" Sano exclaimed.

"I know...isn't she beautiful?" I said, appreciating the main ballerina's elegant moves.

"Ya, she's astounding," his voice barely escaped his lips. I quickly glanced at my friend and noticed that his eyes were fixed on Megumi. He looked amazed at what was happening on stage.

"Liking it, my friend?" I teased Sano. But he simply ignored me. I lightly chuckled at his non-responsiveness.

The ballerinas started to dance in a synchronized movement on the floor. They spun and turned on their feet, and glided effortlessly like swans swimming peacefully on a lake. As they extended their limbs and jumped in a coordinated manner, they enveloped Megumi, who depicted a maiden princess struggling to fight the evil fate brought upon her by an evil sorcerer's curse. Eventually, all of the girls collapsed on the floor, their bodies arched and arms touching their toes.

A male dancer appeared and made his way to Megumi's place. They danced gracefully together and performed amazing lifts and spins. The show was breathtaking, and the chemistry between the two did not feel artificial at all. As experienced performers, Megumi and her partner, who portrayed the prince, knew their craft very well. They blew the audience away by their grace, flexibility, and theatricality. And even though I was never a big fan of ballet, I was definitely awed at their dance.

But I knew something was missing.

I couldn't pinpoint what it was. Although Megumi and her club mates performed well beyond my expectations, I still felt unsatisfied. I didn't know why, but every time I would stare at Megumi and examine her stretched limbs and arched neck and body, I realized that she seemed different from the first time I've seen her dance three years ago.

The ballet continued for an hour, and Sano and I were glued on the show for the whole time. When it ended, everyone in the audience gave the performers a standing ovation and greatly applauded the production. I also stood and clapped enthusiastically when the curtain closed.

"Oh my...this almost brought me to tears," Sano cried as he clapped his hands and shouted for joy. "I didn't really understand what happened. All I know is that it's like The Princess and the Frog. Ahhh! But whatever! It's brilliant, Ao-chan!"

I wanted to hit Sano in the head when I heard him call me by that name again. But I prevented myself from actually doing it. "Indeed, it is. And, Megumi is just flawless," I said.

"Yeah..." Sano agreed. "Yes, of course...she is."

We met with Megumi after the show, and I was able to talk to her how well she performed in the ballet. She said she was really happy that Sano and I came to see her.

"It means so much to me, Aoshi-san," she smiled at me sweetly. She didn't remove her costume and make-up yet when she faced us. But I was really glad that I saw her in it.

"Good thing, Sano told me, or else I wouldn't know," I said. I noticed that she blushed a little when she looked at me.

"I wanted to tell you in person, but when I went to your classroom, you were already gone," she explained. She glanced at Sano, who was standing on one corner, whistling to himself. He seemed not to care about our conversation. "And then I saw that ROOSTER HEAD over there."

Suddenly, he turned his face to us, and his eyebrows rose. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

Megumi stepped closer to Sano and looked at him up and down. "I said it was unfortunate that it was YOU that I saw in the classroom and not Aoshi-san. God, you don't know how worried I've become when I saw your face..."

"Shouldn't I be hearing a thank you from you because I brought your boyfriend to your stupid gay show?"

Megumi raised her eyebrows and planted her hands on her hips. "A thank you? You think I'm going to say thank you? To you? You just insulted the production that we've struggled to put together for the past couple of months, and you're expecting a thank you from me? Unbelievable!"

"Hey. I'm just saying! If not for me, Ao-chan here wouldn't be able to see you tiptoe on the stage while you wear that...that...mini-dress, or whatever you call it. Honestly, I don't even care what you call it!"

"It's a tutu! We use proper names for our stuff."

"Well...I don't care! Because I think ballet is boring. And ballerinas like you are conceited."

"WHAT?"

"Yeah, girls like you are conceited! Just because you're, you're sexy – I mean – skinny, you think all the boys would fall for you. Yeah, that's right. That's how you act. Am I wrong? Say, Ao-chan, you agree with me right?"

Sano turned to me. I looked at him and realized that he was shaking. Why wouldn't they stop fighting? It's always like this, I thought to myself.

"You wouldn't side with him, would you?" Megumi said as she eyed me.

I sighed heavily. "Megumi-san, Sano didn't mean what he just told you. He loved the ballet. And he liked how you danced on stage."

"What the hell?" Sano cried. Megumi was not able to say anything after that.

"But he also has a point. You should've at least thanked him for telling me that you were going to perform today. If not for Sano, I would've missed everything. I mean, I didn't receive any message or call from you, so, really...you owe him one," I finished.

Sano seemed to calm down after my explanation. Megumi wanted to contest what I just said, but she simply gave up. She glanced at Sano, as she pouted her lips.

"T-thanks..." she murmured.

I smiled slightly when I heard her say the word. Sano didn't seem to react at first. But eventually, he nodded his head in response. He also glanced at Megumi. He pouted his lips like her, as if they were kids having a petty quarrel.

"You..." Sano started. "You don't really – you don't really look...uhhmm...bad in your mini-dress, I mean...tutu either."

He scratched his head then turned back. I laughed when I saw his reaction.

"C'mon, guys, why don't we just celebrate? What do you think?" I said.

"Sounds good to me," Megumi replied. "I don't know about rooster head."

Sano raised his right hand. "Of course, I'm in! As long as someone will treat me!"

Megumi and I both laughed when we heard Sano. "Okay, it's settled then!" I shouted. "Let's go have some ramen this time!"

And then we ended the day by filling our stomachs with several bowls of ramen and gyoza at a restaurant near our school.

"Shinomori-sempai! Are you going to dump a girl today?"

I removed my sneakers then put them inside the shoebox. I slipped on my indoor slippers then took an envelope from the shoebox.

"Aha! Another love letter! Just when will it ever end, Shinomori-sempai? I always see girls leaving envelopes in your shoebox. Don't you even get tired of reading 'em?"

I opened the envelope and started reading the letter.

My Beloved Aoshi-sama,

3 p.m. At the fish pond behind the main building.

Our destinies will finally cross paths.

I will be waiting, my love.

Your significant other,

Momoko Sawajiri,

Class 3-C

It was short and straightforward. I sighed as I put back the letter in the envelope.

"So, have you decided? Are you going to do it today?"

Before I proceeded to my classroom, I stopped for a while then turned to my side. Two young men stared at me excitedly. One was holding a camcorder in his hands, while the other was scribbling some notes on a paper.

Tsunoda and Yahiko are part of the Student Council, and they are working for the documentary date contest that will be held during the Summer Party. They have been filming my life every day for the past few weeks. Although I've tried to evade them before, they were just everywhere I went. Eventually, I gave up running away. I've let them film my life ever since. But looks like, it would be their first time to record my actual dumping of a student.

"Maybe..." I briefly replied.

"So, who's the next victim? And where will it take place?" Tsunoda asked me as he wrote on the paper he was holding.

My eyebrows rose when I heard him mention the word 'victim.'

"Momoko Sawajiri from Class 3-C. It's by the fish pond. Today at three," I said.

"Sawajiri-san? Wow! Isn't she the student who got an early acceptance from Tokyo University? I heard she's pretty smart, and pretty too," Tsunoda exclaimed as he continued to write.

"Too bad she's gonna get dumped today," Yahiko commented as he held the camcorder in his hands.

I shot a glance at him when he said that.

"Yeah, I know, right?" Tsunoda chuckled. He shook his head then stared at me. "Such a waste. Oh well, that's the life of our young Adonis here. And that's why it's interesting to film your life. By the way, today's going to be the last day we're filming you. So expect us to be around you all the time!"

I sighed. "Suit yourselves."

I started to walk towards my classroom. Gladly, when the school bell rang, Tsunoda and Yahiko decided to go back to their classrooms as well. At least for the time being, I would be away from the camera and from those two annoying brats.

Our professor piled a stack of exams on the desk. As he fixed his wide-rimmed glasses, he glared at us then paced in front of the classroom. He held a small notebook in his hands, flipped the pages then scribbled something on one side.

The whole class was quiet. Not one of us dared to create a noise. Professor Genzai was going to give back our Calculus exams, which stirred feelings of fear and anxiety among the students. It was such a time when one could use a little hope to maintain one's sanity.

"I'm gravely disappointed at the results," Professor Genzai started as he sighed. He rubbed his long white beard then eyed everyone in the room. "I was...shall we say, expecting more from everyone?"

I noticed that almost all of the students lowered their heads. Perhaps they didn't want to know the results, or perhaps they simply didn't want see our professor's saddened expression.

"But oh well...you are young and full of life. You should be enjoying your youth! Not being burdened by trivial matters like this test," he smiled at everyone.

A student raised her hand after he said those words. He gestured for her to speak.

"I mean no offense, Professor Genzai, but I think that this Calculus exam is not a trivial matter at all. Our school expects us to enroll at Tokyo University, and having a failing grade at Calculus wouldn't do us good. What will we do if our parents know about this?" she explained passionately.

"They're gonna kill me," a guy commented as he put his forehead on his desk.

"It's over!" one girl shouted. Suddenly, she started to sob like a kid.

Slowly, one by one, everyone in the classroom panicked. Some cried, some complained, some screamed as if it were the end of the world. They're crazy, I thought casually. I turned my head and looked outside the window. The sky was dark, and gray clouds populated it. I sighed when I realized that there was a high chance of precipitation today.

"All right, all right...now, don't exaggerate this matter, everyone. This is only an exam. If you're worried about your grades, we can always have a make-up test sometime after the summer. How about that?" Professor Genzai calmly suggested.

"No, professor! Our parents will still see our grades no matter what! It's totally not cool," a girl reacted. She wiped her tears by her handkerchief as she cried.

Professor Genzai paused for a while as he examined everyone. Then, he turned back and took the exam on top of the stack. "There is, however, good news."

Everyone became silent when he announced that. "One person got a perfect score in the test."

"Perfect?"

"Is that person an alien or what?"

"Who can even get a perfect score in Professor Genzai's tests? They're ridiculously hard..."

"Then what about the rest of the class?"

Our professor touched the remaining pile on the desk. "The rest got failing grades."

In an instant, the whole class' attitude changed once again. I didn't care nonetheless, but their overreaction annoyed the shit out of me. For heaven's sake! It's just a goddamn exam, I cursed inside my head. The girls cried as if it were the end of the world while the boys pounded their hands on the desks as they released their anger and frustration. I simply observed everyone from my seat.

Surprisingly, Professor Genzai came up to me. He smiled widely then placed a paper on top of my desk. As soon as he did that, he turned around and walked back to his place.

The students gasped when they saw the old professor's action. They couldn't hide their facial expressions that either spoke of awe or disgust.

"So, it's Aoshi-kun again..." one guy said. I looked at him and saw that he was pissed off.

"What do you expect? I heard he's even smarter than Himura-san," another guy commented.

"Well, I guess curving our grades is out of the question then. He's the only one who's safe after all."

"Don't you think it's kinda annoying that he gets perfect scores in all of his exams? I mean, I don't even see him studying hard."

"Maybe even the professors developed a liking for him? That's gross though. I don't even want to think about it."

"But I really think something fishy is going on. Why only him? Why do the rest of us have to suffer?"

"Makes sense..."

"I like Shinomori-kun, but I also think that he's doing something to boost his grades."

"Bribes, perhaps?"

"Who knows? Look at him! He didn't even look worried at all when Genzai-sensei brought back the exam papers. He knew right along that he would get the highest grade."

"C'mon, maybe he just didn't care. We know him. He's just very reticent, that's all."

"He never cares about anything. I heard he dumped Reiko Kurasagi from the Kendo Club."

"What? Such a meanie! Reiko is a sweet girl! What a stupid mistake on her part though...She should've known better..."

"And I heard he's going to dump Momoko today, at the fish pond."

"Sawajiri-san! You mean from Class 3-C? I didn't know she had a crush on Aoshi-kun. Oh my gosh, I feel bad for her already."

"He's a douche."

"Of course he is!"

"He thinks he's perfect and all, but really, he's just a selfish, egocentric, apathetic bastard who doesn't give a damn about anything at all!"

I stood up from my seat and slammed my hands on the desk to stop all the whispering and chatting. I couldn't stand what I was hearing. I couldn't stay put and shut up for the rest of the period as they lambasted my personality. It was too much to take.

I turned my head to everyone in the class and glared at them. Some of the students evaded my gaze, others simply looked down on their knees. Still, others dared to look at me, anger and frustration spelled across their faces.

"Shinomori-kun?" I heard Professor Genzai call my name. I realized that he was completely ignorant of what was happening in the room. "Is there anything the matter?"

I tried to control my temper. I clenched my fists then put them inside my pockets. "I...I need to use the bathroom," I muttered.

"Very well, you can go," he calmly said.

As I walked away from my desk, I stared at my classmates who also secretly followed me by their eyes. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs and argue with them, but in the end, I simply did not have the guts to do so.

I did not know why I was burning in anger and contempt. I did not know why I hated my classmates for judging my character and decisions. Perhaps because everything they said wasn't true or perhaps because everything they said was the truth after all. I had no idea.

I care about something. I can feel. I'm not apathetic, I convinced myself as I walked through the empty hall outside our room. My trembling hands were still in my pockets.

I care for Megumi. I have friends. I have Sano. I have...

And then the unexpected happened.

Misao appeared before my eyes

She looked confused and worried when she saw my face. Her bright smile instantly turned into a disappointing frown. I felt bad as soon as her expression changed. I felt bad because lately, she's been frowning a lot because of me. I used to be the reason why she laughed and smiled; now it was completely the opposite.

"Shinomori-sempai..." she uttered. We stopped in the hallway and stared at each other.

"Mi-chan," I spoke. I closed my eyes for a second and felt relieved when I uttered her name. "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" she asked me back. "Don't you have a class or something?"

"Forget it," I retorted. I started to walk as I replied. My eyes avoided her piercing gaze. I did not want her to involve in my problems. I did not want her to know anything at all.

But she quickly held me back when she grabbed my left arm. She held it tightly as if never wanting to let go.

"I miss you, sempai..."

My eyes widened in shock when I heard her trembling voice. I didn't reply right away. I was too stunned by her words that for an instant, my anger soon vanished and everything seemed to turn back to normal once again.

I sighed.

Then without any warning, I grabbed Misao's petite frame and held her in my arms.

I realized that I was the one who did not want to let her go.

"I know..." I spoke as I continued embracing her. "You wrote in your letter."

She chuckled softly as she put her arms around my body. She gently patted my back, comforting me like a mother to her son.

Her warmth soothed my soul as I held her in my arms. I didn't know that it was Misao who would be able to pacify my feelings and ease the pain and confusion in my heart. Oftentimes, I have neglected her cheerful presence and ignored her antics. I have dismissed her many times because I always thought she was only a nuisance to me. But now I realize how important she really is in my life.

Misao is more than a friend supporting me in times of hurt and sadness. She is more than the person I've thought she was for the longest time.

My fingers ran through her short hair and caressed it. I wanted to be gentle to her. I wanted to show her how much I cared even though I have often ignored her presence.

"Please stay like this, Mi-chan," I spoke softly. I could feel the loud pounding of her heart.

"Shinomori-sempai..." She rested her head on my chest. "I wish I could..."

I loosened my embrace when I heard her say those words. I looked at her face and stared into her ocean blue eyes. For a moment, I thought I was going to lose myself.

"Why?" I asked her.

She smiled at me then broke free from my arms.

I wasn't able to do anything to make her stay.

"Because..." she started. "I must go."

"Where?"

"To my classroom. Where else do you think?" she laughed slightly.

I felt disappointed that she had to leave me. "I see..."

"I promised Soujiro that we will eat lunch together. I wanted to ask you too, but he told me that you already have Takani-sempai. So, I just scrapped the whole idea. Hahaha," she chuckled. Surprisingly, there was no hint of sarcasm or hurt or anything at all in her voice. She sounded normal and calm.

"See you later then," she finally told me. She waved her hand goodbye then skipped like a little girl to her classroom.

As I watched Misao's figure from afar, the words of my classmate kept on repeating inside my head.

He thinks he's perfect and all, but really, he's just a selfish, egocentric, apathetic bastard who doesn't give a damn about anything at all!

I denied everything, all the things they accused of me.

But somehow, I still wondered if those were the reasons why Misao has chosen to move on.

You're a moron, Aoshi...

And then I turned around and walked away.

A/N: Sooo...what do you think this time? I wrote it in Aoshi's POV so you'll have a glimpse of what is really going on inside his head. I realize that most of you are pissed off at Aoshi, but hey, there's a reason why he's acting like a bastard to Misao! :D Ohohoho! Some readers suggested that it's better to pair Misao with Soujiro. I've also thought about that, but we'll see how this story develops. I already have plans for the next few chapters, which will heavily focus on the Summer Party and Inter-high thingy (I know, I know, these things have been taking soooo long to happen! Gomen ~_~). I hope everything turns great!

Once again, thank you for the reviews! I especially want to thank the following for reviewing the latest chapter:

USWeasilgirl

Toffee-Pixie

DeathxNotexLover

Misao91

YAYY! Don't forget to leave a review, okay? Let me know what you think! And of course, suggestions and constructive criticisms are more than welcome! Ja neee! ^_^