CHAPTER II

Yuta POV:

There was a small break between classes, and so I immediately made my way to Nina's locker. She was struggling to get her books down from the top shelf. "Damn," she whined. "Why do I have to be the shortest person in the entire grade?" "Hey," I said "That's why you have me." I reached around her body, putting us in the position of an embrace. Although I could've easily gotten the books down, I pretended to take awhile. Having Nina in my arms felt too good.. I just wanted to make this moment last longer. When I finally let go and handed her the books, she gave me a strange look. "What?" "Nothing." she said. "Hey, do you need help carrying those books?" someone asked. Of course, it was Tsujiai. I felt my heart ache when Nina immediately brightened up at the sight of him. "That'd be nice, thank you!" she exclaimed happily. "Come, I'll walk you to class." he offered. Nina looped her arm into his and they both walked off, leaving me behind. Nina suddenly stopped as though she had just remembered that I was still there by her locker. She turned around slightly, "O-oh, are you gonna come along Yuta? After all, we're all in the same class!" "Nah, it's alright. I still have some things I need to get, so I'll just go by myself." "A-are you sure?" She furrowed her eyebrows so adorably that it made me chuckle. "Hurry, Nina, or we'll be late." said Tsujiai. "Right! You better hurry too!" she told me before disappearing down the hall with Tsujiai.

Nina POV:

Yuta has been acting so strange lately.. "What are you thinking about?" asks Tsujiai. "H-huh, nothing!" I sigh and lean my head on his shoulder as we walk. I feel so content right now. Suddenly, I feel hot breath on my forehead and soft lips against my skin. My eyes snap open to see Tsujiai smiling down at me. I blush brightly. He leans in closer to my face and presses his lips gently against mine. I think I might melt from his touch. "Nina, would you like to go out with me?" "I'd love to!" I reply, feeling overjoyed.

The next day…

Nina POV:

*YAWN* I sit up in bed and stretch, ready for a day of fun. It was Saturday, the weekend, which meant no school! I was only in a night bra and panties, but assuming that no one was at home other than Mom, I crept down the stairs to make breakfast. As I walked around the curve into the kitchen, I was too late to see that Yuta was sitting at the table, with full view of my body. He raised his head as he heard my footsteps, dropping his spoon with a clatter when he saw me.

Yuta POV:

I had teleported myself into Nina's house early Saturday morning, eager to spend the day with her. What I wasn't prepared for though, was that she would walk into the kitchen nearly naked! My cheeks reddened immediately and I tried not to stare, but I knew my mouth was gaping wide open. She was just perfect. Her long, bare legs curved upwards towards her hips which formed a perfect heart shape at her behind. Her waist was slim and flat and she had cute, perky breasts. I looked away quickly though - don't think I have no respect for women. "YUTA!," she screeched, "YOU PERVERT! UGH, I'LL KILL YOU!" she yelled and stormed off angrily.

Nina POV:

"Hey, it wasn't my fault! I didn't know you were gonna come down in your freaking lingerie!" I heard him call behind me. How dare he?! My cheeks felt hot and I knew I was blushing. Stupid, stupid cheeks, why do they need to turn red every time I'm the least bit embarrassed. I ran to my bedroom and pulled on some clothes before returning downstairs. I made my breakfast in silence, without looking at Yuta.

Yuta POV:

I knew Nina was giving me the silent treatment. Such a thing shouldn't have really mattered to me, but it hurt. "Nina.. Please, I can't stand it when you're mad at me.." I walked up to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, burying my face in her hair. "L-let go of me." she protested, but I could feel her resolve breaking down. I smiled and closed my eyes.

Nina POV:

Why? Why do I succumb to his touch so easily? Why does it feel so GOOD to have his hands on my body? It's disgusting! I shouldn't be thinking that way, especially after what happened this morning. Not to mention that I have Tsujiai now. But, I never liked holding grudges. "I'm sorry." he whispered. "It's okay." I sigh. I could feel Yuta beaming at my forgiveness, which made me laugh out loud. "What?" he said incredulously. "It's just.. Why do you care so much if I'm angry at you? You know I'd probably get over it later." He stared at me intently and I felt my heart start to beat rapidly. "Because.. I-I lo-" He was cut off short by the sound of my phone ringing. "It's Ayu dear!" Nina picked up the phone excitedly, completely forgetting about her conversation with Yuta.

Yuta POV:

Nina left to talk with this 'Ayu' on the phone. Knowing her, she'll probably forget everything we were talking about. I sigh. I guess these feelings will be trapped inside again. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I felt like I was drowning in a pool of darkness. Because the truth was that Nina would never love me. And I'd never have her. Always pretending to be okay.. It hurts too much. Some people think 'heartbroken' is an exaggeration. But, it's really not. I could feel my heart clenching painfully as it was stabbed by a million knives. How could I be so weak? Tears pooled in my vision. I knew I was breaking down. I don't know how much longer I can put this up. I heard Nina click off the phone in the next room and quickly pulled myself together, wiping away the tears.

Nina POV:

"Yuta, Ayu dear is my BEST friend here on Earth! She wasn't at school yesterday because she had a cold. But now she's all better and says she wants to meet you! I told her it's a bad idea, you being such a flirt and all, but she insisted." "Hey! Don't start ruining my reputation! How will I get any girls if you go around telling everyone I'm such a bastard?" Yuta exclaimed. *sweat drop* "Well, you are." A flash of hurt showed in his eyes for a second, but then disappeared. It made me uncomfortable. Does everything I say really matter to him this much? But.. He seems totally fine now.. Oh, Yuta, stop confusing me! "Alright!" he said "So, let's go!" We walked to Ayu dear's house, where we found her waiting outside. "So, this is the childhood friend you always talked about?" asked Ayu. "A-AYU!" I exclaimed, embarrassed that Yuta had heard. "O-oh, sorry, sorry h-hahahaha!"

Yuta POV:

So.. Nina was thinking about me.. Stop giving yourself false hopes. You know she doesn't love you. She loves that human boy, Tsujiai. I took a deep breath. I had to try and get over Nina. I had to be strong for her. Her happiness was more important than mine. I grin cockily at Ayu. "Hey, Nina, you didn't tell me you had such a pretty friend." Nina glared at me. "Stay away from Ayu dear! She already has somebody to love!" Well, lucky her then. "I'm sure she'd rather choose me over whoever it is. After all, I'm irresistible." I could see Ayu boiling with anger behind Nina. "As if! You might have a handsome face, but never could you dream to be half the man Kaji is!" I was shocked.. Most girls would jump at the chance to date me, whether they were single or not. Hm, a challenge would be nice. "So that's his name, eh?" Ayu blushed. "Hey Nina, can Ayu give me a tour around the city?" "I WILL NOT!" shrieked Ayu. "B-but Nina doesn't know the directions either and it's really true that Yuta is new here.." "Ugh, fine!" She grabbed my arm roughly and trailed me away. "Don't say Nina didn't warn you, Ayu dear!" I heard her call behind us.

Disclaimer: Ultra Maniac belongs to Wataru Yoshizumi. This is my first fan fiction, so please review.

Note: Italics show a thought or memory in my writing.