Kyousuke sighs with relief and also pain, as he is laid into bed. A black eye has already begun to form and the nurse examines his legs and arm just in case something had happened. The news is positive. Just some bruises thankfully, both me and him. I insist on staying with him, until he felt better and the nurse gives me permission, until the next bell, signifying the beginning of the next class. It's all very quiet in the room. We can just hear each others gentle breathing, as I sit by him and, as soon as the nurse left, he turns his head to me to speak.

"T-thank you... Kyoutarou-kun... you're not hurt are you?" he whispers, great appreciation apparent in his voice.

I smile warmly at him.

"Don't mention it, man. And no, I'm okay".

"Naw, I'm serious. Kaneda has always been hell for me, for a lot of people. To see him get his comeuppance like that, it's so satisfying. The world doesn't feel like it's against me anymore. I can have faith again in people".

There's a great sense of peace in his voice. He sits up to see me properly.

"You have faith in me" I say.

"I do" he replies, turning his face away, a light blush on his cheeks. "I didn't think you could do something as tremendous as that, but I knew from the start you were someone who was strong...".

There's a strange feel about the atmosphere right now. I can't put my finger on it.

"I felt that if from the beginning I could be there for you, you'd be there for me, in times we'd most need each other".

"W-well, that's what friends are for" I shrug off, with a carefree impression. I don't like where this is going one bit.

"Hmm. Friends..." he sighs. "See, Kyoutarou-kun, I don't see that happening for us..."

"W-what... you don't wanna be friends anymore?".

"I don't have ANY friends, Kyoutarou-kun. I probably never will. Not real friends anyways".

I cock my head in question and he looks at me somewhat sympathetically, knowing I don't fully understand.

"I can't be myself around other people. But you, you're different. You treat me like I matter. You care about me, which is why I don't want us to be 'friends'...".

My stomach sinks when I realize he's placed a hand on mine and I gulp, stunned. Please don't take me down the path I think this is going, Kyousuke. I can't speak. I'm absolutely stuck in my spot.

"Kyoutarou-kun... will you...?" he breathes softly. He reaches for my face and brushes my cheek ever so delicately.

I immediately leave my seat and march for the door. He leaps up and grabs me from behind. I bite my lip hard, as he nestles his head by mine, nuzzling me slightly. His grasp is strong around my belly and he holds me close. I just stare down at the floor, towards the door.

"P-please... Kyoutarou-kun... don't. hate me" he chokes out.

"I don't... Kyousuke... but, I cannot accept your feelings" I say boldly.

His thumbs start to rub the material of my shirt and I tense some more at the sensations.

"You... wouldn't tell anybody... w-we're still friends, right?" he stutters.

I feel his desperation and can relate to him. What if Sayaka discovers I'm a girl? Will she hate me? Spreads rumors? Laughs at me? Calls me a freak? None of these I took into account. I was too blinded by my desire to care. I didn't know. In the end, I guess I'm here as a one off: If she rejects me, I'll take off and forget we ever met, or try to. Things may be easier that way.

"I won't tell a soul Kyousuke... I promise..." I finally state, heart-felt. I look at him confidently, turning my head to him. "You can trust me".

This is so damn intense. If anyone were to walk in, we'd be done for. Best settle this quickly, before the bell goes.

"You promise?" he speaks, in a hushed, somewhat husky voice.

God, this is so uncomfortable.

"I promise".

I guess it's something like an oath, a promise sealed with absolute and total secrecy, as he lifts my chin up and captures my lips with his. He brushes his lips lightly over mine, caressing my stomach and chest slightly. I squeeze my eyes shut, repulsed, but I remain still, as I swore I'd never spill his secret to anybody.

Leaving the room, I feel groggy. I need something to get that memory out of my head... forever. Rest guaranteed, I'd never tell a soul he liked 'men', to save his reputation and also because I feel sorry for the poor sissy.

Making my way down the corridor, I hear the voice of the vermin crawling around in the ventilation.

"Well if you were ever curious about the other gender, I guess now-"

"Shut up, Kyubey! If you spill a word to anybody, I'm turning you into a plushy put in Claw Machines in the arcade that nobody wants!".

"I just find it amusing this incident. I guess the reason Kyousuke wasn't interested in relationships at all was due to his insecurities".

"Gee, you think?!".

"Humans are very odd. Homosexuality is commonplace in the animal kingdom. Why is it such a big problem for humans? Are you not animals too?".

"I have classes now, Bagpuss. So, shove off!".

Classes are unbearably slow, so I zone in and out a lot, until the bluenette sends me a note:

You look dazed. You feeling okay?

Was in a fight earlier?

Geez, you okay?

I'm okay. Some guy was picking on Kyousuke so I gave him a beating.

How's Kyousuke?

He's... peachy.

Okay, you sure fine?

Yes.

After that, several weeks passed and me and Sayaka's bond grew stronger and stronger. Every day, I yearned for her more and more. How on earth was I planning to tell her and when?

"Hey everyone, there's a dance coming up!" calls out Miss Saotome, rolling out a poster to show to the class.

End of Part Six

(Hope you guys are enjoying this story so far. Please leave comments. Would love to hear idea and/or feedback.)