Humans are very selfish creatures.

Chapter 7: The Third Day

Whoa.

Tsuna stood gaping at the gate, eyeing the teen on the other side. He scrutinised himself and groaned at his clothes – a pair of jeans coupled with his favourite orange-and-white hoodie. Dressing to impress didn't exactly cross Tsuna's mind. He was more concerned at the fact that he'll be alone with Hibari. Outside. On a date. But right now, he kind of regretted not making even a bit of an effort to choose an outfit nicely.

Hibari wore a pair of black jeans that hugged his legs and a red belt, matched with a polo shirt that was also black. It was simple but perfect. The dark outfit highlighted Hibari's pale skin and raven hair. He hated to admit it, but Hibari was a very good-looking person.

He did not just think of that.

"Hibari-kun?" Tsuna turned to see his mother come out. "Tsu-kun said he was going out with a friend. He didn't say it was you."

"Good morning, Sawada-san."

"No need to be so polite! Hibari-kun can call me Mama." Nana giggled, placing a palm on her cheek. "Mama would be so happy."

"M-Mom!" Mortified, Tsuna's cheeks turned red. "We're going now. Bye!" He grabbed the Hibari's hand and dragged him away, mumbling embarrassing like a mantra. After he deemed it was safe, he stopped walking and looked at Hibari, abashed. "Sorry. Mom thinks there's really something between us. She always says something embarrassing."

"You seem close."

Tsuna seemed thoughtful, using his left hand to scratch his head. "Well, I guess we are. It's just Mom and me in the house because Dad's job requires him to stay away from home for a long time. We rarely see him, so I make sure Mom won't get lonely." Tsuna smiled.

Hibari simply nodded. "We should go to the park now."

"R-right. Let's go." Oh. Tsuna was about to continue walking when the warmth in his right hand finally registered. He glanced at their clasped hands and thought of pulling it away but decided not to, thinking the scenario yesterday would just repeat itself. He embarrassingly bit his lip when he realised that he was the one who first took Hibari's hand. He simply wanted to escape from his mother before she added any more awkward statements. Since they were so close now, he decided he might as well take the opportunity to observe Hibari.

Hibari's sharp grey eyes never failed to intimidate anyone. It was something that added to his venomous aura. But after a careful look, he could see a very guarded expression in his eyes. His raven hair appeared to be silky and his skin was very pale. He sulked, understanding why girls were attracted to the person beside him, whom even Kyoko had fallen for.

He continued to think. Kyoko wasn't the type of person to fall in love based on appearance. He knew the girl that much. But Hibari was a very scary and violent person, unlike Kyoko, who was sweet and angel-like. Though, he came to realise that Hibari wasn't at all that scary. Perhaps just a little; he was still afraid of Hibari. He also learnt that in some ways, Hibari was nice. He did save him from Suzuki yesterday, and now that he was thinking hard, Hibari had not called him herbivore, not even once. Small animal, yes, but he didn't think that was in any way a form of insult.

Hibari was frightening, that much he was aware, but perhaps Hibari had his own ways on conveying his feelings. Like how he disciplines the entire Namimori, meaning he cared for Namimori to that extent; how he was taking him today on a date despite him getting angry during lunch yesterday, which by the way, Tsuna still hadn't apologised properly for. "Hey," he suddenly, regret dripping in his voice. "I, uh, sorry for lunch yesterday. I didn't mean to be such a busybody to you."

Hibari looked at him. "You didn't do anything wrong." He lifted his right hand to ruffle Tsuna's hair. The act completely took the him by surprise. "I believed taking you outside would serve as compensation for lunch." Hibari broke the eye contact and directed his eyes straight ahead. "I was not able to finish the food you prepared for me."

Strange. Hibari Kyouya was so strange. One second he could be the infamous scowling school prefect, and the next second he could be a normal nice guy. Tsuna recalled all the moments that Hibari had bitten him to death for tardiness, for sleeping during classes, for crowding, or sometimes when he was in a rush that he didn't put his uniform on properly. Hibari was truly puzzling. Tsuna's impression on him previously was not exactly great.

"We are required to treat our current lover special with our best service as possible."

Reborn's words seemed to echo in the wind, reminding Tsuna of reality. Hibari was only being nice because of the rule. After the week was up, they'd go back to being the prey and the predator, playing a game of cat and mouse. It wasn't like he wanted to stay as Hibari's lover. The thought that it was him standing beside his crush's interest was completely wrong and a bother to the conscience. For now, he would try his best to be of help to the girl. However, he was having an extremely hard time figuring out Hibari's personality.

With all the time he spent on musing, he was surprised to see that they were already at the amusement park. Hibari released his hold on Tsuna's hand and headed to the ticket booth's direction. Tsuna deflated when the warmth was gone, it was as if something went awry. Frowning, he immediately removed the thought from his mind. Tsuna scrutinised the area and noticed that the line was pretty crowded. He thought of Hibari, who loathed crowding.

Maybe he should have been the one to buy the ticket. If Hibari snapped, it would definitely not be a great sight. Tsuna shuddered. Decided, he allowed his feet to follow the route Hibari took. His eyes searched for Hibari, his height not helping at all. He wove his way along the throng of people and was pleased to see Hibari, heading straight to the ticket line. The very crowded ticket line. He picked up his pace, determined to stop Hibari. His feet halted when he saw what was happening.

As Hibari approached the line, he stopped at some distance and glared. "Herbivores, leave or I'll bite –"

"Hie!" Tsuna ran fast, apologising as he bumped into person after person. "W-w-wait, Hibari-senpai. I'll buy the tickets, okay? J-just wait over," Tsuna glanced around and spotted an empty bench a few meters away; he pointed at it and continued, "there."

"I do not appreciate being told what to do, Tsunayoshi." Hibari raised an eyebrow.

"P-please?" Hibari stared at him. Tsuna was definitely not going to let him fight amidst the crowd and create a scene. This place was for fun and merriment, having people be afraid at their trip here would make Tsuna feel guilty. When he noticed Hibari nod lightly, he smiled widely and went to the end of the line, his eyes following Hibari as he saw him sit on the bench, arms immediately crossed with his left leg resting on his right.

Thank god I was in time, thought Tsuna, wiping his forehead. It seemed like it was up to him to keep this so-called date as normal as possible, not like he expected this date to go well. And it's my first date too. Tsuna frowned. Perhaps he shouldn't count this as a date. It was fake. There were no feelings. It was a duty. It was only pride that made them do this. Tsuna moved forward as the line shortened. He glanced at Hibari, afraid that he might get impatient.

A kid of around ten years of age ran in front of Hibari, tripping at the process. Tsuna could make out the small boy's scraped knee, a small reddish spot became visible. It was in Tsuna's nature to always help those in need, but in his predicament, he couldn't. He could only watch as Hibari stood up and bent his knees, leaning at the boy.

Tsuna blinked and observed. He could make out Hibari speaking to the child, who didn't give the impression of being terrified. The child looked up and bobbed his head, his expression of pain was replaced with a wide grin. Slowly standing up, the boy dusted off his blue shorts and waved to Hibari, who simply stared at the boy's retreating back and sat down again.

Despite getting baffled, Tsuna smiled. Perhaps Hibari was truly a nice guy deep inside. Well, he didn't exactly help the child stand up, but somehow, he made the boy happy. So mysterious. When it was finally his turn, he exchanged his money and went straight to his companion. "That was such a long line." He handed over the piece of paper.

Hibari took the ticket and swapped it with money, cocking an eyebrow. "Then why did you offer to buy the tickets?"

"Well, you hate crowds, right?" Tsuna smiled sheepishly while counting the money he was handed. It was enough for both. "You gave too –" The look Hibari gave him mollified him.

"Oh?" Hibari smirked. "How considerate." Hibari stood up and led the way to the entrance. People kept bustling in from all directions. Tsuna had to hold on to his Hibari's to avoid losing sight of him. He was surprised when Hibari removed his hand and held it, muttering "These herbivores are crowding."

Tsuna noticed the irritated look on his face. "Do you want to go somewhere with less people?" he asked.

"No," was the reply, "it would be a waste of time."

It's better than waiting for the bomb to explode. Tsuna sweatdropped. "It's all right, there are loads of –"

"I said no." Hibari seethed.

"Uh, right. No."

Hibari looked at him. "Do you not like it here?"

"No, it's not that." He waved his left hand frantically. "I was just worried about you that's all." And the other people, he added inwardly.

Was it just his imagination or did the prefect tighten his hold? Impossible, Tsuna denied, assuring himself that it was the former. But what he was sure of was that Hibari's patience was running out, his aura was causing those around them to keep their distance as far away as possible. He sighed, deciding it was better this way. Why did he have to choose this place? If he wanted a date, Tsuna was fine with anywhere else. Heck, he was fine even if they didn't go out.

"What do you want to ride first?" asked Hibari upon finally entering the park.

Tsuna looked around. Amusement parks weren't really his thing. The height, the speed, the darkness of a haunted house, any of those easily freaked him out. Maybe he should suggest the carousel or something that wouldn't make him faint, but then Hibari would think he was girly. He was a man, and he was going to prove it. "Roller coaster," proposed Tsuna.

But when Tsuna saw the twists and turns of the ride, he felt like screaming.

"Backing out?" Hibari smirked.

"Of course not," he retorted. "I could probably ride it over and over again."

"Really now," said Hibari. Tsuna caught the amused glint in his eyes.

Annoyed, he grumbled, "I'll show you."

Hibari just smirked.

\

Why did he have to choose the front seat? Tsuna held on to the metal bars tightly, already feeling his soul leave bit by bit. Calm down, Tsuna. Just think of something else during the ride. The brunet thought of how they managed to ride immediately, the line, after all, was very long. Hibari simply went directly to the front and said: "We are going to ride." Those in line didn't even argue, and Tsuna had the nagging feeling that this was going to happen for the entire day.

The car suddenly gave a jolt, spurning him out of his thoughts. His eyes widened, knuckles turning white at his grip. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. He could feel Hibari's eyes on him, probably mocking him. He felt himself flush. Hibari was no doubt enjoying this. About to retort, the car unexpectedly lurched somewhat slowly at first and then it gained speed.

Tsuna gripped the metal bars for dear life.

\

A shadow covered him and a bottle of distilled water was shoved in his face. Tsuna looked up to see Hibari. He said his thanks and greedily drank the entire bottle in one gulp. Wiping his lips, he breathed deeply and felt his pulse return to its normal pace. He sensed that his face must still be a bit pale. Tsuna had never felt so embarrassed before. Remembering the scene so clearly made him cringe.

He tried to endure it, but the speed and height overwhelmed him. When the roller coaster arrived at its highest peak and started its descent, he swore he gave his loudest shriek and all he saw was stars. Hibari was there to see and hear it. He was sure he was going to gibe him. What a pathetic display to show his rival – which he was sure he wasn't, keeping in mind he lost a battle he hadn't even fought.

"You could have suggested other rides." Hibari sat down beside him.

Tsuna turned away. "I didn't want to."

"Why?"

"Just because, okay?" he mumbled.

"A small animal shouldn't venture out of its territory," said Hibari. "But it wouldn't grow if it remained in its safe zone."

Tsuna looked at him in wonder. Was he comforting him?

"Do you want to go home or are you choosing another ride?"

Screw showing he was a man, he wanted to be somewhere where his quaking stomach would turn tranquil. He looked around and his eyes brightened at what he saw. He pointed at it. "That."

"No. Choose another."

"I want to ride that."

"I said no, Tsunayoshi." Hibari gritted his teeth. Tsuna would've been scared if he weren't feeling light-headed and the fact that he had an ulterior motive.

"I said I want to ride that," he countered. "You asked me, I choose that."

"...fine."

Tsuna smugly smiled.

\

Laughter was indeed the best medicine. Tsuna couldn't remember the last time he had laughed so loud and hard. For the first time, he was grateful that he was Hibari's current lover. If not, he was sure he'd be dead right now. The queasiness he felt earlier was gone in an instant.

He never imagined there would be a day when he'd see Hibari riding a horse on the carousel. He took his phone out and started taking pictures of Hibari. He was also thankful to Reborn. If he hadn't mentioned that Vongola was required to treat their lovers as best as possible, he wouldn't have thought this was possible. What he was doing was dangerous, Tsuna knew that. He was aware that once this was over, Hibari was going to bite him to death. But enjoying the present was more fun than worrying about the future.

"Tsunayoshi, I am going to destroy that phone," growled Hibari.

Tsuna sniggered. "Yeah, right." He took his tongue out. Perhaps his threat would had a bigger impact if he wasn't riding a horse full of decorations, going in circles – and full of kids. He was conscious of the children that stared at Hibari. Possibly, they saw Hibari as a prince. He was, Tsuna begrudgingly thought, attractive after all. When the ride came to a halt, he ungracefully hopped down and glanced back at Hibari. He asked cheekily, "Had fun?"

"I choose the next one." Hibari scowled.

Tsuna paled.

\

He knew it was on purpose, he knew it was for revenge for earlier, but all Tsuna wanted now was to run away. He felt no ground as the ride initiated. The Tower was the ride's name. To Tsuna, it seemed like a thousand metres tall. The way the chairs lift up and suddenly drop you down made his stomach queasy again. He closed his eyes and prayed to all the gods out there that when he opened his eyes, he would be back in his home, lying on his bed, smelling the food his mother was cooking.

Slowly, he opened his eyes and his vision was brimming with blue. The sky was practically swallowing him. Oh god, oh god, oh god, he kept repeating. Tsuna wanted to close his eyes; however, his mind refused to budge. He looked down and literally felt his soul leave. All the people gave the expression of being ants. Tsuna was jealous. He wanted to be an ant like them. Not to be a bird about to swoop down at top speed.

Click.

He froze and gradually peered up.

Oh.

Tsuna screamed.

\

"Next ride?"

They were back at the bench, gulping down another bottle of water, and Hibari was smirking, which made Tsuna very annoyed. If it was a battle he wanted, then he'd give him one. Vengeance was supposed to be sweet, and Tsuna wanted that. He absolutely desired for that.

"How about that?" he asked sweetly.

Hibari glared.

Tsuna was pointing at a small train ride. With kiddy designs. Overflowing with kids.

\

After countless of rides, the amusement park announced its closure. Astonished, Tsuna rolled his right sleeve and peeked at his watch, amazed at how late it was already. How was it possible for time to move so fast? He looked up, finally aware of how dark the sky became. The number of people also dwindled, he noticed after surveying his surroundings.

"Do you want to eat somewhere?" asked Hibari.

The first idea that popped up was Takesushi, but he felt awkward about bringing Hibari with him. He rarely went out, so he didn't have any idea. He shook his head. "No, it's fine. We should go home now."

Hibari raised an eyebrow, but didn't question his decision.

The two of them headed out for the exit, and Tsuna was still shocked at the thought of surviving the entire day with Hibari, not to mention he actually enjoyed it. He said, voicing out his musings, "I had fun." He smiled.

"Had fun screaming?" countered Hibari.

He frowned at the obvious jibe. "It's better than being mauled to death by kids."

Hibari scowled back. "I should bite them to death."

"Hibari-san, they're kids!" reprimanded Tsuna. Hibari just stared at him and Tsuna noticed his mistake. "Ehe, I mean H-Hibari-senpai."

"Using san is fine."

"Oh." Silence filled the air. Tsuna was satisfied in walking in comfortable silence; it gave him time to think. Today was fun, he already confessed that; it was completely unexpected. He didn't presume that time with Hibari would turn out to be quite enjoyable. Tsuna's impression on him was greatly being overturned, or perhaps it was merely a fluke.

Whatever. It would end soon. It was already the third day, soon, Wednesday would arrive and it'd be farewell to being glued to Hibari. But it wasn't all that bad, he grinned to himself. Today, it felt like he became closer with Hibari.

"Tomorrow we'll go to the movies and have dinner," said Hibari when they reached his house.

Tsuna chuckled lightly at the last part. "Okay then."

"I have some business in the morning." Hibari rummaged through his pocket and took out his phone. He held it out to Tsuna and said, "It is only rational to exchange e-mail addresses."

Tsuna drew his own phone out and handed it over to him. "I guess it is," he agreed. He clicked a few buttons and added his own name on it. Inconspicuously, Tsuna explored his contacts, half expecting it to be filled with names of girls, which proved to be wrong. The only ones listed on it was Kusakabe Tetsuya. How unsociable. Well, not like he could talk. The only people on his contacts were his mother and Kyoko.

Hibari handed over the phone while he did the same. Tsuna double-checked his list and was satisfied to see Hibari's name on it. Hibari nodded at him and Tsuna bade him good night.

He forgot something. "Hibari-san, thanks for today!" he shouted. He noticed him pause for a moment then continued to walk.

\

Dragging his feet, Tsuna flopped down on his bed, tired from today's activities. The warm feeling of his cozy bed made him sigh in content. Unfortunately, the relieving feeling was short-lived. A ringing from his desk made him jump. It couldn't be –?

Of course not.

"Hi, Tsuna-kun! I'm sorry for calling so late." He heard Kyoko's voice on the other end.

"It's fine," he answered. "So? What made you call?"

"H-how to say this," mumbled Kyoko. "How are you and Hibari-senpai?"

Tsuna was momentarily stunned. He had entirely forgotten his mission to help Kyoko. "Okay, I guess. It seems like he's a great guy, Kyoko-chan." Tsuna forced a smile. For the past days, he often seemed to neglect the girl. It would be best to report about his and Hibari's date. He was confident that Kyoko would be more than ecstatic to hear about it, especially when she finds out that he had Hibari's number.

But.

Somehow, he felt weird, an unexplainable emotion bubbled inside him. Perhaps it was the guilt of overlooking his love interest. Yes, he was sure it was that. "I'm sorry, Kyoko-chan. It's been a pretty tiring day." He heard the Kyoko apologise and hanged up. He didn't report his findings today; the emotion he had nagged him not to. He decided that it was better for the week to be over before doing it. The more the information, the better.

At least that's what he believed.