October 26, 2021;

Morning

Ms. Rui's classroom

Zen's PoV

It's good to be back. Ms Rui came closer to my seat "So how was your one week vacation?" She asks as I leaned back at my chair. "It was good."

Ms. Rui raised her brow "Just good? Why? Missing someone?" She now had a smirk planted on her face. I'm guessing she's thinking of me missing Katara, which is technically right. I chuckled at Ms. Rui "Maybe" I said slowly with a smirk on my face.

"May I excuse myself to the restroom?" I asked permission at Ms. Rui "Sure, of course" I made my way to the restroom to relieve myself. On my way back to the classroom a familiar girl who was just standing infront of the door came to my vision. "Excuse me pretty lady, you're blocking the way."

She turned around and was taken back. Her beautiful blue eyes were surprised but quickly wrapped her arms around me "Zen! You're back!" I missed her so much that I wrapped my hands around her tightly. "Okay, that's enough lovebirds, go and finish the decorations" Ms. Rui was grining and rolling her eyes at the same time.

We both blushed at Ms. Rui's statement as we made our way to our seats. I sat down and Katara just stared at me. "Why are you staring at me like that?" I stared back at her. After a moment of silence Katara spoke "You do know we don't have classes today and we are just gonna finish decorating and preparing for the halloween right?" Slowly my jaw drop "Seriously?" I could feel sparkles in my eyes. She just laughed "Yeah seriously. So get your ass up and help me with the decorations."

After a while the students started to come in. Then another hour has passed we noticed that our materials isn't sufficient. So Katara volunteered to buy it from the store outside the campus. I silently left the classroom and walked beside Katara. She is just looking at me bewildered. "Why are you here and aren't you supposed to be helping them out?" I shrugged and put my hand on my pocket. "I prefer it here than there and besides look at the long list you have, how do you expect yourself to carry all that from the store to the campus all by yourself? If it were me I would need help too, you know?" Looking at the long list it isn't something only 1 person can carry.

We entered the subway since it was much faster than taking the bus. Luckily the train wasn't pack and was close to empty. We were sitting next to each other when I remembered Jess, a classmate, inviting me to her party. She told me that everyone in our class was invited. Is Katara going? Well one way to find out "So, you going to Jess' party tonight?" I asked the girl who was extremely focused on looking at the list.

"You do know that what is written there isn't going anywhere right?" I asked again but she doesn't seem to notice it. I stood up from my seat and kneeled in front of her and still no sign of her noticing me. I flicked her forehead and finally she notices me, she rubbed the part where I flicked her and looked at me in confusion. She's so cute. "Why are you looking at the list like your studying for an exam? You do know that it's just a list that you can look at it anytime in the store?" I stated.

She frowned her face. "Why are you saying so many things about me looking at the list? Is it illegal to look at it?" I chuckled at her reaction. "You're looking at it like you're gonna murder it, you know." I told her as I was taking my seat, my knees were getting tired from kneeling. I saw her rolled her eyes as I continue to talk "So, are you going to Jess' party tonight?" I asked her once again. She looked at me and nodded. "Yup, Toph and Suki will also be coming. How bout you? You going?" I slumped back over the train seat. "No can do, I have soccer practice that ends at 7pm and I'm kind of tired from the trip." I was okay with not going earlier but knowing Katara will be going bums me out. I wanted to catch up with her since I was away for a week. It's hard not to miss someone like her.

She looked down "Oh, that's a bummer. Or maybe you could rest up a bit then go to the party?" She gleamed up at the last statement she made but sadly I doubt I can wake up after. "I would if I could but I can't, remember I'm a heavy sleeper?" She pouted, and okay that was the cutest thing I have seen. "And that's a real bummer."

We head out of the subway to head to the store and bought the materials needed. Nothing really happened just this and that, grabbing the materials then heading to the cashier to pay out.

Katara's PoV

Before heading to the cashier

"I'm going to get this things while you get the planks and some other tools alright?" I told him as I make my way. "Alright just text me when you're in trouble" Zen chuckled as he stated. I playfully rolled my eyes "I think you're the one who's going to be in trouble" I told him while waving my hand at him, and he just laughed.

I'm really bummed out that he can't come to the party, I was planning on catching up with him on the party but he has soccer practice. It's pretty understandable since the tournament cup is on the 28th. Well not to worry since we have a lot of time to catch up anyway. I playfully walk down the aisle while my eyes closed which I instantly regretted. Why did you have to close your eyes Katara. Stupid! "Sorry, I wasn't really looking where I was going" I apologized to the guy that I bumped while he just smiled at me "No, it's alright. Don't worry about it. How bout you, are you alright? You aren't hurt somewhere are you?" He was worried and was talkative which is kinda cute. "yeah, I'm alright. Sorry but I have to go." I apologized for one last time and walked away to grab the remaining materials in the list.

I head to where Zen is, he was just standing there with the cart grooving his head along with the melody of the song that was playing in the store while waiting for me. "Hey, have you been waiting long." He turned around me. "Oh my gosh Katara, yes, I have already become a skeleton from waiting so long for you" He was mimicking a zombie and exaggerating everything. "Oh boo hoo Zen, You don't need to overreact it" I playfully rolled my eyes while he just chuckled. I couldn't really get enough of his chuckle.

"So how was your trip the the aisle 9? Anything interesting happened?" He asked me as we walk to the cashier. "Well yes and no, I just bumped into a talkative guy because I kind of closed my eyes while walking?" I carefully told him knowing that he will tease me about it. "pfft! Why would you close your eyes when walking" He was laughing out loud which made me more embarrassed about the incident. I punched his arm "Stop it" I was already blushing.

"Okay, okay sorry, well that reminds me of how we met, we bumped into each other remember?" He grinned at me while memories from that day flashed. "Please don't" I was practically begging him to stop because I know the next thing was the banging incident.

He was still laughing then he patted my head "Alright".

Zen's PoV

2pm; bleachers of the soccer field

"No way, I don't believe you." I was shaking my head in disbelief by what Katara just told me. "Yup, and you better believe it Zen." she on the other hand was nodding her head. "Not in a million years Katara, I mean why?" I faced her and raised my brows. I was in complete disbelief that she hates papayas "You should believe me and stop pestering me about it" I may have been pestering her for about 2 hours now and yes, our topic since 12pm was papayas.

"Fine" Then I go back to stretching my legs since the soccer practice starts at 2:30pm. "What are you doing here? And what time are you going to the party anyway?" I reached for my foot at my back while facing the girl that is currently eating chips with Suki. "Well we are here to watch you and for your information the party starts at 6pm so we still have about 4 hours from now. Don't worry we are going to go at 4pm to prepare." Not that I mind them watching me practice. So how am I going to entertain them today.

I smirked as I prepare to jog around the field. I wave them signaling that I'm going to go practice with my teammates. I run to the field once they waved back. As closer I get to the center of the field my teammates started to slap my back and the back of my head. They were saying "Welcome back striker" or "Your back Zen" then burst out laughing. Then here comes Jiro that smack the back of my head so hard that I want to get back at him "WELCOME BACK DEAR ACE!" He shouted as he begun running and laughing "That was too hard, you shithead!" I began to chase him around the field but Hatsuki got in the way and smack both of us "You guys shouldn't waste your energy, Jiro your the playmaker of this team which means you need to run around the field all the time and Zen as the striker and ace of this team you should know better when to exhaust yourself or have you forgotten it since you took a week off the practice?"

Both me and Jiro was kneeling in front of Hatsuki "Sorry Cap', it won't happen again" He may be our happy go lucky captain but he still has this authoritative aura when he gets like this. "Okay, I want you all to line up then run 30 laps around the field". We all lined up and began to run. Every time we passed by Katara and Suki, I would show them weird faces then they would laugh. Jiro was beside me groaning "Argh will you please stop flirting it's hurting my eyes" He complained while rolling his eyes. "First we aren't flirting and second your just jealous" I grinned at him. It's like a victory grin but he kicked my butt. I began laughing at him "Shut up"

Katara's PoV

4pm; bleachers of the soccer field

Time fly so fast, it was already 4pm and we needed to go and prepare for the party later at 6pm. Suki was waving at Zen to grab his attention and it somehow work. He was running towards us and he was sweaty as heck, well it was pretty understandable since they were running around the field for 2 hours now. "Hey, what's up?" He asked while catching his breath.

I grab the water bottle inside my bag and gave it to him. He took it and drank it, well ever since before I always brought an extra water just incase and to ensure he won't be dehydrated. "Well we have to go and prepare for later, we're here to say goodbye" Suki stated, Zen still drinking nodded at Suki. "The way you said it seem like you guys are not coming back but okay, take care." He chuckled. I really want him to go but I can't force him to since he said he was still tired from travelling. "Good luck on your practice, and please don't be reckless." I told him raising my brow while he just smiled "Okay okay"

I eyed him one more time "I mean it." He raised his "Alright, I will don't worry" He said while running back to the field. Hopefully I won't go back here just to know that Zen got into an accident AGAIN. That guy seems to always attract disaster with him. My mind isn't really helping either, I took out my phone and began to write a message to Zen.

'hey

can you text or call me if anything happens to you?'

I was debating whether to send it or not. I know I wouldn't enjoy going out if I keep on worrying about this sleepyhead so I clicked send. Me and Suki arrived at our dorm and began preparing and still no text from Zen. "You know, he is still at his soccer practice" Suki mentions while finishing up her make up. "You keep on checking your phone every chance you get. Don't worry about Zen, he will reply later. Now you finish preparing and get Toph" Suki was right I should jus- I can't.

Damn you Zen for occupying my brain. I was about to call him when I receive a message from him.

'Of course worrywart, if that'll help you calm your mind. Enjoy the party :)

txt you when I get back at the dorm'

And just like that, the worry I have inside me disappeared. I smiled at his reply and somehow this guy always know how to calm me down. I began to type.

'thank you Zen, txt you when we arrive at Jess' house'

It was already 6:30 when we arrive at Jess' house. A lot of people are already here and I could see some familiar and unfamiliar faces around the house. Among those familiar faces we saw a guy with a wolf hair, a bald guy and a mop head guy. It was my brother, Zuko and Aang which bummed me out again since only Zen was unable to attend. Speaking of Sokka, Zuko and Aang, how come they are here at the party? Toph, Suki and I walk towards them "What are you guys doing here?" I asked my brother who was chugging down the food. "Sister! Well Josee, the sister of Jess invited us here so we came since we don't have anything to do." Sokka stated as he came close to Suki and put his arms around his girlfriends shoulder.

"Where's Zen?" Aang asked while looking around. "he can't come since he still has soccer practice and he was still tired from his trip, twinkletoes." Toph answered. I just remembered that I would text him once we arrive. So I took out my phone while the others were busy talking with each other.

'We have arrive at the party, there's a lot of people here.

wish you were here'

I was going to press send but looking at it again made me blush so I erased the 'wish you were here' part and send it to Zen. It was 6:50 so I think they are finishing up their practice and do some stretches to avoid cramps. I was putting my phone inside my bag when Toph yelled facing me "Shiro!" I was confused since what she yelled wasn't my name which made me look back and saw the guy that I bumped earlier at the store. Again, he was just standing and smiling until he spoke with Toph "Hey Toph, It's been a long time isn't it?" He was waving his hand to Toph while I carefully move away from him and closer to Suki and Sokka.

Toph and the guy named Shiro looks awfully close with each other. "So you visiting again?" Toph questioned the guy in which he shook his head in disagreement "Nope, I'm actually staying here until I graduate college." Toph gleamed "No way! That's awesome dude! Ah! right, these are my friends, The bald one is Aang a freshman, Sokka the guy clinging to his girlfriend and Zuko the guy with a mop hair is both 3rd years, Suki the girlfriend of Sokka and that is Katara, Sokka's sister, they are both sophomore. There is one more but he can't come since he has soccer practice. And this is Shiro a childhood friend from my hometown" After Toph introduced us, Shiro kept his gaze on to me all the time. It made me a bit uncomfortable which he quickly notices and stopped looking at me intently.

We could see that Shiro and Toph were really close with each other which made Aang worry, since Aang has a thing for Toph. "don't worry buddy, I'm sure Toph doesn't like that guy romantically." sokka reassured Aang but it wasn't enough to clear his mind from jealousy. Suki cut in the boy's talk "Aang don't be jealous rather than you, I think it is Zen who will have a- " Was all I manage to hear from Suki, the rest was inaudible. What was it that Zen will have rather than Aang? After what Suki said Aang seemed to calm down.

Shiro came up to me and I saw the others looking at me, I raised my brow at them, they just nodded and get back to their business. "Hey, sorry for staring earlier." I glanced at Shiro who was apologetic. "It's fine" I smiled at him. "You're really gorgeous, that's why I couldn't keep my eyes off of you." I blushed at his statement. He said I was gorgeous, I receive it from time to time from other guys but something was different about this. It felt really sincere. "Thanks Shiro" He smiled. "Would you like a drink?" he asked, I nodded at him "Sure."

I checked my phone and there was still no reply from Zen. It was already 7:30, he said he would text me when something happened or when he got home. Shiro came back with one glass on each hand. He gave one to me and the other one he drank it. "Are you okay? I noticed that you kept looking at your phone." Was I really checking my phone that much? "Uh, Yes I'm alright. Just waiting for someone to reply back." Then my phone buzzed. Zen was calling me. I quickly answered.

"Zen, are you alright? Did something happened?" My concern for him has taken over me. "Yeah, actually I might need some help." My eyes widened and all I could ever thing about is returning at his side to give him aid. "Wait there!, I'm going back right now." I said in a hurry. "The ketchup spilled over my shirt and it looked like a murder scene here right now." I could hear him laughing at the end of the line. I felt relieve at the same time I want to punch him and never talk to him. "JERK!" I shouted and ended the call.

"Once again, I'll be asking you. Are you alright?" Shiro appeared in front of me who was stress at the moment all because of Zen. "He's such a jerk" I was on the verge of crying but thankfully I didn't. "Well if he is a Jerk, then why keep hanging out with him?" I blinked at what Shiro said. "No, he's a jerk but not a bad jerk. He just like to mess around so somehow he is a good jerk, I guess?" Explaining this is hard "If you met him, you will see that he isn't really a jerk. But I guess it's kind of confusing"

He chuckled "Well it is confusing but entertaining by how hard you are trying to explain it." My phone buzzed again and it was Zen again. I accepted it "Hey sorry bout earlier." Yeah you better be sorry. hmph. "You're still a jerk." I told him bluntly. "I know and this jerk is wiling to do anything to be forgiven" he chuckled slightly before continuing "I'm really sorry Katara, and if it would make you feel better. Would you like me to walk you home later?"

I would love him to walk me home later "Aren't you tired from practice and your trip?" What if something happens to him while going here. I wouldn't want to risk it. "I'm good and besides, I want to" Why are you being like this Zen. "No, sorry Zen but I will have to decline and besides Sokka and the others are here." He remained silent for a couple of seconds. "Is that so.. Okay Katara, enjoy.." He trailed off before dropping the call.

I still wanted to speak with him but he suddenly drop the call which saddened me. "So, this 'jerk' guy you are talking about." they guy beside me stated in which I raised my brow in confusion. "What about him?" I crossed my arms as I was facing his way. He took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Is he the guy Toph were saying that weren't able to come here?" I nodded at Shiro.

"Well enough about him, how bout you? I heard that you're going to stay at this town from now on?" I tell him taking a sip on my drink. "Yep, my mom had to relocate here due to her job and dad on the other hand is still at the other country." I nodded while listening to him. "So it's just you and your mom? How bout your old friends? Aren't you going to miss them?" At this time we were walking towards the backyard for some air. "No and yes but they will be fine without me and besides I think it's fun to meet new interesting people, just like you" He smirked at me in which I giggled at his statement.

"So, if it's not just you and your mom, who else then?" I asked curiously, I enjoy talking to him. A different vibe than Zen but still great. "Just me, Mom and my 2 older sisters." So he's the only guy at his house this whole time? "I bet you're used to hearing a lot of girl stuff huh?" He just shrugged. "It's hard to say, sometimes I get it right but sometimes I don't, so I'll just say about 50%?" He chuckled. Then he continued "Enough about me, what about you? I heard that you and Sokka are siblings." I nodded.

"Yep, just us two and our Dad." He raised his brow in question. "How bout your mom?" I returned with a saddened smile. "She passed away when I was 7." I said carefully. The cheerful smile he got faded. "I'm sorry, I didn't know.." He apologized to me "It's okay, you didn't know"

Our talk continued on for 30mins, till we heard the people inside were shouting "They're here!" Who was here exactly? "I'm gonna go and find Sokka. It was nice meeting you Shiro" I smiled at him. "Sure, I'll go to my cousin, It was my pleasure to meet you Katara." He bowed in of me front. Chivalrous.

I found Sokka with Suki and the others. They still have no idea what was going on. The people were crowding the center. "Have any idea who the celebrity is?" Zuko asked me. I shook my head "Not a clue."

I got no clue until the mystery people shouted. "Let's get ready to parteh!" That was when the people scattered and partied a little bit harder than earlier. Little by little the mystery guys appeared. The only guy that I notice, is the one that had emerald eyes and white hair. I told him not to come, I was worried if something happened to him. Jiro was clinging to Zen's shoulders. I slowly walked towards him.

"Why are you here? Didn't you told me that you were going to rest up?" I was pouting while he was staring me with those dearing eyes of his. "Jiro forced me to come and besides I.." He trailed off before continuing "Kind of want to spend.." once again he trailed off, I titled my head in question. "hmm?" then he continued "Spend some time with you.." He carefully say those words that brought butterflies to my stomach.

I smiled at the guy, who was shyly looking around. I took his hand and stole him from Jiro. "Then let's go." I giggled and he chuckled but before we could leave Jiro, Jiro pulled Zen. "Sorry Katara but Zen kind of promised me that he will be by my side all night tonight." Zen immediately glared at Jiro. "Kill joy. tch." Jiro was definitely messing with Zen. I sighed, even though he got to this party, it doesn't seem like he will be able to spend his time with me. "Okay, I'll be with Sokka and the others if you want to find me." I wave them goodbye.

"Sorry Katara, I'll make it up to you tomorrow." He wave back at me smiling sadly. Zen along with some of his teammates sat at the couch. It was perfect since I am able to see him perfectly here where we were sitting. Other times I would see him looking at me then back to his circle. I love that he would scrunch his nose whenever he smile. He had the brightest smile out there. Then he would rub his eyes, he was definitely sleepy. He would always do that before sleeping in class.

I continued watching Zen until a guy blocked my view. I looked up and saw it was Shiro. "Just a little more and he would melt by your gaze Katara." I rolled my eyes as he took a seat beside me. "So that is the 'jerk' you were talking about?" I nodded at him while continuing looking at Zen. "He's a total jerk." I eyeshot Shiro by his words. He doesn't know Zen and what right does he have to say that Zen is a total Jerk. "You don't even know him."

He came closer to me to prove a point. "psh, I know him all too well. Look, he's a jock, the star of his team. Look at all the girls lining up for him. He's a real jerk, trust me." I glared at Shiro and smelled a strong alcohol from him. "You're drunk." I stood up from my seat and go outside to the backyard. I can't believe Shiro would say that but I just knew him just tonight. I stand there and felt the air breeze.

"Let me guess, you got a bit drunk then needed the air?" A guy was walking then stopped when he got beside me. I raised my brow at him. Please not you too. "No, wait that seems wrong. Hmm, just needed breathe the clean air don't you? I completely understand, it's smelly as hell inside. You know I'm just blurting out what my head is thinking right now." He was chuckling and scrunching his nose whenever he smile.

"Here, it's my turn to bring you water." He just smiled at me while handing out a cup of water. "What are you doing here outside Zen?" I asked him as I took a sip from the cup. He covered his mouth with his hand. "I might've drank a little too much. So I'm here to sober up, I guess?" The silence filled the space between us. "Wanna seat down?" He offered.

I took the seat beside him. "So, who was that guy? The guy that sat beside you then started pointing at me all of a sudden?" He was chuckling and I bet he is here to tease me. "He's a friend of Toph and we just met tonight." Just thinking about what happened earlier boils my blood. I mean, how could he say that the guy in front of me is a jerk without getting to know him. Well this jerk did it with Jet, but that was when he knew the story and Jet is really a douche.

Zen suddenly flicked my forehead "Hey grandma, stop frowning you're really age up much faster if you keep on doing that." He laughed. This jerk, I punch his arm hard. "Ouch Katara, that hurt, no kidding." He was pouting and rubbing the part where I punch him. "Then don't call me grandma, you jerk"

He placed his hand at his left chest and started to act like his hurt. "You just wounded my heart again. And no fair! You called me Jerk twice tonight." He was squinting his eyes as he eyed me but we suddenly burst into laughing.

I like how Zen is carefree, every time I'm with him just puts me into a calm state except for the time when got into an accident in which my concern for him goes over the roof.

After talking for a bit, we both head inside and separated our ways when Jiro stole him then Suki stole me. Time check, it was 10:24pm and the soccer team was bidding their goodbyes. Zen was waving his phone to me that was when my phone buzzed.

'Wait for you outside your dorm?'

I replied

'just go to sleep you sleepyhead. We still need to go to morning class Tomorrow.'

then he replied

' :( alright, take care'

I laugh at his little gesture before the soccer team left the party. They said they needed to go before midnight since their coach gave them a strict curfew. The gang stayed for another hour before going back to the dorm but before we got back, Shiro sobered up and went to me. "hey, I'm sorry about what I said earlier, I guess I got a bit jealous since that guy got your full attention and I know we aren't a thing and we just met tonight, it's just that I was really enchanted by you. And I was hoping to get to know you better." He bowed in front of me, he seemed sincere but all night I could swear that most of the time he is just apologizing. Even so, I accepted his apology. "It's fine but remember this, Zen isn't a jerk and the only one who can call him that is me. Got it?" He immediately nodded.

"So, now that's cleared up. Can I have your number?" He was really serious earlier that he wanted to get to know me better. "Sure , give me your phone." I grabbed his phone and saved my digits inside the phone then return it back to him. "Thanks Katara."

After that happened, Me and the gang went back to the dorm. While on the bus I heard Suki say "Poor Zen" while shaking her head. I didn't pay any mind about it anymore. I smiled remembering the little interaction with Zen earlier. Even though it was just a short time, he really know how to remove all my troubles and make me feel at ease. He just know what to say at the right time and the right place. I smiled once again as I leaned to Suki who was beside me. I can't wait till tomorrow.

October 27, 2021

Ms. Rui's Classroom

Katara's PoV

Upon arriving the classroom, Ms. Rui told us to take our seat since we would be having homeroom for an hour due to an important announcements. Suki and I took our seat while Zen was still missing. "Zen will be late today since his Coach ask to borrow him for a little bit." I immediately faced in front and got a bit flushed by Ms. Rui's statement. She somehow read my mind. Time passes by and slowly the classroom was pack with students and Zen was still with his coach I presume.

"Okay let's start, everybody take your seat. First and foremost, we will be having another transferee this year. Please come in." Ms. Rui signals the transferee to come inside and a familiar red haired guy appeared. "Hey isn't that Shiro, Toph's friend?" Suki on the left whispered to me and she was right. It was Shiro. He noticed us and wave at us. We waved back. "Oh, you already know Katara and Suki?" Ms. Rui asked Shiro in which he nodded in agreement.

"Well if that's the case then you can seat beside her, but before that you should introduce yourself." Ms. Rui gave the stage to Shiro who just smiled. "My name is Shiro Takeru, I'm 19 and I play as a setter in volleyball. I'm currently single but I'm very interested in someone." He stared at me when he said the last statement. On the other side Suki doesn't seem to be impressed by Shiro. "It's very nice to meet you all." he bowed then walk towards us to take a seat beside me because Miss Rui told him to. "Hey, didn't think I would be able to meet you two again so fast." He was pretty excited the very opposite of Zen who likes to sleep all the time.

Speaking of Zen, where is he? I heard footsteps running down the hall, then bursting down the door which startled everyone. A panting Zen appeared just like a pokemon. "I'm sorry, I'm late Ms. Rui. It was all Coach's idea." He was having trouble from speaking because he was panting so fast.

Zen's PoV

Coach took an over time at the meeting earlier that I'm late for my homeroom. Ms. Rui instructed us to be there since there is an important announcement but coach had to pull me to the side. I was too tired from all the running that I opened the door with too much force. "I'm sorry, I'm late Ms. Rui. It was all Coach's idea." I had trouble speaking because I was panting fast.

As I catch my breath I saw Ms. Rui in shocked well I couldn't blame her. The way I opened the door was forceful. "Don't worry about being late, your coach told me already earlier this morning that he will borrow you for like an hour or so. Say, why are you in a rush anyway?" Coach already told Ms. Rui and he still had the nerve to tell me to rush since he didn't told Ms. Rui. "That geezer." I could feel my veins in my head poppin' out. Ms. Rui just looked at me like she was about to laugh. I took a deep breath "That geezer- I mean my Coach told me he still hasn't told you so I kind of rush in."

I'm seriously gonna rebel against him for doing this silly prank. Ms. Rui just nodded at me "You can take your seat now Zen." I rub the back of my neck "Thanks Ms. Rui and once again I apologize for startling everyone." I bowed then walk toward Katara, I stopped once I saw that the seat I was sitting on was occupied. I turned around then got up to the center aisle to sit beside my cousin Gen.

That was the guy that talked to Katara at the party and kept on pointing his finger at me. I frowned at the sight I have. They seem awfully close for someone she met last night. I saw him glanced at me then back to Katara which made me frown much more. "Someone's jealous" Gen stated in a teasingly way. "Who?" I looked at her with my brows raised. "You're no fun. Just admit that you're jealous of those two." She was patting my back "Why would I be jealous? It's not like there's something going on with me and Katara." I returned my gaze at the two which brings my mood down.

"Look, my couz, you are glaring at the guy and don't say that you aren't cause I can picture how you look just for proof." I ignored Gen and just redirected my focus at Ms. Rui who was announcing news. Gen was right, I was jealous. How can I not be, the guy seem like he likes Katara and as for Katara, she was giggling with every word the guy was saying. If you look at them without knowing them, you would totally mistake them for a couple.

My mood was worsening each second that I see them. "How long have they been doing that?" I asked Gen who was clearly waiting for me to burst. "That, my cousin has been just going on for a little bit of time before you arrived. So you finally admit that you're jealous." I glared at her. "yes." I told her in a dead tone. She squealed in which Ms. Rui gave her the eyeshot that made her take her seat instantly.

I noticed that Katara was looking, I was about to wave my hand at her but the guy stole her attention. It bummed me out that I decided to sleep through out the hour.

I felt a familiar hands ruffling my hair just the way that I like it. "Zen, wake up" The sweet voice I could never get enough off. I slowly opened my eyes to see the girl that I like, Katara, sitting where Gen was earlier, by my side. "Hey there." I smiled.

"Got a good sleep?" She asked me while her hand is still playing with my hair. My head was still laying at the table "Yep, How long has I been out for?" She placed her hand behind my neck. "Ms. Rui's announcement ended an hour ago, so about an hour and a half?" I nodded. "So how long have you been sitting there?" She was startled by my question and her cheeks were turning pink "About an hour. Why do you ask?"

So as soon as Ms. Rui was done announcing she came straight to me? This is bad I can't hide my smile. I knew I was turning red at the moment. "No reason, just curious."

I composed myself at my seat. "So, where's the new guy?" I asked facing her while she just pointed at the back. I looked at where she pointed and found out that he was doing the props for the Halloween party. I faced her once again. "Speaking of Halloween party, what are you going to be? We've already draw ballots last month and I still haven't asked you that." She grabbed her bag and started to look for something. She gave me the piece of paper that was inside her wallet which was inside her bag. I read what was written at the paper 'The painted lady/gentleman'. "Speaking of which, why aren't you saying anything?" I frowned.

She giggled a little then answered. "Sorry, just messing with you. Anyway, how about you? What are you going to be at the Halloween?" She asked while grabbing the piece of paper which was at my hand. I took my wallet at my back pocket then gave her the piece of paper which was inserted in one of the card holders. "Wolf? So, you're going topless?" She asked while raising her brow at me. I chuckled, why was she even curious if I was going topless but "Nope, I asked them if it was okay to change it to not a topless costume, and besides it's freezing. It's already the month October." Her face got into a poker face but I somehow I see that she's disappointed about it but I might be just imagining it.

"Yeah, right." She told me carefully, not fully believing what I said, not that I know which part she was directing it. "Anyhow, what's the new guy's costume? And aren't our costume handmade by our classmates?" She nodded at me, "First, his costume will be a vampire so it'll not be a hassle in creating it. Secondly, yes our costumes are handmade by our very own classmate. That said, they have already done our costumes last week and they agreed on making another one for the new guy and lastly, the new guy's name is Shiro. So please be mindful that when you call him, it'll by his name." Somehow I feel like I'm being scolded right now. I raised my hands in defeat. "Alright, alright."

I like how she defends people and how righteous she is, but sometimes she would do mischievous things that would certainly surprise me. I love how she constantly surprises me and exceeds my expectations but there's a part of me that was jealous by how she defended Shiro. I stared at her and as time passes by she was looking at me frowning. "What is it Zen?" I ruffled her hair and didn't say anything. I stood up from my seat then helped with the guys in front of the room. I could see Katara still confused about what I did but she decided to shrug it off before she helps the girls at the back of the room.

Shiro was there helping the girls, but as soon as he saw Katara he immediately jumped her way which clearly made me irritated by the sight. "Ouch!" It distracted me that I accidentally hammered me thumb so hard that my hand slid at the corner of the wood which wounded my left thumb. It looked like it was sliced by a knife but this had rough edges. It was a vertical cut at the side of my thumb. I always get accidents in a very weird way and I'm starting to think that I may have done something so bad in my past life just to deserve this.

"Dude Zen, are you alright?" Jason asked, "yeah, I'm alright no need to make a big deal out of it." I told them "Bro, you're bleeding!" Geo shouted which alerted the whole class then slowly my classmates gathered around and make it a big deal. All I could do was just sigh. Katara suddenly grabbed my wrist and examines the cut. "Come with me, I'll take you to the clinic." This is why I don't like to make it a big deal, this worrywart will get mad at me. I'm going to be scolded later.

Knowing that resisting doesn't help, I silently followed her to the clinic where she grab couple of things then started on treating the cut. "Seriously Zen, I just take my eyes off of you for one second then you already got an accident. Tell me, do you have a magnet in your body that attracts accidents and disasters?" She stated as she continues to treat the wound at my hand. I scratched the back of my head with my free hand. "I don't know, maybe?" She glanced at me like a glare for a second then back to focusing at treating the wound.

Whenever a situation rises she would be the first one to move, She was level headed and didn't show any hesitations. "You, how do you keep calm whenever something like this happens?" She didn't stop and kept on doing what she was doing. "Of course, if I panicked how would I be able to treat and help others." Was she really not panicking? No, rather than panicking I know that she was scared and worried whenever this happens. I should've known better. "Hey don't worry about it. It'll heal and besides I experience something much worse anyway" Remembering about the time my Father slashed me with a knife at my lower back. I was trying to make a joke to make her ease up a bit but it resulted oppositely way than I imagine. "That doesn't mean, you shouldn't take care of yourself and whether it was worse or not you still got hurt."

I was surprised by her response, not that I can say that I didn't expected it but this time she was mad at me. "I'm sorry Katara, what I said was stupid and out of line. I know that you don't like your friends getting hurt."

Katara still hasn't look at me. "If you know then why do you keep on getting hurt and making me worry." She spoke so softly and weak but was loud and clear enough for me to hear and understand it. "Sorry." was all I manage to say. I shouldn't really make her worry about me all the time. Ever since we've met, 5 incidents have already happened. The first incident was on the try outs, the second was on the match were my head fell so hard at the field. Then there was the time when I slipped my footing on the stairs and fell. Then the last before this one was I almost got hit by a car. I was really in a deep thought back then and missed the red light at the crossing. Thankfully the others were there to stop me before the car hit me. Though the driver stop and shouted angrily not that I can protest about it. It was my fault anyway.

The ticking of the clock was all I could here during the time Katara is treating my cut. It was silent since no one was talking. She was very careful upon wrapping my thumb with a band aid. "You should be more careful next time you hold a hammer, you guys still have the tournament cup, don't you?" She said while fixing up the things she used and putting them back at their rightful places.

I stood up from where I was sitting, carefully examined my thumb. She's really good at doing these things. "Yeah, thanks." I said while still looking at my hand. "It's no problem." I still can't face her after asking that question. It was a stupid joke, I should have know better. At times I like it when she worries about me because it shows that she truly cares for me but it makes me feel guilty at the same time. I should really be more careful next time. "Katara-" I was going to apologize but by the time I looked up, she was gone. She already head back to the classroom alone. "Stupid self" I muttered and rubbed the temple of my head cursing myself. Why did I have to say that? I'm so stupid

I composed my self before heading out of the clinic. I look at my thumb once again and remembered I was really prone to these kind of incidents. There was no escaping from it, in the end it will always occur no matter how hard I take care of myself. Well, actually I'm just really clumsy. When I was just a little child, I would always get hurt at some part of my body every time I head out of our house to play outside. It's not like I wanted it to happen it's just unexplainable how danger always seem to hunt me down. I sighed as I leaned my back towards the lockers. I have lots of little scars scattered around my body from my past incidents though it won't be visible if you didn't really focus on it.

It was already 11:30 and lunch is just at 12pm, Should I go back at the classroom and continue what I was doing earlier or just skip it and go ahead to B and B to work my shift. Every Wednesday I had shift at B and B at 12:30 till 6pm since I have no afternoon classes at that day. I wanted to apologize to Katara for saying what I said at the clinic but as I look through the window of our classroom, she and Shiro was having a good time. I didn't want to ruin her mood once again by showing my face to her. And yes, I'm embarrassed by what I have said. So, without grabbing my empty bag inside the classroom, I head out to the Cafe to work.

I stumbled across Sokka along the way to the Cafe. "Hey Zen, where's my sister and Suki?" I stopped walking after Sokka talked, I didn't really told him that his sister looks like she doesn't want to talk to me, so I kept it short and direct. "They are still at the classroom finishing up the classroom, while I need to go to work." I waved my hand at him. "Okay, see you buddy" Sokka waved his hands goodbye at me. And yes, I escaped.

Once I arrived at the Cafe, I swiftly changed into my uniform and began to wait tables. It was a bit busy since it was lunch time and around this time Katara would by the window drinking her coffee while reading a book but no, she's not here. I find it odd because I was actually getting used to her presence. "Waiter!" Oh! Damn, I need to focus. Work first, work first Zen!

After some time, the cafe calms down and people began to leave for school or work. Finally, I'll be able to relax. There were only a few customers left so, Uncle told me to have lunch while it was still peaceful. I grabbed a plate from the kitchen and served what uncle prepared for me. It was curry, one of my favorites. I brought the curry out and sat at the empty table. I took the first bite and remembered Mom. The curry my mom always used to cook was the recipe of our grandmother. Everything that has happened ever since I was a child flashes through my mind, all the happy, sad, good, and bad moments. Until mom left us for some other guy and Dad began to beat his children up.

Uncle sat at the seat in front of me which was available and handed me a tissue. I raised my brow in confusion, but Uncle just smile sadly. I didn't noticed that I was crying. I missed Mom, Dad. I miss my whole family back when we were all happy. I grabbed the tissue Uncle was handing out and wiped the tears dropping out of my eyes. "Sorry it had to happen, Kid." I shook my head. "It wasn't your fault Uncle and rather than apologizing to me, I should be thankful for having you as my Uncle. All you did was support me and help us, me and Lily. Without you, Lily would have suffered so much. Thank you for taking care of Lily. I mean it."

It still pains me to remember Mom leaving us. It was when our family broke apart. All those picture together was torn apart and burned. Dad became a stranger. He wasn't the cold man he is now, he was caring and loving. There was no use wondering what really happened and why Mom had left us. I finished the curry and washed the plate in the kitchen.

Moments later I grabbed the mop inside the cabinet which we store all the cleaning products. I washed the mop and brought it out, that's when I saw the gang including Shiro was there sitting at the left table. I paid no mind at them and started mopping the floor. It doesn't really bother me if the whole gang is at the Cafe, what was bothering me was Shiro and Katara were sitting so close with each other. I noticed Katara was holding the bag that I left at the classroom, I was going to grab that after my shift. "Ah Zen! Come here." Suki was motioning me to come at the table. I put aside the mop where no one would stumble against it.

Then I head towards the table where the gang was sitting. "Hey, what's up?" I felt so weak, I was still remembering the past which was holding me back. They all looked at me worriedly. "Are you alright?" My roommate Zuko asked. I nodded "Yeah, I'm good. So, what is it? You guys going to order?" I asked them while grabbing the notepad and pen used to take orders of the customers at the back of my pocket. "Is burger steak available?" Shiro stated while looking at the menu. I nodded at him "Yes sir, it's available." The others looked at Shiro bewildered "Uhm, actually we called you here not to take our order but to return your bag." I raised my brow.

No one was giving out my bag. There was an awkward silence. "Psst, Katara the bag" Suki whispered though it was loud enough to be heard. Katara grabbed the bag that was on the side and gave it to Suki. Suki was also confused but she gave me the bag. Katara was still mad at me. "Uh, Thanks. Since I already took his order, what are your orders?" While waiting for their orders, My phone rang. I checked it out and it was Lily. I gestured the gang that I'll be back for a bit. "Hey lil' sis" I said as I answered the phone. "hey big bro, are you at the cafe by any chance?" She was talking cautiously which made me raise my brow. "Yeah, I have work. What is it?"

I could hear Lily laughing nervously "Is it okay if my friends come with me at the cafe?" Why wouldn't that be okay? "Of cource, why ask permission?" I asked curiously. "Well, these friends of mine, is kind of a uhm.." This was getting too long. "Lily, get straight to the point, I don't have all day." There was a quick silence before she continued. "They are your fans." Was Lily being taken advantage of? "Did they asked you to do that Lily?" I don't like it when people take advantage of her. "What? Of course not, I personally invited them since I wanted to show them that I'm proud to have you as my brother. And do you really think that people can take advantage of me?" I chuckled. Well, she's right. She's my hot blooded sister and there's no way she would be taken advantage of.

"Alright, see you later lil' sis" Then I dropped the call before heading inside.

Disclaimer: I don't own any A:TLA characters.