Honeybee

by StrangerWays

High School AU. Something strange was going on between the Davis Twins and Mai Taniyama. Something unusual and extraordinary. May be rated M later.

2. Irokousui

AN: Hello everyone,

My apologies for the late chapter. I haven't written in a long time so it's like finding my writers identity again when I'm writing out these chapters. It's not an easy process like how it used to be for me. But I think I'm putting out quality material and importantly, I'm proud that I'm even able to do this.

I know there are some questions floating around about the pairing situation. I will not explicitly tell you guys what the pairing situation is, you'll have to read on. It's all about the angst. If there are fragments of things you don't understand, foreshadowing, it will all be revealed in later chapters.

To atone for the late chapter I have given you 40 pages of writing. A lot, I know. Lol

I appreciate reviews/comments because I'd like to know if I'm making people happy or if there are things to work on. If you have critics, examples really help. Again, it's been a while and I'm not as confident in my writing like I was before. Proud but not confident.

Thank you to all who have given this a chance and happy reading!

Gene smiled looking ahead of him at the only view he'd been looking forward to all week since the start of school. Mai on her yellow Retrospec bicycle. 2 years prior Gene had sat on her back rest going along for the ride. He hadn't learned how to ride a bike yet and sworn Mai to secrecy to never reveal such a thing. She laughed naturally but had taught himself and attempted to teach his brother (who had absolutely no interest) how to ride bikes. Gene became obsessive no longer wanting to be ridiculed for riding on the back of a petite girl's bike and begged for a Retrospec bike like Mai's. His adoptive parents bought him one for his birthday in a navy blue with tawny colored seating and wheels.

Practically every Sunday, if the good weather permeated it, Mai and Gene went bike riding together. It was something they shared alone and something Gene anticipated every week.

Mai's bike gracefully weaved back and forth with her speed staying a nice consistency. Her head lulled back looking behind her at him a moment, a Cheshire grin sporting her lips. Their eyes caught and he knew what she was saying.

Race me.

She looked ahead, lifting her rump from her seat and leaning forward as her short legs began to peddle with velocity. She was getting far ahead of him her laughter echoing in the distance the further she got away. Gene stayed back a moment to allow her a grace period because he knew he'd beat her. He did have the longer legs after all. Raising his own bum and extending forward a tad he peddled beginning to catch up to her.

Mai looked behind her seeing Gene approaching quickly. An excited laugh escaping her lips she peddled faster and could hear him laughing after her. She cherished these moments with Gene. Held them so dearly close and hoped they could last a lifetime. She couldn't help herself from thinking about where they'd started and how they had gotten there.

Mai had been orphaned for a year and lived with a teacher before her teacher accepted a position at another school. The kids hadn't taken too kindly to her at first, but one boy had.

Gene sped by Mai.

"Slowpoke!" He yelled back looking over his shoulder at her.

Mai's eyes suddenly widened looking past Gene.

"Gene! Ahead of you!" She yelled.

Gene swiveled slightly turning to look in front of him narrowly missing a jogger. He veered off the sidewalk coming to a full stop all the while the jogger yelled a few insults and Mai… She just kept on riding sticking her tongue out at his dumbfounded expression.

When Gene had reached the park at their signature bench Mai's bike was already locked at the bike racks and she'd been sitting on their bench with a shit eating grin. He could only shake his head at her and put his own bike at the rack, lock, check to make sure it was locked and head towards her.

"What's that story with the arrogant clumsy distracted rabbit and the beautiful awesome tortoise?" He gave her an expression that resembled so close to Noll's no-nonsense look. "How'd that end again?" Mai's eyes danced with mirth and playfulness looking up at him.

He sighed before spinning dramatically and flopping into the seat beside Mai. Notso gracefully, he practically sat on her to which he heard and felt her giggles.

"Off Gene." But he hadn't exactly listened. Choosing to move his hips away from hers but keep his head on her shoulder.

"Mai, I not only nearly pummeled a jogger but importantly I lost. Can't you baby me?"

Mai tilted her chin down to look at Gene, who's eyes widened, and mouth pouted like some big dumb baby. She slapped his chest one time making him jump up.

"In your dreams." She rolled her eyes but laughed seeing Gene rub his poor chest. "Now go on and buy the drinks."

Gene groaned, letting his head lull back to stare up at the nearly clear sky then kicking his legs like a tantrum toddler jumped up and ran to get the drinks.

Mai jumped up from her seat, using her hands as a megaphone to call after him. "Look where you're going, space cadet!"

He turned to briefly give her his heartthrob grin the girls at school raved on about but ran to a vendor cart in the distance.

When Gene came back, he pressed a cold green tea against Mai's cheek.

"Oi! Ss-cold." She shivered taking the cup.

"You make it easy when you daydream like that. Look what Ralph wrote on your cup today."

Mai looked at her cup turning it a spin to find the funny markings from the vendor they'd bought from nearly every Sunday for 2 years.

Invite me to the wedding?

Mai cackled and then fell into a jovial laugh. Gene joined in, his eyes squinting from his own laughter. A quick glance in Mai's direction made his heart skip a beat, and he couldn't help but to marvel at the dimples that formed whenever she guffaws like that.

She's beautiful.

As usual on their bike ride Sundays, the day was filled with wonderful laughter and joy. Numerous conversations on an endless list of topics, all more mentally stimulating or silly than the next. A complicity, a simplicity and a bond that he only felt with her.

Before he'd known it the afternoon drifted into the evening. A beautiful pink and orange sky cascading down on the duo as they rode their bikes home. The moment disappearing like the tire marks from their bicycles would in a day or so.

When Gene had gotten home that day, he couldn't help but to berate himself on his cowardice. The opportunity to confess was there. It always was when he was alone with her. All those euphoric moments became idle memories he reflected on in the night where he played what if scenarios. But that moment in the park where she laughed so freely and to most, obnoxiously could have been the moment he pushed back a lock of hair from her face and leaned in and just…

But the moment disappeared into the confines of a time that couldn't be turned back. He was just too scared to say it out loud. Afraid for several reasons. But he knew they were just excuses. He knew Yasuhara was right. He needed to get a move on. Mai was a cute girl with a charming personality that many people noticed. And as selfish as it was, he didn't want to share that. Not with anyone.

He was going to confess even if it damn near killed him.

Soon Mai.

---

It had been a full month and a near week since the start of school. Mai had just gotten into a good routine between living on her own and her responsibilities there and managing her studies and social life.

Monday through Thursday Mai was strict on herself about her studies and home chores, and it was paying off from the looks of returned graded quizzes and assignments. On most Fridays she ate with the Davis family and spent the hours hanging out with the twins. She cleaned her house every Saturday morning and hung out with her girlfriends; Michiru, Keiko or Masako. She spent her Sunday afternoons riding bikes with Gene or to the cinema if it rained, took care of any errands, finished up homework or studying the remainder of the day and watched some anime or read until bedtime.

Despite her strict Monday through Thursday regimen Mai did make exceptions for a certain people. Michiru and Keiko for ghost stories after school, Gene to shoot the bull and Masako, naturally. Mai was always sure to free her schedule for the midnight black hair girl.

Masako and Mai were sitting together at their favorite café afterschool on a Wednesday. The girls were sipping on some new seasonal drinks and talked briefly about how each other was adjusting to school. If Mai thought she had a hectic schedule she wouldn't know what to call Masako's. The doll like girl already joined and applied to join 2 afterschool extracurricular activities, attended Japanese and French lessons on weekend mornings, and auditioned for plays in her spare time all while she maintained impressive grades. They talked awhile about Masako's annoyance at her parents, but Mai could read Masako like a book this wasn't why they were sitting here.

"Was there anything else you wanted to talk about Masako?" Mai giving the black haired girl a knowing expression.

"Actually, yes." She placed her drink on the table and gave her undivided attention to the auburn haired girl across from her.

The atmosphere had become much more serious and pressing so Mai mimicked her friends actions placing her own drink on the table and showing she was ready to listen.

Masako had heavily sighed before nodding to herself.

"I've thought on what we spoke about last time with Oliver."

Mai tilted her head waiting for the girl to continue. Masako couldn't look at her. Instead, her eyes were on her lap and her face was turning near scarlet.

"I greatly esteem him." Masako started to speak ringing her hands all the while. Then she finally looked up at Mai much more confident. "I like him."

There was a moment of silence. Masako knew Mai was aware of her feelings towards Oliver, but she hadn't exactly confessed them just her interest in getting closer to the reserved boy.

"Neh? Greatly esteem him?" Mai's mouth hung open comically. If the situation weren't so serious Masako would tease her, but she was perfectly serious.

"I mean I could stand to know him better." Masako commented.

Mai looked thoughtfully and nodded her head.

"I guess that's true."

"What I'm trying to say is that I want to take you up on your offer." Masako could see Mai was still confused by the squint in her eyebrows. She sighed. "As matchmaker."

"Oh…um, yea. I mean great, Masako! Good for you!"

Masako noticed that Mai seemed displaced at first but that feeling went away with how overjoyed Mai became.

"Thank you, Mai." Masako pleasantly smiled. "You've given me the confidence to make a first step. You are so close with the twins, and I would also like that for myself as well. Imagine. Me, and Oliver, and you and Gene."

Mai's eyes widened picturing Masako's idle fantasy.

"It's not like that with Gene." Mai shook her head with a nervous smile.

"Who is being coy now?" Masako teased. "The way the two of you are its…so romantic."

"Really?"

"Oh yes! All the time you spend together outside of school, your silly quips, the way the two of you speak so closely like you're speaking your own language and how he looks at you and after you. I must admit I'm envious."

And she had meant that. Watching Gene and Mai interact was not only entertaining but so endearing. Everyone talked about them. Their closest friends, their parents, their school peers especially. Mai and Gene were perfect for each other. Now if only Masako and Oliver could have what Mai and Gene have just in their own way.

"Wha envious? Why?" Mai asked breaking Masako out of her thoughts.

"Oliver hardly looks at me. In fact, I'm certain he does his very best to distance himself." Masako's words were pretty harsh about herself, but her face wouldn't give away the hurt that was showing in her eyes.

"That's not entirely true. He always chooses to sit next to you at lunch. Only you!" The auburn haired girl emphasized.

"That because Gene and Yasuhara take up the seats next to you."

Masako watched as Mai looked incredulously at her statement. She knew she would look that way because Mai was often aloof to her surroundings. Oliver had a special interest in Mai. Observing Oliver for so long made Masako aware of the fact. But she wasn't sure what kind of interest he had in her auburn haired friend.

"What? Naru doesn't want to sit next to me let alone talk to me." Mai countered.

"He speaks to you more than any of us."

"To insult me, remember?!" Mai rolled her eyes. "Honestly when I go over there, he mostly ignores me. Gene and I go about our day without him for the most part."

She hadn't exactly expected that reveal. She had always wondered how Mai and Oliver acted around each other in his home. Was he more talkative? Did he ask Mai about her? She strangely felt comforted at the fact that Mai barely spent time with Oliver, but then again wouldn't that make things more complicated in Mai helping match make?

"Oh, he's really reserved." She said unable to hide the anxiousness from her tone.

"A hermit, if his mum and dad didn't force him out his shell to attend school." Mai blew a raspberry before drinking from her juice. Loud slurps spilled from her lips at trying to get its last contents.

Sometimes Masako wished Mai had better manners, but she knew that it wasn't entirely Mai's fault. She was raising herself. No one held her accountable if she had mess on her face, or if she slurped too loud. Suddenly feeling sad she decided to continue the topic.

"So you'll assist in matchmaking me and Oliver up?"

"Yea, of course. I offered, didn't I?"

Mai's happy go lucky grin was infectious. A small grin appeared on her own face at the prospect of getting closer to Oliver and scheming with her best friend. She'd seen these types of things in movies and shows never quite experiencing it but with Mai Masako was learning so much about friendship. If it weren't for her, she would certainly be sitting alone at lunch.

"Did you want another juice?"

"No, I shouldn't."

"I'm going to order myself one. You like strawberry, right?"

"Yea. Wait! Masako don't."

But Masako had already gone towards the counter and ordered. When she got back, she placed Mai's drink in front of her.

"I'm paying next time."

"Consider our next drinks compensation for your matchmaking services."

"Masako we're friends. There's no price for that."

Sometimes Masako found herself astounded by Mai. Masako came from a wealthy and well cultured family. They moved a lot in her youth and the "friends" she had made were practically bought. They only seemed interested in what she could do, importantly buy. But Mai… sometimes she felt like Mai gave a lot more than she did in their friendship.

"I think I may have an idea on how to start this plan off." Mai's hazel eyes darkened in mischief her mouth curled nefariously.

"No bodily harm will be done, will it?" Masako cautioned.

"What? Of course not!"

"With you I have to ask." Masako shrugged taking a sip of her drink.

"Oh whatever." Mai pouted. "You wanna hear my plan or not?"

And the two girls schemed together over fruity beverages.

---

Mai and Gene were in the family room practicing a dance routine for Mai's insufferable TikTok account. She and Gene giggling every other minute between retakes and missteps but collectively, Oliver had to admit, they collaborated well together. Oliver knew he had no business studying the two of them so diligently, that he ought to be reading from the new book Martin bought him, but the way Mai smiled and laughed. Exuberant, loud, full and warm. Just like her. He couldn't help himself from smirking when he saw her trip over her two left feet. Gene, like the Casanova he claimed to be, caught her easily but fell as well. The two groaned and both went to lift their heads up banging their foreheads hard against the other. Mai crying out and Gene rubbing the sore spot.

Oliver thought, "idiots." But couldn't make a snide remark because not even a moment later they laughed gallantly taking huge huffs of air as they continued their hysterics.

Luella came out into the family room looking at both Gene and Mai on the floor, an adjoining smile etched on her lips.

"What is going on here?"

"We've had a bit of a bump, Luella." Mai shook her auburn hair from the front of her face, bits of unruly curls defiantly obscuring her face no matter how hard she attempted to blow them away.

Gene had already stood upright with a grin towards Luella.

"All's good mum." He placed a hand towards Mai to help her stand upright. She took it gratefully and before she could pull her hand away Gene had held it firmly using his right hand to sweep the strands from Mai's face gently.

"Better?" He asked her in a shy voice. Mai's face flashed a light colored blush before an adamant nod followed and her eyes diverted away from Gene's violet ones.

"I want tea." Oliver spoke out to no one in particular, or so he told himself.

"Oh, I can make it." Mai moved her hand away from Gene's and started to head to the kitchen. Luella placed her arm straight out to block the eager petite girl.

"Oh no dear. You're a guest. I'll make it." She fondly looked after Mai.

"Let her make it." Oliver responded before Mai could further insist. Her open mouth closing promptly swallowing the contests she was going to make.

"Noll, Mai isn't your servant. She's a guest. Practically family soon." Luella winked at Gene who blanched and quickly grabbed Mai's phone exiting out of the dance app and placing it back on the table.

"Oliver prefers Mai's tea, mum." Gene tried to say as casually as possible hoping to deflect his mum's matchmaking teasing. Suddenly remembering something of great importance Gene looked at Luella.

"Mum." Luella hummed in response. "May we speak privately?"

Luella gave a look of surprise and then giddiness creased the corners of her eyes. She hoped Gene wanted advice on how to ask a certain fair lady out. Or perhaps it was news of a developed relationship. She immediately gestured towards her office space where she had therapy sessions with her clients.

Together mother and son headed towards Luella's small office space.

Gene wrung his hands together before sitting on Luella's client chair. Luella parking herself in front of her desk, bottom pressed against the light wood.

"Mum, I'd like to go to a music festival during autumn break."

That was the last thing she had expected from her son. In fact, she was rather disappointed it wasn't about his auburn haired female friend.

Jean could immediately see the disappointment on his mother's face. He knew that asking something like this would warrant an expression like the one his mother wore. However, there was something more important at stake than just going to a music festival.

"Gene, is that really all?" Luella pushed off the desk and sat on the chair across from her son. "There's wasn't anything else you wanted to talk about. Perhaps something to do with Mai?" She gently pressed.

Gene had blinked and immediately nodded.

"Yes, actually! I wanted to take Mai too. So, I'll need two tickets."

"Like a proper date?" Luella leaned forward pressing her palms on her knees to contain the excitement she felt at the prospect of her eldest having a girlfriend. She did her best to not look so overly excited seeing that Gene was becoming rather impish judging by the change of color in his cheek.

Yasuhara, earlier in the school week, had brought the festival to his attention. The festival would fall over Autumn Break and one of their headliners happened to be he and Mai's favorite band. Yasuhara suggested that this could be the perfect opportunity to get closer to Mai and thinking it over, it felt right.

"Sort of, yea." He shyly smiled.

"This is exciting news, Gene! You should ask her out officially!"

"Slow down now." Gene jumped up looking suspiciously at the door as if it'd grown ears.

"Could you please keep this to yourself?"

"Of course, Gene. Anything you tell me is between the two of us. I'm so glad you felt comfortable telling me."

She felt her heart thump with the soft smile that lite Gene's face. He had a smile that could light the room and warm even the coldest heart. And that smile belonged to her son. She could only marvel at both her boy's growth every day.

"I want to earn the tickets, mum. I want to do this for myself." Gene broke her loving thoughts with his conviction. She smiled at his dedication and need for independence. Martin would be proud.

"Right right, parenting." Luella nodded to herself, unfolding her arms. "You can go. We'll add on some chores you can work off for the tickets."

"Another thing mum." Luella looked at Gene surprised there was more. Did he need help in preparations? Maybe a cute gift to give his cute friend?

"The biggest reason I want to take Mai is because our favorite band is set to play but they're during the late night set. We wouldn't be home 'til after 3."

"3 in the morning?" Luella incredulously asked.

"Right." She could see Gene's general apprehension. He was nervous. She didn't want to outright tell him no but 3am? She took a moment to think on how she would respond. Clearly this meant a lot to him.

"Your father isn't going to like this because I'm not necessarily so thrilled about you being out past midnight." She could immediately see the downtrodden expression befall Gene's violet eyes. She hated that look he was a boy meant to always smile. It was part of his very nature.

"However, I see your dilemma and your conviction. I'll discuss it with your father, and you'll have a definite answer for the night show soon, Gene."

His arms enveloped around the petite blonde. A soft gasp escaped Luella.

"Thank you, mum."

Every time she heard her sons refer to her as mum her heart leaped. Especially when Gene said it. Oliver called her mother out of respect, but she'd heard him many times refer to her by her name to others when speaking about her. Gene on the other hand had always called her mum. In fact, he asked to call her mum before she could even offer.

She wrapped her arms around him, embracing her son.

---

Mai and Oliver left alone stood in a bit of an awkward silence. It wasn't to say that they were awkward together but that sometimes the other wasn't sure how to fill the silence. Usually when they did have conversation, mostly arguments, they couldn't be stopped by anyone. But most often, Mai was preoccupied with Gene. He admittedly was much easier to get along with. But since their summer holiday, the one Mai joined the Davis family on a camping trip, things had been at such a strange standstill. Mai wasn't sure how to interact with Oliver. She wondered if he felt the same.

Mai heading towards the kitchen, grabbed the kettle and began filling it with filtered water or "fancy water" as Mai liked to refer to it. She always had an amused expression when using the filtered sink like it were new each time. Oliver watched her with an amused look himself and decided to carry himself and his book over to the island table. Once seated at the barstool he opened his book and pretended to be interested in its contents when really, he had silently watched her at work.

Mai heard the movement from the stool chairs and a person sitting in her vicinity. The hairs on the back of Mai's arms raised feeling his stare on her. She placed the kettle on the stove but hasn't turned it on yet. She turned her body to hopefully catch Oliver in the act, but he was simply reading. Just closer to her.

Maybe Oliver had no problem interacting with her? Maybe it was all just in her head? Wanting to fill the silence with conversation she decided to get on a subject she didn't want to neglect and would consequently help her own middle mind focus on something else other than her cowardice.

"You've been getting along with Masako alright." She commented leisurely. He hadn't said anything immediately and she wondered if this was one of those times where he would promptly ignore her for his textbooks.

"Is that a question?" He drawled, not lifting his eyes from his book.

"No," she looked surprised he was engaging but didn't allow it to deter her for a moment, "just something I noticed."

"And what pray tell made you come to that conclusion?" He raised an accusatory eyebrow at that. And thankfully he was anticipating a response because she did have to think on it.

While Masako fancied Oliver and it showed in her many quirky ways Oliver was much more difficult to read. Only his twin or some criminal profiler could probably figure Oliver out. Mai liked to think she understood most of his expressions but as of late he was even more mystifying than she countered.

"Well, you always sit beside her during lunch and greet her in a friendly manner." She knew it was lame the moment the words came out and Oliver seemed to acknowledge her bs as just that, bs.

"If being cordial is your idea of getting along with someone I'd hate to think what you'd fantasize a handshake from me would negate."

"Can you blame me for coming to these conclusions?" "News flash you're a jerk."

"Am I supposed to entertain this conversation with you insulting me?"

"Oh please Naru that's our thing."

"What thing?"

"Our thing." She emphasized with big bright eyes. "We insult each other! I'm your idiot and you're my narcissistic jerk."

"I didn't realize I belonged to you, Mai." She sputtered at his claim. Not because of the words exactly, though with some afterthought it was quite intimate. She was surprised by his soft smile and the gentleness of his words. She's imagining things.

"Ooh ugh that's not what I- oh my god.. uh no"

"And that you belong to me." He continued ignoring her incoherent speech. "How did this development run past me?" He even entertained looking perplexed which was not a Naru expression she ever saw.

Was he trying to give her a fever?! She knew her face had to resemble a tomato with how embarrassed and flustered she felt. One glance at him and she saw that smirk of his.

He was enjoying this.

"You're deflecting!" She pointed accusingly. "We were talking about Masako."

"No, you were attempting to make conversation with Masako as the subject."

"You're impossible, I swear!" She rolled her eyes finding herself closer near him. She was directly across from him on the other side of the island.

"You can never have a serious conversation or entertain me." She argued on childishly.

"I entertained you during our summer holiday."

Both parties fell silent. The weight of Oliver's words weighing heavily in the atmosphere about them. Oliver immediately regretting his words the moment they fell from his lips and by Mai's pensive expression it made him feel guilt. He didn't like the seriousness in her expression or how she folded her arms across her chest.

"Why are you attempting, with much difficulty, to get me to acknowledge Ms. Hara, anyhow?"

Mai pressed her eyes shut and sighed releasing much of the tension in her shoulders and forehead with a heavy exhale. Oliver changed the subject, something she was grateful for. But she also couldn't help but feel annoyance at him for even bringing up the summer holiday especially since he was the one who said they shouldn't bring up what happened again.

"It's not like you have eyes for anyone else." Mai muttered with a clipped tone. An annoyed glare that was directed at the wall across from her.

"What if I do?"

"Huh?" Did she hear that correctly? Had he actually said he was interested in someone? No, impossible.

"I said, what if I have eyes for someone?" At that moment he completely abandoned his book. His arms folded in front of him on the island table and indigo eyes looking directly into her eyes.

Mai did not say anything for a full three minutes. She kept her eye contact with Oliver and couldn't quite explain the feelings that followed his ominous statement. She was curious, certainly. The idea that Oliver could actually be interested in someone was perplexing, yet it made her feel oddly not well.

"Who are they?" She finally asked her brows arched and eyes not reminiscent to her friendly easygoing disposition. Instead, she looked rather predatory. An expression that piqued Oliver's interest greatly. Maybe he'd play into it to see how far this new side of Mai would go. What lengths would she go to get what she wanted?

"She?" Oliver raised a brow in a nonsensical manner.

"Couldn't be sure if they were a she." Mai fired back, a small upturn of the corner of her right lip quirked along with the right eyebrow.

Oliver lowered his eyes to look at the small dimple that formed on her right cheek and promptly looked at her lips. She was trying to control the giggles that desperately wanted to come out of her plump lips. She'd put some red gloss on them that day, and against his better judgment his eyes kept being drawn to the tantalizing flesh, with the white light reflecting on her bottom lip like in all those comic books he'd read as a boy.

"Who is she?" Fully digesting what she'd just asked, he snapped out of his reverie.

"Let's make this an educational bet." He'd suddenly said. At least suddenly to Mai. One moment he looked entirely unfocused on their conversation and the next he was throwing around the words 'educational' and 'bet'.

This couldn't be good.

She gave him quite the skeptical look with confusion clear as day in her eyes. Of course, she hadn't understood. Hell, he hadn't understood what he was doing himself. What made him even decide to toy with her in such a manner? Was he some sort of sadist? Her rose colored blush and flustered expression was something keen to intoxicating but not enough to do something as careless and idiotic as this. He'd forgotten himself having too much enjoyment from seeing Mai predatory or Mai flustered. He took too much enjoyment from anything she did. He knew it was a problem he'd need to squash like a pest.

"I'll allow you three educated guesses on whom she is." He elaborated as simply and quickly as he could. He couldn't quite bring his foot down to stomp on the pest.

"Seriously?" She said with an exasperated roll of her eyes, "You know I hate riddles and problem solving!"

"Yes, I'm aware it overheats your brain."

He bit down on the inside of his cheek attempting to hide the smile he wanted to proudly announce at the angry squint of her nose and the way her lips moved in several motions of "Oh oooh ah you!".

She went from a myriad of emotions in minutes. An interrogator, predator, a coy schoolgirl and now a flustered nag. It was insane and yet so satisfyingly fascinating.

"Suppose you'll never know." He shrugged picking his book up again. Feigning disinterest in their conversation.

"Wait!" She'd desperately whined. He glanced upward from the page he left off at but hadn't closed the book. Mail growled under her breath before mumbling out, "Ugh, fine! But I get 3 clues. 3 clues for 3 guesses."

"Doable." He said business like. "You're quite good at negotiation."

Had he just complimented her? A blush flushed her cheeks, but she swore to show no weakness to Oliver. She crossed her arms and leaned on the island table. Using her arms to leverage her.

"When I want something, I don't take no as an answer." She smiled smugly.

He put his book back down but kept the page open. He leaned forward as well keeping a dangerous smirk on his face.

"We are similar in that aspect." He narrowed his eyes at her challengingly.

Mai felt a shiver slither in the pit of her stomach but forced herself to not back down and to ignore the deranged beating of her heart. Oliver was always so easily capable of frustrating her and stirring strange feelings and actions from her. She can't give in. Give in to what though?

"I know." She said turning away from his eyes and filled the kettle with water getting ready to start the tea process. "Now, I'd like my three clues."

"You'll have to wait for those." She turned around from the stove with a start, her mouth contorted in a way that showed distaste. Before she could protest Oliver interrupted her. "I'll text them to you tonight."

Mai didn't respond only thinking deeply on this new proposition and exactly who this mystery girl was. The kettle whistled, breaking the girl out of her thoughts as she gotten Olivet's tea ready. She handed the cup to the impatient boy and watched him gulp down its contents. He brought the cup down with a clunk signaling for more to which she rolled her eyes but obliged.

"Remember, you only have three guesses." He spoke up. "Careful how you use them." Oliver reprimanded as he took his second cup.

"It's not Masako, is it?" Mai thoughtlessly interjected.

"Is that your first guess?" Oliver was leaning on his elbows with his eyebrow arched in scrutiny, a small smirk on his lips. That smirk she loathed.

"No! Ugh damn you, you pretentious good looking know it all narcissist."

"You think I'm handsome?"

"What?"

"You said I'm good looking."

"I also said you're a pretentious know it all narcissist."

"At least you have good taste for being an idiot."

"Watch who you're calling an idiot, you dumb nerd." Mai pressed her finger hard on Oliver's chest who in turn glared in annoyance at her.

"Hey Mai, you staying round for dinner right?" Gene stepped into the kitchen and looked between his frustrated twin and a bated breath Mai. They were leaning close towards one another on the island table. Mai looked half ready to climb on top of the furniture to pounce on Oliver. Her finger pressed hard on his twin's chest.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No." Both Oliver and Mai replied then promptly looked away from another. Oliver sipped from his cup while Mai's arms crossed with a pout on her lips but just as quickly her expression brightened and she looked straight to Gene.

"Your mum is cooking lasagna, right?" She asked excitedly. Gene chuckled before gently smiling.

"Yup. She knows how much you love it."

"Gah, I love her." Mai swiveled on her bar stool. "What should we do?"

Gene looked thoughtful before a mischievous glint shined in his eyes.

"Play a prank on dad."

"Okay!" Mai jumped out of her stool chair joining Gene by his side.

"Idiots." Oliver shook his head going to pick up his book to presume reading. However, a hand slapped down on his book. He looked up to see Gene looking down at him with a pleading expression.

"Help us, Noll?"

"Please." Mai clapped her hands together in prayer giving Oliver her best honey coated puppy dog eyes.

The brooding raven haired boy stood up and joined his idiots on a journey of certain purgatory. All the while the band of fools cheered happily to his involvement. He didn't know why he entertained them so often. Well, Gene was his twin and older brother it was obligatory but Mai, she was just a girl. Gene's friend. And yet, when she asked for something, he always gave in no matter the consequences. Like now and like half an hour ago when he decided on playing a stupid game of wits with her.

God, please pity the fool.

---

Oliver and Gene had dropped Mai off back to her complex nearly two hours ago. Mai in that time had showered, dressed and made herself tea with a manga on her knee. She however, had a difficult time concentrating on reading because every few minutes or so she would check her cell to see if she had received any messages.

She had of courses received messages from her friends. Like Michiru and Keiko. Yasuhara was being extra annoying, and Gene helped get her out of her reverie from the actual message she was waiting on. It seemed after the third hour past that Oliver had no intentions of messaging her.

Distraught, she headed to bed thinking it better to sleep than run through scenarios on why Oliver hadn't texted. Was he just messing with her? That wouldn't be so farfetched. Had he forgot? Not likely. Or did he simply not care? That was the most likely of the three reasonings.

Ping.

She snatched her phone from the nightstand as if it were about to catch on fire. Opening the messages, she shrieked then promptly covered her mouth looking around. She had neighbors. She really needed to be more considerate. However, it wasn't an everyday thing that The Oliver Davis, narcissist recluse, fancied someone.

She opened his text and read over the three clues again and again 'til she could perfectly recite them. She briefly could picture Naru chastising her for putting this much focus on his text than her studies. She rolled her eyes at that thought and went back to ponder on his clues.

We attended the same middle school.

She is a walking contradiction.

We are not in the same grade.

Who was this girl?

---

The following Monday, Gene and Yasuhara were heading towards the courtyard at their regular table for lunch. Gene was catching Yasuhara up on what happened over the weekend with his parents and their decision for the music festival over autumn break.

"So all you need to do is some extra chores and pass your midterms?" Yasuhara looked skeptically at Gene.

"Yea." Gene smiled thinking back on his parents' decision the following day after he spoke with his mum.

"Guess I'll break the news to John that it'll only be us going." Yasuhara joked which earned him a displeased smile from Gene

"Hey! Why so little faith? I'm determined to make my parents happy so that I can be happy in getting what I want."

"Just remember your reason, Gene." Gene looked towards Yasuhara a bit confused by the serious nature of his tone. "To get a big fat wet one from Mai."

"You're sordid!" Yasuhara laughed as he sat beside Mai and waved at Masako who sat across from them.

"I've already been studying with Noll's help." Gene said walking to the other side of Mai, placing his bag down.

"You're studying? Since when?" Mai asked with a scratch of her head looking at Gene.

"Nice to see you too, Mai. Hey Masako." Gene sat beside Mai pulling out his lunch from his bag.

"Hello Gene. Masako greeted kindly.

"Don't get snippy with me, Gene. You never study. You goof off or find reasons not to study." Mai continued the conversation about Gene's studies.

"I'm a grade 10, time to get more serious about my studies." He said absentmindedly. He didn't need Mai to know it was all for her.

"Sure." She said with clear suspicion in her tone. She knew Gene was hiding something it couldn't just be because he woke up one day and took his studies seriously.

Oliver and John approached shortly after sitting on either side of a blushing Masako. Oliver's arm accidentally touching her own as he sat down.

"Noll's been helping me study for midterms so I'm certain to pass everyone's expectations." Gene smiled at his twin who just scoffed quietly and pulled a granola bar out and his latest book.

"Hmm, really." Mai said tapping her chin and then promptly slapping her hands on the table. Everyone looking up at the mad girl.

"Masako and I will study with you guys."

"When did this become an invitation?" Oliver placed his book down now fully engaged in the conversation.

"Masako and I were just talking about midterms. Right?" Mai ignored Oliver looking at her black haired friend with provocation.

"Um yes." Masako unsurely nodded avoiding everyone's gaze at her.

"We could use your help, Naru." Mai looked to Oliver with a smile.

"I'm not a miracle worker, Mai." Yasuhara spit a bit of his milk out and covered his mouth to suppress his laughing.

"And I'm not hopeless." Mai rebutted with a roll of her eyes. "You're helping Gene, after all."

"What the hell?" Gene glared at the girl beside him while John and Masako quietly giggled in between bites of their food.

"Plus it could be fun!" Mai smiled at both twins.

"Know what? I'm down too." Yasuhara said after taking a swig of his strawberry milk.

"Yasuhara, you don't need help. You get great marks." Gene admonished to his speckled friend.

"I heard it could be fun. But that one class Oliver and I share I could use some assistance." Yasuhara commented casually. "You in Johnny boy?" Yasuhara looked across from him at the blonde boy who looked thoughtfully.

"I do pretty well but I could help anyone else who may need help so it's not all on Oliver." He looked around the table.

"Who said I was going to help any of you?" Oliver quipped snidely.

"So everyone in for a group study session?" Mai again blatantly ignored Oliver to which the boy growled under his breath. Masako looked between Oliver's death glare at Mai and Mai's blissfully unaware smile.

"I am." Yasuhara shrugged happily.

"Well, you do need just as much help as I do, Mai." Gene said offhandedly.

"Exactly! Wait- Hey!" Mai glared at a smirking Gene.

Most of the group was getting back to finishing their lunches until John started a new conversation.

"Will that clash with your theatre practice?" John asked Masako. Masako looked up from her lunch, wiping her mouth before responding.

"It's just auditions. We'll practice on our own time."

"You mean, you'll practice." Mai emphasized. "I'm just tagging along for moral support." She put her hands up in surrender.

"Mai, I don't understand why you won't audition with me?"

"Because I'm talentless." She chuckled without mirth, opening a bag of crisps.

"Oh Mai that isn't true." John gently chastised.

"You're a great dancer!" Gene admonished.

"Could never do any TikTok's without you." Yasuhara added.

"I'm not saying it to make anyone pity me or something. Honestly, I'd be getting in the way more than I would be a help." She smiled with indignation.

"But Masako, you're the whole package! You can sing, dance and easy on the eyes." Mai looked at Oliver to see his reaction to her compliments of Masako.

"Are you hitting on me?"

"Sounds like I am, huh?" Mai stretched her mouth in an uncomfortable smile.

"Do it again but this time gently touch her arm." Yasuhara joked pinching his glasses downward.

"Pervert." Gene laughed.

"Gahh. I wish I was creative." Mai dropped her forehead on the blue table in front of her.

"You have a talent for creating difficult situations." Oliver finally spoke.

Immediately several people laughed while Mai muttered incoherent insults about the indigo eyed boy.

"When are auditions again?" John asked Masako after calming his laughter.

"Next week. Call backs will be right before Autumn break and November will be the man hours, so to say."

"The production will take place before winter break?"

"Precisely."

"Imagine. Masako as the lead." Mai gestured wildly.

"Don't forget us when you're famous." Gene winked at the black haired girl.

"I'm only taking Mai, John and Oliver." She popped a raw baby carrot into her mouth chewing delicately.

"Why them?" Gene frowned.

"They bother me less." Masako shrugged apathetically.

"You wound me, Masako." Yasuhara feigned devastation clutching his chest.

The bell could be heard signaling the end of the lunch hour.

"There goes the bell." John remarked looking towards the school building.

"The bell from Hell." Yasuhara groaned before getting up and grabbing his recyclables.

"Afterschool tomorrow round your place for studying?" Mai mentioned before jumping up and grabbing her backpack.

"Yea, see you after school." Gene goofily grinned.

Oliver bumped into Gene's shoulder harshly before shooting him a deathly glare. He was in some trouble with his twin. He'd have to make it up to him somehow and soon. Because knowing Oliver, he would stubbornly leave them all to their own devices in the living quarters to figure out their studies alone.

---

The following day the group of friends had gathered at the Davis house to study. Oliver had only agreed to the arrangement through barter. Gene was to do all of Oliver's chores the remainder of the month. Gene thought it worth it.

Yasuhara had come with a ton of snacks while Oliver played professor and John his assistant. Gene wasn't up for much horseplay and even shushed Mai twice when she attempted to distract him. So, Mai focused her energy on Masako, who resembled the perfect student.

She had sent her a text telling her to ask Oliver for his help on her math's. The girl looked up at her frantically, Mai twisting her face mouthing her to get a move on. John had caught Mai in between her aggressive behavior and asked if she was alright. The auburn haired girl was utterly embarrassed and said she just wasn't understanding the material. Oliver overheard and said of course she couldn't because her brain was the size of a walnut. Before Mai could argue John spoke as mediator and helped assist Mai in her studies and soon, she found herself learning.

Occasionally Mai looked at Oliver and Masako who looked rather close in his tutoring of her. Masako more times staring directly in his face versus her book. A pink blush stained the milk complexion girl's cheek making Mai smile for her friend. Mai looked at Oliver who was staring at her with a sneer before speaking to Masako again. She sneered back muttering, "idiot". Yasuhara heard her and patted her back telling her she wasn't an idiot and that everything takes time. Twice she had been embarrassed.

The study session ended with Mrs. Davis kindly ordering pizza for the group. Luella and Martin had sat in speaking with their twin boys' friends. Luella having a particular interest in Masako who was sat beside Oliver. Maybe Masako would have her dream come true.

Mai excused herself heading to the loo. After washing her hands and drying them she came out from the bathroom to see Oliver in the hall. It wasn't hard to tell the difference in the twins for her. It was in their posture, their smile and importantly their eyes. Oliver's eyes were darker and bluer while Gene's sometimes resembled violet.

Oliver looked down at her as she looked up at him, the muffled chatter from the dining room could be heard from the hall.

"Are you the bathroom concierge now?"

"No." She gawked.

"Move then." He smirked smugly at her. She glared heatedly at him and moved out of his way.

"Your highness." She sarcastically supplied as he walked past her.

"Naru, wait." She called. He sighed impatiently before looking at her.

"It's Masako, isn't it?" She asked in reference to their secret game.

Oliver looked into Mai's anxious eyes and her nervous shuffling feet before he straightened his posture and spoke.

"No."

He walked into the bathroom and shutting the door on a surprised Mai.

---

Mai realized after a few days she may have jumped the gun in her guess. Masako hadn't even fit two of the clues. She hadn't gone to middle school with Oliver, she came the year after they graduated, and she wasn't a walking contradiction. At least she didn't think so. That's when Mai realized she didn't know what a walking contradiction was. Saturday night Mai was on the phone with a gushing Masako who was under the impression she and Oliver were getting closer. Mai, the good friend she was, listened to the same repetitive stories before she had remembered…

"Masako, what's a walking contradiction?"

"Strange question from you, Mai but I'll entertain it." She took a moment to think of her response. "I would say a walking contradiction is a hypocrite. A person who doesn't fit any category, maybe?"

And Mai had thought heavily on who could fit all that. A hypocrite? An outcast, basically. Mai could t think of anyone immediately but the following late Sunday she did have a possible candidate. A girl name Kei.

Kei Ubusuna was a grade 12 who became an outcast after being discovered lying about her physic abilities. When she was in middle school, she was interviewed to demonstrate her psychic abilities by a media journalist. Everyone in the neighborhood and school were invited to witness the act. However, when it came time to bend the spoon, she used a trick to do it and got caught in the act by a fellow student. Ever since then she'd become a loner.

Mai had seen Oliver speak with the grade 12 a few times before in the school hallway. She knew the two shared a class. Mai also knew Kei was a smart reserved girl. Those were qualities Oliver appreciated. Maybe he fancied Kei?

Kei fit the other clues too! She wasn't in the same grade as Oliver, she was his senior. Who knew Naru liked older women. She also went to the same middle school as Oliver and Gene. It all made sense. He fancied Kei.

Mai thought she'd feel excitement for solving the riddle but instead she felt strange. Kei was very pretty with her shoulder length light brown hair, her womanly yet thin physique and adorable dark brown eyes. It shouldn't be surprising. It shouldn't even be a bad thing, but she felt strange.

"Poor Masako!" She suddenly remembered.

Masako would be crushed to learn that Oliver had another girl in mind. An older woman. Masako would have some competition.

Tuesday afternoon at the Davis household, Mai had asked Oliver to help assist her with tea. The rest of their friends scattered around the coffee table in the living area with books out leisurely talking. Oliver at first just stared at her having no provocation to move from his spot but after a long stare down and a threat of no tea he sighed getting up and followed behind her in the kitchen.

He got the tea tray out, and cups while Mai got the kettle ready and pulled out the milk, sugar and honey. Mai moved fluidly in the kitchen like it were her own, Oliver noted. It wasn't surprising as Mai was over twice a week sometimes more. His parents and brother preferred having the girl over and frankly he didn't mind her being here as well. She made excellent tea. Excellent enough that he would subject himself to being a servant of sorts and assisting her in her tea process.

"I have another guess." She said quietly her back to him.

He stiffened momentarily but relaxed himself.

"I hope you considered all the clues this time and not just said the first thought in your head."

"I was careful this time! And she fits all the clues to perfection." She turned to look at him, her back against the counter.

"Go on." He gestured with a raise of his eyebrow.

"Kei. Kei Ubusuna." Oliver could see Mai waiting for his reaction to her guess, but he gave nothing away. So, she stomped childishly and pressed on.

"She's a grade 12 which means she's not in your grade. You went to the same middle school. She is a "walking contradiction" or whatever that means. A hypocrite, basically. No offense or anything the whole spoon bending thing." She looked at Oliver who had a smirk on his lips, his arms crossed looking at her amusedly. Her face began to heat before she looked away frustrated.

"It's her! I've seen you talk to her in the hallway at school like twice." Oliver still gave her nothing but that smug grin. "Right?"

The kettle whistled making the girl jump and turn away pulling it away by the handle to the next port. When she turned back around Oliver was standing directly behind her making her jump a second time.

"You thought very hard on this. Only to come up wrong." Her eyes widened. "Did you stay up all night playing detective?" He smirked down at her, his cool breath touching her forehead. She gulped before glaring at his feet and turning away to finish up the tea.

"She fit all the clues. I don't understand. I think you're just mad because I actually beat you at your own game."

"She fit two of the clues."

"2? Not 3?" Mai asked incredulously.

"We did attend the same middle school. She and I aren't in the same grade, but she isn't a walking contradiction." Mai stood perplexed; mouth comically open in confusion. "You believe a walking contradiction is a hypocrite?"

"I asked Masako what it meant. I didn't really know." She said handing him his prepared cup.

He took it without a thank you and took a sip. His posture immediately relaxing as a soft expression fell on his eyes. It was splendid to watch.

"I suppose I could elaborate for you." He said after a moment.

"Okay."

"I'll message you later. Tea is getting cold." He walked away from her heading back to the living space to join their friends leaving Mai stunned then angered. He had left her with the tea tray to carry alone.

"Lazy narcissist!" She growled struggling to carry the tray back to her friends.

Later that evening Mai awaited Oliver's text. She laid in bed anticipating that there was another chance meaning it wasn't Kei. That also meant it wasn't Masako, who was her first guess. Now she had one guess left and she was intent on not screwing that one up like her last two guesses.

Walking refers to a person.

A contradiction happens when two things

don't make sense together
don't fit together, or
are totally opposite to one another
…but are still together.

In all, a walking contradiction is a person that is so contradictory so often in so many ways that "contradiction" is the best way to describe them. Not to be confused with a hypocrite but an enigma.

Mai reread the message several times before she yawned from exhaustion. She placed the back of her hand against her cheek wondering why every time she read his message it made her blush.

---

After two strenuous and stressful weeks of studying October Midterms began. Gene was an anxious mess, but Oliver assured him, through assurance in his own skills, that Gene would pass.

"You're my twin, after all." He'd said.

By Friday, grades were in through their student emails. At lunch everyone had bragged about their grades. Mai was ecstatic. Oliver grabbed Gene's phone and looked at the email. A smug smile playing on his lips.

"How'd you do, Gene?" Mai asked her hand on his arm.

He did well. Really well. He made the top ten for grade 10.

He was going to see The Vaccines. He and Mai.

---

Autumn Break had arrived promising an entire school week off. Gene spent the first two days sleeping in and bothering his younger twin Oliver 'til he and his adoptive father went on their trip to Ireland for a seminar.

Gene would miss his father and brother especially. The twins often had separation anxiety when the other wasn't near, but they did their best to quell such emotions by keeping in contact often through messaging and video chat. To most, the brother's relationship was odd but most twins and parents or siblings of twins understood. It was an especially dependent relationship because they grew up in an orphanage something many people could never understand. Gene was just glad that Mai, to some extent, understood and didn't dare judge the boys once.

Gene smiled to himself thinking about his day planned with the girl that danced in his thoughts freely. They were going to go hang out at the shopping mall where Gene planned on telling her about the tickets. Knowing Mai, she wouldn't allow herself to be happy at first. She would feel upset that he spent money on her and worked hard to do something nice for her when she couldn't return the favor. But what Mai didn't realize was that her presence was gift enough for Gene. Her spending time with, going to the festival with him was rewarding for him. He wished he didn't have to reassure her of that, but he knew how it would play out.

When they had met up at the mall, the what if scenario played out exactly how he thought except she was crying. Passersby looked at him like he was the scum of the earth. To the outside world it probably looked like a bad breakup. He comforted her, calmed her down and reassured her then waved the golden ticket that was sure to lift her spirits. They were going to see her and his favorite band. The Vaccines.

Mai soon was back to her sunny disposition. Red eyes and tear streaks forgotten by her loud gales of laughter and excitable babble. To others, she looked mad but to him, she was beautiful.

His beautiful disaster.

Two days later, Gene was sitting in a large booth at a pub with his friends discussing arrangements for the music festival that was approaching in two days over lunch.

"Shouldn't we take the tube?" Mai asked around the table.

"It would be a lot closer." John agreed.

"Yea, thing is we've got tickets for the late show. We wouldn't leave the event 'til after 2 or 3." Gene quipped.

"My parents wouldn't mind me taking the car." Yasuhara rested his arm behind Masako's seat. Her eyes looking at his arm as if it were on fire to which he caught her eyes and made a lewd face.

"Great!" Mai said giving Gene a smile.

"I only bought tickets for the day show, so I'll be leaving earlier." Masako said picking at the chips on front of her.

"Your parents are attending as well, aren't they Masako?" John asked politely. The girl nodded in response.

"To chaperone, no doubt." Yasuhara commented taking some of her chips.

"To ensure my safety." She corrected.

"To chaperone." Gene and Yasuhara said together then promptly laughed reaching over her head to high five the other.

"I think it's cool of them! Maybe they're there to enjoy themselves?"

"Come on, Mai. I can't exactly see Masako's parents doing the two-step shuffle to Aphax."

"Watch it, Yasuhara." Masako growled. Yasuhara mouthed the words "feisty" at her before meowing perversely.

"I'm so excited for the lineup!" Mai gushed.

"The Vaccines." Gene turned his head to look at her.

"The Vaccines." She mirrored with equal vigor.

---

The Autumn morning was peaceful and quiet. The landscape blanketed by a rolling fog and fresh dewdrops. Light illuminated behind a pair of short healthy looking young ladies as they stood outside of a luxury apartment complex. Gene sat up straight from the passenger seat as Yasuhara pulled the car up to park. Getting a good look at Mai, who stood laughing about something Masako (who looked cute with her Minnie Mouse hair buns and her bejeweled jean jacket) had just said, he admired her festival attire.

Mai's long wavy auburn hair had a spectacular orange hue in this light, the top of her head adorned with a beautiful white floral headband crown that made her look particularly pretty. She was wearing a loose white shirt that was tucked into her very short shorts and a sleeveless black cardigan that ran at the back of her thighs. She had a beaten mini black book bag slung carelessly over her shoulders and her favorite beaten converses.

Her soft round angular face turned towards the car and her hazel brown eyes caught his. Slowly she gave her most radiant warm smile and his breath hitched. His lips turned upwards sporting an excited grin of his own.

"Who's ready for fucking Field Day Festival!" Yasuhara honked his horn several times excitedly.

---

The festival opened its gates at noon with the promise of the "day" festival ending at 10.30pm, but with their late-night tickets the festival would continue going on until 3am. The quartet had no intentions of staying out that late but if they were enjoying themselves, they'd discuss the possibility of staying until the very end. Masako unfortunately only had day passes so she wouldn't be staying long at all. It was ultimately up to her parents whenever they felt like leaving. At least they had allowed her to ride with the group to the festival.

The security entrance had lockers on site that charged £10 and charging stations for cellular phones that cost around a fiver.

"Good thing I brought my portable charger." Yasuhara smirked.

"I brought one too. We can share, Mai, if your battery is running low."

Mai gave Gene a grateful smile as the line continued moving up.

"The festival is going on for nearly 15 hours. I don't know how any of you could stay out that late."

"We have youth on our side, Masako. Remember?"

"Stop teasing her, Yasuhara."

"I plan on raving all day and night and meeting babes."

"Be careful with those festival babes. They carry diseases."

"You, being here makes you a festival babe, Masako." Yasuhara winked.

The two proceeded to argue with one another, mostly Masako as Yasuhara was a masochist bent on being chastised and insulted for his personal pleasure.

Gene observed his surroundings wanting to take the entire experience in. He continued looking at all the security and rule signs. There were many different signs. Ones even saying you weren't allowed to bring any food into the festival.

"Good thing we stopped for breakfast." John said noticing the signs as well. The blonde boy stretched his arms with a smile. His green eyes looking particularly bright in the afternoon sun.

"We'll definitely have the munchies later." Yasuhara pointed.

"Is it true the food is pricey?" Mai asked.

"Heard the drinks are the most expensive thing."

"Wait drinks? Or drink drinks?"

"Both!"

"Ugh." Mai sighed dejectedly.

Gene didn't like that Mai had to often think about expenses. She often questioned the prices on things or went without because it was too costly. She even got down on herself for allowing others to pay for her. He hated seeing that look on her face but wasn't sure how to get her comfortable with him taking care of her.

"Mai." She looked at him a sweet smile on her face, "I've got us today, remember? You can buy me lunch for our bike ride Sunday."

"Gene, you already bought the tickets. They were a lot. I can't just have you pay-"

"You can because you have no choice. Besides our hard work earned us those tickets. We passed our midterms."

"You with flying colors. Hope you realize they'll expect that from you every time now."

"I hope they expect bribery in order for my academic success."

"You're horrible, Gene." Mai laughed slapping his arm.

When they finally had shown their wrist bands and gotten in everyone cooed or gawked at the large plot of land.

Field Day was a yearly outdoor music festival in North London. This year they held it at Meridian Water in Enfield, with a capacity of 25,000. Crowded was an understatement.

There were lines for beer, food, and bathrooms though the lines for them didn't look as bad as Gene imagined.

"A Ferris Wheel!" Mai shouted pointing towards the circular metal contraption.

"Definitely gotta get on that later!" Yasuhara elbowed Gene with a wink.

"They've got a large trampoline over that way." Masako remarked.

"What should we do first? Ferris Wheel, trampoline or go to one of the stages?" John asked.

Gene did not really want to visit the Ferris Wheel despite Mai's enthusiastic response. He wasn't the biggest fan of heights. Jumping around after having breakfast not long ago wasn't ideal either. He looked at the music lineup map thinking heading to a stage would be best. He had a lot of energy to burn off.

The lineup of music was mostly EDM and alternative. There were 5 set stages. About half of the stages had tent structures over them. The 2 main ones were in direct sunlight.

It wasn't long before Mai had yelled out the South stage and ran in that general direction that everyone followed her calling after her. She'd taken his hand leading him to a day filled with goofy dancing, head banging music and chatty conversation. Before he realized it the afternoon was turning into the late afternoon evening.

In their time, they had already accomplished going to all 5 stages and even jumped on the large trampoline together. Poor Mai had gotten knocked off the contraption resulting in a scrape on her knee. Fortunately, there were people posted with general first aid kits. She was cleaned up and up rather quickly ready to have a go again at dancing. Gene admired her attitude while Masako could only berate the girl on being more careful.

They had encountered plenty of folks that lacked basic concert etiquette (something Masako had complained about). Gene had seen some live bands play at pubs or park circles but nothing as prominent as this. He did have to agree though that the actions of other festival goers were super frustrating at times. People talking loudly right in front of you during an awesome set, or pushing to the front of the crowd with their large chain of friends even after the set had long started and of course, drunk people and people who couldn't handle their drugs.

Certain sets felt like, if they weren't close enough to the stage, everyone around was constantly coming or going somewhere which meant interrupting your time and a whole lot of bumping.

But what he really disliked were the people who were there for social media points and could care less about the music. If he heard someone else ask him or Mai to take their pictures for them, he'd give them the Noll treatment.

For the most part, it was a really positive experience. They had met some other people around their age, some from their school even and made friendly conversation. Yasuhara had gotten to flirt with girls, John and Masako enjoyed the music and casual conversation and he and Mai were practically stuck like glue to one another.

The best part of this whole experience for him was her.

At the moment, everyone was rather tired from a combination of walking around to multiple stages and dancing. They'd all taken a leisure rest on the grass enjoying the calming tone from the new artists playing.

Mai was picking pieces of grass around her feet placing them in a small circle. Bored with her latest activity she looked behind her at the Ferris Wheel with her arms relaxed behind her holding her up. She looked over at Gene who was texting, probably his brother and got a brilliant idea.

"Gene." She called. The boy looked up from his phone at her, his ear poking out from his bucket hat. She suppressed a giggle before standing up and wiping off the back of her shorts and dark cardigan.

"Stand up." She gestured. He looked confusedly but did as he was told.

Mai walked behind Gene, who began to turn around to follow her, but she told him to stay put. He did as told, again and looked at his friends who all shrugged.

"Masako, take a picture of us please?"

The black haired girl looked at Mai before holding her phone up to capture a picture of them. Gene looked ok confused until he felt Mai jump up on his back. Her legs wrapped around his waist from behind and her arms loosely around his neck. Gene caught by surprise blushed and Mai laughed at his surprised expression which soon turned to both smiling at each other.

"These are perfect." Masako smiled looking at the photos. Yasuhara got up hovering behind Masako to look and nodded with approval.

"Looking good kawaii couple Mai and Gene."

"Let's all take some pictures!" John smiled standing up dusting off his own ripped jeans.

The group had taken a multitude of pictures, ranging from editorial to downright recycle bin worthy. It was great fun until Masako's parents had called asking for her location. A short while later her parents approached them, and they all chatted pleasantly. Yasuhara surprising everyone with how well behaved he was. Masako and Mai hugged before she bid everyone farewell with the promise to see Mai later in the week.

"You guys hungry?"

---

The festival had a large variety of food stands that accommodated for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. The average dish seemed to be the same all around however there was the expectation to pay separately a portion of chips and a drink. Pricey was one thing but robbery was another.

After little debate, Gene had treated himself and Mai to some gourmet mac and cheese, a basket of chips and a large fresh squeezed lemonade. Gene found himself hard at concentrating on Mai's small talk because they were quite literally sharing their food like a couple. One Mac and cheese, one basket of chips, and one drink with one straw. Meaning, their lips touched every time they drank from the same straw.

"Gene are you hot?" Mai had pressed the back of her hand to his forehead making him sit stick straight. "You're turning red, drink some lemonade." She pressed.

That just made the blush on his cheeks deepen more.

"Why's your face so red, Gene?" Yasuhara plopped down at their picnic table with a gyro in hand.

"Nothing. Why is everyone saying that?" Gene growled.

"Because you look feverish, Mate." John chuckled taking a seat. "Drink something it is rather humid today."

To satisfy everyone's qualms Gene reached his hand out to take the cup from Mai who had just sipped from the straw. She smiled handing it to him as he averted his eyes and wrapped his lips around the straw. Strawberry lip balm.

"I want to check out the souvenir stands." Mai said to the group.

"Brilliant idea, Mai!" John smiled then promptly wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I promised to get my cousin a t-shirt."

"I should probably get Noll something since he couldn't come." Gene remarked.

"As if he would come anyway. This isn't his scene exactly." Yasuhara pointed out with terse smile.

"No, but he doesn't mind music. We've just got different tastes."

"Huh, I didn't know that." Mai looked at Gene.

"Never noticed that he never complains about the music we play, he just says to turn it down?" Gene raised his brows at her.

"Makes a load of sense. Once I thought I saw him tapping his foot, but I convinced myself I was imagining it."

"He probably did." Gene shrugged.

He had caught Oliver enjoying a tune or two that played on the radio or in the market with a subtle tapping of his fingers or foot.

"I feel like I learned something new about Oliver." John smiled kindly.

"Once we finish up here, merch stands?" Yasuhara asked.

---

"40£ for a hat, absolute piss take!" Yasuhara yelled while eyeing a ridiculous hat that had two cups attached to it and adjourning straws that danged down.

"Why is everything so ridiculously priced?" Mai frowned looking at all the items with reprieve.

"It's how they make their money. Probably hoping a few sheets to the wind people will be too tossed to notice they're being ripped off." Gene smirked to her as she giggled and went back to looking at the limited selection.

"I don't even like the selection. It's not really girl friendly."

Most of the t shirts were black or grey. It wasn't really girl friendly as Mai said. Maybe it was just this merch stand.

"It is rather monochromatic, huh?"

John had approached with a small baggie about to place it in his small knapsack.

"John! You really bought your cousin a shirt?"

"Yes, of course. He's paying for it though." John smiled showing the shirt to them. It was far better than the shirts they'd seen.

"Right on, Johnny boy." Yasuhara approached wearing the most ridiculous hat.

"You bought the hat, Yasu, after complaining about the price?" Mai rolled her eyes at the speckled boy.

"One acronym for you, Mai. YOLO!" Yasuhara poked her forehead which she rubbed in agitation and retaliated by kicking him in the back of his knee making him fall forward.

Gene and John laughed while Yasuhara flipped Mai the bird from the ground.

"So nothing catching your interest?" Gene nudged Mai looking down at her.

"Not even close. You?" She smiled up at him nudging him back.

"Nah. I'm going to head off to the loo. Be back."

When Gene had gotten back Mai was putting something in John's knapsack, but he thought nothing of it. Yasuhara had already gotten his hat cups filled with some energy drink and the sun was beginning to dim down.

"I was thinking we should check out the Ferris Wheel now." Mai said to him. Yasuhara and John were clearly on board.

He had noticed many of the day passers were heading out of the festival meaning the Ferris Wheel line would be substantially shortened. He nodded at a happy Mai, and they were all walking towards the Ferris Wheel.

The Ferris Wheel was huge. It was enormous. The sight of it made Gene's stomach feel a bit queasy but he knew how badly Mai wanted to go. It was one of the first things she noticed when they had walked through the entrance and a subject, she'd brought up a few times throughout the day.

Gene wouldn't say he was terrified of heights. He wasn't. He just felt anxious at times. He usually let his reservations go once on the ride seeing that it wasn't so bad. It also helped that Noll was usually with him.

He swallowed hard. "Are you sure you want to go on that particular ride?" Gene said shakily.

"Yup, can we please? It looks so cool, don't you think? Look at how big it is!"

Gene putting aside irrational fear, he knew Ferris Wheels to be fun, gentle, calming, and even sometimes romantic rides. They let you see the world from up high and escape the ground-level mayhem that a music festival offered.

This could be romantic. He and Mai alone, the sun soon to set shortly. It would be picturesque.

"Let's hurry on then." He ran towards the line with Mai hot on his tail. He could hear her laughter following him and it was the most comforting sound to his ears.

Yasuhara and John were a few spaces ahead in line in front of them. Yasuhara waving at himself and Mai then sending a wink Gene's way. A wink that could have meant several things with Yasuhara.

John and Yasuhara had managed to get on the ride ahead of them, but they were right up next. Mai moved around in an excited shuffle of her conversed feet. She caught his eye and smiled so stunningly at him that he was sure he was red down from his cheeks to his neck.

The man in charge of the machine called for them to come up. He walked behind Mai following her to the cart. Seeing there was a bit of a step he grabbed hold of Mai's hand helping her into the cart. The minute their hands touched she looked him in the eyes and gave a meaningful smile. Lost in the depths of how brilliant her eyes looked under the Ferris Wheel lights he shook out of his reverie and followed her inside the cart. They sat rather closely. Her thighs against his own. He looked at her smooth athletic legs and blushed turning to look out the cart. The machine jerked moving them ever so slightly. The gesture however made him jump which Mai seemingly noticed as she giggled and placed a hand on top of his patting it kindly.

If he were brave, he'd grab a hold of her hand, but he wasn't. What if she didn't want that? What if it would make things awkward? It could very well become uncomfortable when it was just the two of them on a cart alone high up. The cart jerked again, and this time Mai held his hand. He looked at their hands then her, but she was looking out at the view. Her profile alight from the sunset glow.

She's beautiful.

Mai had turned to look at him getting ready to speak but caught herself from uttering a word seeing his expression. Caught, Gene thought to bring up something to divert the attention.

"What do you think Noll would think of the view?" He quickly questioned.

Mai looked at him strangely but answered. "Hm… Naru would probably remark that they put this machine up in a day and at any point it could collapse within itself."

Gene's eyes widened and looked around frantically. Mai squeezed his hand making him focus on the pressure from their hands.

"Hey, I didn't mean to scare you. Sorry." She said guiltily. Gene breathed out carefully calming himself as the Ferris Wheel continued to turn leading them up higher.

"Noll would say that, and he'd be right."

"Sorry. If it means anything I'm scared too." Mai smiled shakily.

"What? Why come on then?" He questioned rather perplexed by the very nature of Mai Taniyama.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain." She stuck her tongue out clearly in thought. "It's like the more something scares me the more determined I get. Does that make sense?" She tilted her head at him.

"Not entirely. Do you mean you have to confront your fears?"

"Yea, sorta! Except it's more like I must understand them. And usually once I do understand, I end up loving them."

Gene didn't get it. He tried, really but this was even beyond him.

"You're wired weird, Mai." He said in jest a soft smile on his face.

"So are you, Gene." She blew a raspberry with a silky roll of her eyes. "You only came up here for me. You'd do anything for anyone you care about no matter if it hurts you or not."

Not just anyone. You. But unlike Mai, he couldn't confront his fears. He couldn't really say what he was thinking.

Rocking gently, the car of the Ferris Wheel stopped at the very top. Below, the lights from the stages glowed yellow, green, blue and pink. Down below people were casually walking or dancing about. Gene tried not to think how far down everything was or high up they really were Instead he focused his attention on the sky view. The sunset before them was bold, brilliant, and rich in color. It was peaceful.

"For a moment let's focus on the view. We get to watch the sun cascade down the horizon from up here. We're the lucky ones, not Noll."

"You say the prettiest things." She admired.

"Mai, I'm a guy we don't say pretty things." He rolled his eyes playfully, still reeling about their hands being conjoined.

"Yea, and I'm a lady who has two left feet. We're anomalies, Gene. Two peas in a pod." She smiled brightly at him.

"In a Ferris Wheel booth."

"Exactly. Oop, let me fix your hat." She let go of his hand leaning so close in front of him he stilled, even his breath had stilled. She brought her hands to his bucket hat placing it a bit further down, then admire her work with a gentle smile. From this view he could see the dimple clearly on the side of her lips, a few scattered brown freckles, the green and gold specs in her hazel eyes and the red color of her lips. If he leaned forward just an inch or two their lips could touch.

"Perfect." She backed a way to admire how his hat fit. "Now, let's enjoy the view."

"I am."

---

By the evening there were seas of people at every stage and moving between them. The quartet making their way to the East stage where The Vaccines would be playing a little later.

Many people were bumping into the lot. Mai grabbed onto Gene's hand for the third time that day. Gene has just let her hold his hand each time this time in the cover of the dark and the large crowd he intertwined their fingers and focused on getting them as close to the front as possible. He fought the blush that wanted to appear and did his best to just focus on the task at hand. Mai's hand, ugh.

Warm, soft and fluttering against his own like a baby bird. He was losing it.

They all continued to dance to the electric dance music, Mai having ridden on his shoulders to see the band clearer and simply because she was a thrill seeker. Yasuhara tried to convince John to do the same, but the blonde boy was not having any of his nonsense.

Gene was having an absolute blast dancing and goofing around with his friends. He was especially happy to be spending this amount of time with Mai. It really did feel like a date. An amazing first date.

An announcement was made introducing the next band. The Vaccines.

The band came up on the stage. Mai had jumped up and down grabbing a hold of Gene's arm with a vigored strength that matched a feral cat, but Gene didn't exactly complain. He too was excited to see them and possibly more excited by the consistent physical contact.

"I really hope they play our song!" Mai smiled looking up into his eyes.

"If there's a God they will." He smiled looking into her hazel eyes.

"Gene." Her voice changing its tone and her hold around his arm becoming much gentler. "Thank you."

"Mai, you don't have to thank me. Thank you for coming. It wouldn't be the same without you."

Mai squeezed his arm affectionately then loosened her grip, but she hadn't let go.

The bands set began to play, playing a popular song from their most recent album. The infectious beat started to take over the crowd. Mai and Gene made eyes towards one another before jumping around in their spots on the grass. Gene singing the lyrics while Mai shouted them. John and Yasuhara approached them. Well, more like Yasuhara jumped on an unsuspecting Gene's back while John laughed and joined Mai in jumping around his arms waving in the air.

Gene took a moment to admire his friends.

Yasuhara was twirling about, drinking from the straw that was attached to his spontaneous purchase from a merch vendor. Mai had John's hands and they were doing some odd twist that looked more awkward then coordinated but it was more than obvious they were enjoying themselves.

The band played two more songs that followed from newer albums than they played a song from Gene and Mai's favorite album of theirs. Mai letting go of John's hands ran and jumped up on Gene embracing him in a hug.

"It's the album, Gene!" She shouted into his ear. "They're going to play our song. I know it!"

The first notes of their signature song played, and the elation Gene felt he knew Mai mirrored the same.

"Gene dance with me!"

Together the two of them began to dance and sing to one another. Gene took hold of Mai's hand in his larger one and blushed at their contact before he gave her his most radiant smile and spun her around like a gentleman before pressing her into him and twirling them around.

Mai put distance between the two of them but only to sing the lyrics to him which only deepened his blush and eviscerated any inhibitions or reserves he had. He didn't hold back singing each word with conviction and looking only at her.

Maybe I want to spend my life with you.

---

Leaving the parking lot was hell for the quartet of friends but once out the faded streetlights from the outside of the car and the quiet hum of indie music from the radio up front were the only focus. Mai was sat beside Gene in the backseat.

Gene stared out the window unfocused on the scenery but deep in thought. Was tonight the night? Should he walk her to her door, tell Yasuhara he'd get a ride from there and confess?

The day they had spent together was the best day he had had with Mai. They held hands on several occasions, the way her palm fit in his own. The spark he felt from it was something that couldn't be faked. Her eyes, those honey coated doe eyes and how they locked on his violet ones. How she adjusted the cap he wore earlier in the day and the innocent smile that followed.

She was his best friend. One of the most important people in his life, a life that wouldn't mean much without her in it.

And he…

He was the guy who knew her inside and out. The guy who could complete her sentences, who could make her smile on a bad day. The guy would dance with her forever if it'd make her happy.

"Mai," Gene quietly said.

She hummed softly, exhaustion clear as day in her body language and expression.

"This has been the best day of my life."

The girl sighed quietly. Gene's features as gentle as her own innocence. Mai wordlessly laid her head between the crook of the surprised boy's neck and shoulder relaxing into the warmth he radiated. He turned his head to look at her, but she was peacefully fast asleep.

Gene watched her enjoying the way her lips made a soft whistling sound and how even her breathing was.

"Are you going to confess?"

Gene had looked up a petrifying realization hitting him that Yasuhara had asked that out loud. What if John heard.

"Yasu, John-" Gene began to stutter.

"He's sleep too." Yasuhara said reassuringly. His eyes focused on the road ahead. "So, are you?"

Gene looked at Mai's sleeping form. She was much too relaxed to relay a confession as big as his tonight. But today did solidify some things for him.

"I don't think so. Not tonight but very soon." He gently smiled. "Soon."

Gene laid his own head atop Mai's beginning to rest his eyes. He smiled softly picking up on the scent of Mai's hair. A combination of apple shampoo, days sweat and flowers from the headband she wore. It laid on her lap currently. Gene's smile becoming more tranquil with the thought of how pretty she had looked with flowers in her hair.

"Yasuhara, could you drop John off first?" He asked suddenly.

"Was already doing that, mate." Yasuhara winked in the rearview mirror at him.

Gene hummed in response before feeling the familiar pull of sleep.

Yasuhara looked in the rearview mirror at his friends and couldn't help the secondhand happiness he felt for Gene with the milestone he may have crossed with getting closer to Mai. They really made for a cute couple. He just hoped Gene would find his nerve and soon. This relationship could be a beautiful thing he didn't understand the reservations on both participating ends.

But no one who saw the pair as they were today could deny their chemistry. Something was changing within the group dynamic. Something brilliant!

"About damn time." Yasuhara spoke to himself in the peaceful quiet of his parents' car.

AN: Songs that inspired this chapter

Irokousui by Yoh Kamiyama
Color Me by Junny (tik tok dance)
Out of my League by Fitz and the Tantrums
Afterglow by Raphael Lake & Ben Fisher
Back in Love City by The Vaccines
Maybe (Luck of the Draw) by The Vaccines

Again, I have created an Apple playlist that features all the songs used to inspire the story. The next chapter should be available in a week or two with a similar length to this one. Review, favorite, follow! Thanks!