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.

3. I Follow Rivers

AN: 70 Pages. You are very welcome. Chapter 3 is when the drama begins. Fasten your seatbelts! Read, Review and Enjoy!

Autumn Break had come and gone rather quickly for the Davis family except for Gene. He had been preoccupied and, in a daze, the entire weekend following the music festival. Coming back from riding bikes with Mai didn't cure the aloof boy of his infliction it only seemed to add to his whimsical euphoric high.

Currently, Gene was sitting on Oliver's bed while Oliver was doing some of his own extracurricular activities at his desk. He could hear his twin humming a song he repeatedly hummed since the return of Oliver and their father, Martin Friday afternoon. He hummed it the drive from the airport, during their family luncheon and in the leisure of their home. Oliver did his best to ignore it while their parents gave, what they thought, discreet smiles to each other.

Maybe I want to spend my life with you.

Oliver sighed in annoyance before slapping his pen down and looking at his twin who was much too comfortable on his bed.

"Why not go to your own room and continue your rendition of a karaoke sing along?"

"Oh, am I bothering you?" Gene snapped out of his daze looking to Oliver.

"You, no. Your humming, yes." Oliver deadpanned.

"I didn't even realize I was." Gene scratched the back of his head. "Was I really?" He asked confusedly.

Oliver, stunned, took a moment to examine his brother. What was the matter with him?

Oliver would describe his twin as someone who always had their head in the clouds. He often went places no one else could see or go to. It made him differ from so many other people and kept Oliver amused and fascinated by him. However, these past 3 days Gene was in space.

"Yes. You've been doing it for days." He emphasized slowly.

"Sorry, Noll." Gene blinked then a grin grew on his face. "But maybe I'd stop altogether if we talked about something."

Of course, Gene was up to something. He never smiled like that without some sort of plan. Sometimes he was just too obvious.

"You mean you want to tell me all about the music festival with Mai."

"It wasn't just Mai I went with." Gene poorly explained. It was clear that he wanted to talk about his time with the auburn haired girl.

"Although we did have an amazing time." Gene goofily smiled beginning to hum that same tune again.

"If it will stop you from humming. Go on." Oliver pinched the bridge of his nose.

Without needing anymore provocation, Gene begun telling Oliver all about the music festival sparing no detail, no matter how unnecessary.

While Oliver was careful and selective about his words, Gene could masterfully tell a story with vivid detail. Gene could tell a story about a market trip and make a person feel as if they were there touching on the oranges in the stands.

From what Oliver gathered, his twin and Mai spent majority of the time together. From dancing to different lineups, to bouncing on the trampoline, eating together, merch shopping, seeing their favorite band The Vaccines and the Ferris Wheel. Oliver noticed the deep blush on his mirror image when he mentioned the Ferris Wheel, it was the only detail in his story that he hadn't elaborated much on. Obviously, Gene wanted to keep whatever happened on the Ferris Wheel private. But why? Had Gene and Mai been intimate in some fashion?

Oliver examined the pure blissful smile and half idled eyes on his twin's face whenever he said Mai's name. Something did happen. But what exactly?

Suddenly not feeling well Oliver cut Gene off saying he wanted to finish his summarized essay of the seminar lectures he attended during Autumn Break.

"Wait, Noll! One more thing. We took pictures." Gene pulled his cell from his sweatpants pocket, "Masako sent them last night."

Oliver, rudely, snatched Gene's phone. He heard the gasp of his twin and ignored the guilty feeling that sat at the pit of his stomach. It was unnecessary what he did but he was feeling agitated. Gene was bothering him while he was working and… his ranted thoughts halted when he saw a picture of Mai and his brother.

Mai was on Gene's back, her smooth toned legs wrapped around his twin's waist. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and a bright smile aimed at Gene, who's head was turned looking at her with a deep blush and a soft smile. The Ferris Wheel in the distance behind them with some crowd goers walking. It was a picturesque photo. They looked like a couple.

Oliver looked at Mai for much longer than he should have. Her smile was large, warm and radiant. She looked truly happy and pretty with the white floral crown adorning her auburn hair. She looked happy as Gene looked happy.

"That one is my favorite too." Gene smiled. "Let me show you a funny one Yasuhara, John and I took." Gene grabbed his phone from a limp hand Oliver who just looked at Gene's fingers and not the phone.

It bothered him.

"Masako called us The Spice Girls and Mai, she's so funny, she said we were more like The Condiment Boys." Gene laughed. "I wish you were there, Noll. I think even you would have had a great time."

"I know. You texted me several times saying exactly that."

"Yea, my bad. I just think you would have had an amazing time." Gene smiled with tight lips.

"Not likely." Not when all your attention and hers would be on each other.

"You're so dull sometimes." Gene said dismissively with a wave of his hand. Oliver hadn't replied thinking it the end of their conversation.

"Tell me about the seminar though?" Gene asked.

Oliver wasn't up to talking much not when he had a headache and work, he ought to be focusing on not on the status of his twin's romantic status.

"You wouldn't understand." He dismissed.

"So? I want to know to if you enjoyed yourself and what you enjoyed." Gene spoke inquisitively. His violet eyes endearing. "Even if I don't understand."

Gene was perfectly serious, and Oliver knew that. He appreciated that Gene was one of the only ones to not look at him like he was weird and cared for his interests. Gene for a long time was the only one who mattered to him, even his adoptive parents it took quite a bit of time for him to trust them. And now, it seemed he was adding more people, but Gene was always first.

Unable to deny his brother any longer, and truthfully wanting to tell him what it was like, he did share his experience. All the while the questions flooded his mind and the ache in his stomach hadn't lessened.

Were Mai and Gene an item?

---

When Mai had entered school the following Monday after Autumn Break she couldn't help but feel numerous eyes on her and thought she heard on more than several occasions whispers about her. She did her best to ignore the stares, ignore the whispering. In fact, she even talked herself into believing she were paranoid but by lunch she realized people were looking at her and talking about her. All because of one picture.

Yasuhara had posted their music festival photos on his very popular social media page. The photos they had taken as a group, some of just the boys and the photo of Mai and Gene in front of the Ferris Wheel. Yasuhara had tagged all the friends in the photo including the music event. By Saturday, Field Day Festival liked Yasuhara's post and even shared one of the photos on their famous social media account. The photo they choose was the picture of Gene and Mai, and the caption the account wrote under their picture was "Couples who rave together stay together".

Now the entire school was aware of a romantic relationship that Mai, herself, wasn't privy too. The account hadn't tagged them, but her school peers showed her asking if that was her and Gene in the photos. She numbly replied yes, and congratulations were given as well as glares from most of the female student body.

Mai headed to her usual lunch table noting the chilly weather and thinking it'd probably be their last week eating outside for a while. Gene and Yasuhara hadn't arrived, yet she could hardly wait to speak to them about the situation on their hands. Masako wasn't at the table yet, but Oliver and John were.

"I guess I'm dating your brother now."

Oliver snapped his head fast towards Mai, his book accidentally knocking over John's open drink. John quickly scrambled to grab the bottle before more contents spilled out while Oliver lifted his book fanning its wet corners out. Mai found herself stunned by the conundrum.

"What?" Oliver blinked twice.

"Oh, I was teasing, Oliver." She looked at him oddly. "You haven't heard the rumors flooding this place?"

Oliver took a deep breath shaking his head for a moment at his clumsiness and handing John napkins, who nodded gratefully towards him. Feeling much more composed after his embarrassment he responded.

"Yes those. I haven't stopped being harassed since this morning. Some people asking if it was me in the photo."

"I thought it was a nice picture of you and Gene, Mai." John smiled between piling up dirty napkins.

"It is! I love that picture." Mai defended gently.

"And Field Day actually picked it out of thousands of tagged photos. You're lucky."

"Ugh I know I know." Mai shook her hair out in front of her face. "I just don't like people being in my business. People I've never even talked to. It's just really weird." She pressed her forehead against the table.

"You're not upset about them asking if you and Gene are dating?"

Once the question fell from John's lips Oliver couldn't deny his interest in her response. How would she respond?

If it upset her then it could mean she wasn't dating Gene. If it hadn't been that maybe it meant she wasn't a fan of others being in her and Gene's business. All of it could just account for her being upset at the upturn of her privacy. Despite how open Mai portrayed herself to be she was a private person. She never shared her worries or challenges with other. She only showed one side of herself which was a happy disposition. So, when something actively upset her it was a rarity that she allowed others to see. These rumors were upsetting her but to what context? That her privacy had been invaded, that eyes were on her, or maybe because others questioned her dating Gene?

"No. I mean if I was looking at that photo without knowing the people in it, I'd think the same thing, I guess." Mai looked thoughtfully. "But it's me and I know what's real and what isn't."

Oliver played her response on repeat in his head to interpret later.

"Mai!" Gene approached dropping his bag down before sitting next to her. "You okay?"

Mai couldn't help but smile softly at Gene. Of course, he would be concerned about her well-being and feelings.

"Yea, I'm fine. A bit peeved by all the stares and people I don't know talking about me but fine. What about you?"

I'm over the moon. "I'm alright. Just taken by surprise. Field Day actually picked our photo!" He grinned widely at her.

"I know! Can you believe it? I knew you were too good looking for your own good and now by extension I'm famous." She posed in her seat.

"Me? Did you read those comments you had a lot of fans." Gene stuttered with a blush on his face for being called good looking.

"Oh whatever. Those comments wanted your @." Mai rolled her eyes then mischievously grinned. "My favorite comment, 'that girl is so lucky he's a whole snack'."

Yasuhara, John and Masako laughed.

"It really is like you two are famous." John looked around the courtyard at their school peers who seemed to be looking at their table, specifically at Mai and Gene.

"Well, I'm glad I was the one to discover your twos chemistry and share my discovery. You're welcome." Yasuhara haughtily prided himself.

"I took the picture, Yasuhara." Masako glared at the speckled boy.

"Yes, you're Columbus and I'm the Native Americans. Only one of us discovered America first."

"You're an idiot."

A pair of upperclassmen girls walked by and stopped at their lunch table. A tall pretty brown skinned girl looked up and down at Gene and Mai before smiling.

"You two look really good together."

"Yea, it's not just the photo. You're both so cute together even now." The second friend, a preppy blonde girl, smiled brightly.

"Thank you." Gene smiled nervously.

Mai only blushed and nodded her head quickly before looking away from Gene and into Oliver's eyes who looked… she couldn't explain his initial expression, but she did notice the cold demeanor wash over him as he focused on the book in hand. Yasuhara on the other hand stood up from his seat and put his hand out to one of the girls.

"Hello, ladies. I'm Yasuhara, the one responsible for match making these two."

"Oh really?" The tall dark skinned girl smirked shaking his hand lightly.

"Yes, you see I have a knack for spotting true love. In fact, I think I may be looking at her." He winked at the upperclassman girl.

The girls looked at one another and laughed before waving Yasuhara off dismissively and heading to their table, with no doubt, their boyfriends.

"See, I'm not the only girl repulsed by you." Masako smirked dipping her baby carrots into hummus. She saw a small smirk on Oliver's lips at her quip and blushed immediately.

"You win some you lose some. Watch later, she'll be DMing me." Yasuhara casually sighed as he sat down.

John shook his head with a laugh.

"If everyone thinks you're dating you may as well." Yasuhara shrugged with a devious roll of his eyes at Gene.

"Yasu!" Gene admonished with a warning glance to his very chatty friend.

"I actually concur with the mule."

"You too, Masako?" Gene asked. The girl in questioned shrugged sipping from her straw innocently.

"Can we all just focus on lunch and talk about anything else. I'm tired of being the main subject today." Mai spoke louder than usual and without response changed subjects. "Masako, what's going on with the play? I thought you'd know if you got the part today?"

"Yes, about that. The School's Director is still not quite happy with the casting options. Specifically, for the Prince Chulalongkorn." Masako ignored Yasuhara butchering the name of the prince quietly continuing her response.

"On a positive note, I was told, discreetly, that I will be in the play with a major role."

"Right on!" Yasuhara cheered.

"And as a grade 9. That's impressive Masako." Gene sent a friendly smile.

"I wonder what part you got. This is so exciting!"

"Thank you, everyone." The shy girl smiled in kind.

"I imagine you will play as Tuptim. You do meet and exceed the characters entire criterion."

Everyone looked up at Oliver, shocked he was engaged in the conversation and said something that resembled a compliment to a girl. But there was one person who was most shocked of them all. The subject for Oliver's appraisal. The raven haired beauty blushed vehemently before looking down at her drink shyly.

"Thank you, Oliver."

"But you don't know if you got the part yet because of this directors search for the Prince?" John asked Masako. The girl cleared her throat looking up at John.

"Yes, he hasn't posted the casting list yet. So, he'll be putting out a flier after school today for Thursday auditions for certain parts to be filled."

The subject of conversation seemed to have died down then. Yasuhara asking Gene if the arcade would be a good idea later in the week. Mai sat quietly for a change munching on a rice ball until an idea overtook her good manners.

"Hm… GENE!" The excitable girl interrupted the boys in mid conversation.

"What?" Gene asked looking bewildered while Yasuhara muttered 'rude'.

"Gene, you should audition!"

"Where the bloody hell did that come from, Mai?" Yasuhara asked.

"What do you mean where did that come from?!" She practically spat at Yasuhara then turned her attention to Gene. "Gene, you're so talented. You can dance, you have such a lovely voice and you're so handsome! You would be spectacular!"

Gene's eyes widened and face immediately flushed. Masako giggling behind her hand at how flustered he became when Mai called him handsome.

"Keep complimenting him, Mai, maybe his head will explode."

Gene rubbed his face shaking his head at the embarrassment.

"Shut up, Yasu." Mai glared at the speckled boy.

"I've never done a play before though and what if I have stage fright?" Gene asked to himself out loud.

"Then you'll ruin the play." Oliver licked the tip of his finger turning a page of his book.

"Naru, stop. Gene won't ruin the play. He'll be the star- alongside Masako, naturally."

Masako looked thoughtfully and nodded her head in approval.

"I agree with Mai. I think you would do well." She spoke.

"Does everyone feel that way?" Gene looked around the table.

"Of course, Mate." John's infectious positivity beaming through.

"I'm down. You can introduce me to theatre chicks. Hopefully they're not all like Masako." Yasuhara nudged his head towards the girl.

"Let that dream die. No one with any class would be caught dead with you." She rebutted.

"What about you, Noll?"

"Is that a serious inquiry?" Oliver looked at his twin. But he could see the doubt and need for approval in his violet eyes. He sighed. "You're my twin of course you won't be anything less than perfect."

"See, Gene, even Naru knows you'll kill it!" Mai winked.

"So, what do I do?"

"They'll give you a scene to read from, you'll learn a dance right after and perform that dance and you'll sing a song of your choosing." Masako answered.

"I'm not really prepared-"

"I'll help! And Masako can too!" Mai interrupted. Masako looked confusedly at Mai who pleaded with her through her doe eyes.

"Since it would be a help to the production and myself, I'd love to help prepare you." Masako's voice becoming surer as she spoke.

"Gee, thanks. I guess, when should we do this thing?" Gene said with a pleased smile.

"I'm busy today afterschool but tomorrow after school would be alright." The raven haired girl supplied nonchalantly.

"Mai?" Gene asked.

"You know I'm available 24/7 for you." She winked.

"Ohh kinky!" Yasuhara meowed slapping his butt.

Most of the people at the table choose to ignore his antics while some stared at him in disgust. Mai placed a hand on Gene's knee and gave him a reassuring smile.

"Gene, you can do this. I know you can."

"I trust you. I know you aren't just blowing smoke." He patted her hand.

"To coerce you? Me? Never." She smirked with a roll of her eyes.

"Let's do it! Tomorrow after school?"

"Wish I could be there to help but Yasuhara and I have Enactus every Tuesday." John frowned.

"You both are in a few clubs, yea?" Mai asked.

"Secretary of Enactus, Debate, and Tennis." Yasuhara said without missing a beat.

"Enactus, Youth Group at my church, and I volunteer at an animal shelter every Saturday morning."

"That's so cute, John!" Mai squealed.

"Do you get to work with kittens and puppies?" Masako asked.

"Yes, actually. They can definitely be a handful but worth the labor." The blonde boy answered.

"I want to volunteer sometime too!" Mai whined.

"The more the merrier."

The rest of lunch went by relatively quickly with sillier conversation and a heated debate between a teasing Yasuhara and an ice cold Masako.

---

Mai and Masako walked into the Davis manor with excitable expressions on their faces. Luella opening the door for the girls and immediately becoming giddy with the presence of pretty young girls. Being in a house full of men had its disadvantages at times but she certainly lucked out today. Two potential suitors for her boys which meant two potential daughters in laws!

She ushered the girls in and distracted them for half an hour with gossip about her twin boys before Gene and Oliver whisked the girls away with the excuse of Gene's audition practice.

Masako immediately got into her role of director and was teaching Gene the audition dance steps. Mai, in good moral support, learned alongside Gene. Which wasn't the best idea for the duo.

Masako had to yell at the pair often for how quickly they got distracted by each other and their general playfulness. Oliver watched the debacle from the living room chair feigning to read his book. Gene and Mai had been very handsy all week since Autumn Break. Mai would tickle or pinch Gene. Gene would touch her curls or embrace her longer than usual when they hugged. His twin insisted they weren't a couple, but it looked to be that way. By Masako's gentle reprimanding tone, she thought similarly to him on the status of Mai and Gene. That maybe the two were much more than friends.

After getting the routine down, Gene had entered the living room holding a crumpled script Masako had emailed him yesterday. It was clear he studied it from its wrinkled appearance. She smirked thinking about his dedication. Her smirk turning more devious at a brilliant idea.

"Mai." The girl looked up at her. "You can help Gene with his read."

Mai made a strange face, her nose bunching up.

"Huh? Me? Why not you, you're the superstar actress here." She chuckled nervously.

Gene looked between both girls who seemed to ignore his presence and look directly at the other.

"Just read the lines and do what the asterisks say," Masako put the script in her hand. "It's simple even for you."

"Um okay I'll try." Mai looked down at the words before her eyes widened and glared up at her friend. "Hey!"

Oliver smirked turning a page from his book, he could see Gene stifling his own laughter and giving him a brief glance. The twins acknowledging the other.

"It says to cry." Mai looked at Masako pointing at the command on the paper.

"Yes, Mai. I'm glad you can read." The girl replied. Oliver coughed but it resembled a chuckle. Masako's eyes widening and blush developing on her cheeks at the prospect of Oliver finding her humorous.

"Why is everyone so mean to me!" Mai stomped but not having enough strength to intimidate anyone. "Ugh. Aren't you supposed to say action or something? Count off?"

"Action!" Masako said looking at her.

"Wait, like now?"

"No, tomorrow idiot." Oliver replied in Masako's stead.

"Shut up Naru!" Mai practically growled. Her face turning red from anger and embarrassment. Gene walked over towards her putting a hand on the small of her back.

"Mai, it's fine, you're helping me. Just try your best." He sent her a stunning smile that seemed to ease the tension from her shoulders. She nodded her head at him grinning before going to the middle of the floor and crouched down, face in her hands.

"Action!" Masako said.

"BOO WHOOO!" Mai exaggerated loudly.

Gene burst into loud gales of laughter holding his hurting side as Mai joined him rolling on the floor in her laughter. Oliver just glared at the two while Masako found no amusement in their antics.

"MAI!" She yelled.

"Sorry, okay okay." Mai said weaning off from her hysterical laughter. Gene was still quietly chuckling until Masako sent him a cold glare that silenced him immediately.

"Action." Masako said.

Mai was crouched down softly sobbing. Her face in her hands. Gene looked around as if looking for the weeping sound. He walked near her, Mai jumping to her feet *startled, but in Mai fashion she jumped up too quickly and nearly fell, Gene catching her in his arms.

"Who are you?"

"Gene, make sure you first look at her like it's your first time ever seeing her. She's supposed to be the most beautiful woman you've ever seen. First love."

Easy.

"Oh okay, got it!" He nodded with a smile, Mai still in his arms, her hands on his biceps holding herself up.

She looked up at him with a silly grin, clearly thinking the whole thing was funny. Gene gazed down at her hazel eyes and the cinnamon flakes in them that softened when she grinned like she did. Her soft face, those doe eyes and her sweet smile relaxed Gene into a contentment.

"Who are you?" He asked softly, as he helped righted her on her feet.

"An object. A gift to the king. Like a painting or a rug." Mai said turning away from him and looking at her script.

"His majesty receives many gifts." Gene said with a disapproving tone. Mai was looking at her paper as she recited the words.

"I must not disappoint him. If I do, I'll be sent back and bring dishonor on my village. You know what that means for me?"

"Death." Gene said cryptically.

"What about you?" Mai turned to look at him a smile on her face.

"I um I'm-" Gene stuttered.

"You don't know who you are?" Mai said then looked at the paper, paused, and giggled as it said to. Oliver could be seen rolling his eyes at Mai and her antics.

"A solider?" Mai guessed leaning her head towards Gene suspiciously.

"A servant! I'm a servant to the King." Gene stood at attention making Mai laugh.

"Well, that makes two of us." Mai stepped closer to Gene. "Two servants."

"May I show you around?" Gene stepped into the remaining space, holding his hand out to her, his violet eyes unwavering.

"Please do." Mai took his hand quickly a blush staining her cheeks and heart beating wildly in the confines of her chest. Gene playing a handsome gentlemanly prince made her tummy feel funny.

The two heard isolated clapping. Luella, Martin and Masako clapping at their performance.

"When did you two come in?" Mai asked Mr. and Mrs. Davis.

"You were both too busy gazing into each other's eyes to notice us walking in." Luella teased.

Gene scratched the back of his head his own face heating up and laughed awkwardly.

"That was actually really good." Masako commented. "Well, your performance Gene. Mai could use a lot of work."

"We're not all shining stars, Masako." Mai said poking her tongue out at her.

"Well done, son." Martin nodded his head at Gene and headed back to his office but not before giving his wife a kiss on the cheek.

"Can I see what you've been working on, Gene?" Luella innocently asked.

"Yea, sure mum. Could use the extra practice." He shrugged. "Mai practiced alongside me."

"I thought I should be helpful and not a distraction for a change."

"You failed miserably." Oliver scoffed.

"Noll!" Luella scolded a smirking Oliver who was obviously pretending to read. Masako covered her mouth with a sleeve hiding her laugh.

---

Masako headed to the kitchen, not feeling quite needed in the living room where it had quickly turned into The Mai and Gene show.

She sat on one of the stools at the island table and rested her head in her arms with an exasperated sigh.

She watched Oliver enter the kitchen and go to the fridge grabbing a bottle of cold water. A bottle of water was in front of her face. Her eyes widened and looked up to see Oliver drinking from his own bottle, his lips perched around the bottle top.

Neither one of them said anything. It was a comfortable silence between the two and Masako had no desire to break it. She enjoyed silence and specifically enjoyed being silent with Oliver. The two watched the sky from the backyard glass begin to dim in front of them and listened to the quiet of the Davis outside garden. Ignoring the boisterous conversation in the living room.

To Masako's surprise, Oliver broke the silence. "Needed a break from those two?" he asked, glancing sideways toward her without turning his head.

Masako nodded with a soft grin. "They never seem to relent on their antics. Makes me restless."

He understood completely, having spent a lot of time with those two. Masako was sure it was exhausting for the recluse teen. She could see he was watching her from the corner of his eyes. She tried to decipher if it meant anything but didn't get to think long on it because he'd spoke again.

"I'm going to walk along the pond. Come if you want."

She didn't hesitate.

The Davis garden was a picturesque English garden. There were such romantic blooms that included hydrangeas, roses, peonies, foxgloves, and daisies. The garden having evergreen hedges of a variety of heights. And the pond edged with deciduous trees with brilliant autumn leaf tones reflected in its water.

"Mai mentioned your schedule," Oliver said, taking a sip from his water. "You've been busy of late with schoolwork, outside auditions, the school play and Japanese school?" He questioned.

She looked up at him stunned he knew anything of her schedule. She nodded, remembering to respond.

"I wanted to thank you for assisting Gene despite your schedule."

Pride washed over her that she hoped he hadn't noticed. He knew her schedule. That had to mean he was interested in her why else would he bring it up? And to thank her. She'd never heard him say thanks to anyone. This must have meant a great deal to him. She felt proud that she warranted a thanks from him.

"It's no problem, it benefits the play if I help him which benefits me."

He had a small smirk on his face. It was enough to make her stop in her tracks and admire his profile. He was so beautiful.

"I respect that about you. You don't play modest where others may lie to look better." He gave her a side glance. She began to walk again, catching up to him.

"It's just you. I feel I can be honest." she confessed, unable to hold his gaze and instead looked at her shoes.

"That's good to know because I have something to ask you."

She looked up at him, noticing that he stopped walking, and she, too, stood, still waiting, patiently and hopefully.

"My brother says he and Mai aren't dating but they're behaving differently around each other. Actually, this development started after Autumn Break. Are they dating?"

She hesitated, having not expected that line of questioning. In fact, she had hoped he would ask her something more intimate- something about her. But she shook her head, he was naturally curious about his twin so maybe that's what it was.

She had to think on her response, having asked herself that very question, Oliver asked, a few times since the music festival but Mai hadn't said anything to her, and she was certain Mai would. The girl couldn't hold a secret to save her life. She was just honest in that way.

"I don't believe so," she admitted.

He nodded looking out to the water, seeming to lose all interest in her, signaling the end of the conversation. All conversation. Was this why he brought her out here, to ask about Gene and Mai?

"Why do you care, Oliver?" She found herself asking. He looked in her direction, his indigo eyes having a light hue due to the dimming sun being in his face.

"It's personal."

She tried to read his expression, tried to pick up on what his face or words wouldn't say through his eyes, but he gave nothing away. He was back to being cold.

Oliver's name was being called, both teens looking to the house where Luella stood, calling for them to come in for dinner. Oliver waved toward his mother and gestured for Masako to walk ahead of him. Despite her questions he had given her a water, he inquired on her wellbeing, asked her to walk with him, and knew about her schedule. He was interested in her to sone degree. She was glad she walked in front of him because then he couldn't see the blush on her face.

---

Wednesday at noon, Oliver stepped out of his classroom quickly in hopes to evade his hormonal female peers. Many of the girls in his classes attempted to initiate conversation with banal excuses. The same lines were reiterated from multiple girls. The compliments to his intelligence, asking for his assistance in class work, asking why he was always alone or if he needed company. They were so uncreative. The worst lines involved his brother. You're not as outgoing as your brother, you're really shy not like your brother. He hated the comparisons. He and his twin were identical, yes but they were separate people. It was just unfortunate for him that he was the unlikable twin, the unapproachable twin, the rude twin, the bad twin.

He shook his head glaring ahead of him until his eyes caught sight of auburn hair with a slight orange hue. Mai was walking out of class smiling brightly behind her into the classroom door.

"Idiot." He remarked softly with a small smile.

That girl was always smiling, head in the clouds. He decided maybe he could coincidentally bump into her and tell her to get a move on before she became dumber, but his childish plan seized when he saw a tall blonde male walking beside her, an easy going smile on his face as he was walking Mai to her next class.

Oliver immediately recognized the guy as Takigawa, Lin's friend. He also recalled that Takigawa called Mai cute once. Oliver continued his observations at a safe distance, eyes narrowed on his targets. Mai had a blush on her cheeks and slapped Takigawa on his arm hard. The blonde ponytailed male in turn gasped with a hard chuckle and ruffled her hair. They were much too intimate for Oliver's tastes.

But the ruffling of the hair didn't stop there. Oliver visibly blanched seeing Takigawa pull the unsuspecting girl into an embrace.

The blonde male had the back of Mai's head in his palm, as he pressed her to his chest, his head lowered to meet her with closed eyes and a gentle smile. Mai's hazel eyes were wide, and mouth parted in a surprise 'o', her hand against his chest. This was way more than just acquainted intimacy this looked romantic. The embrace passed quickly as Takigawa walked away without a second glance but a wave of his left hand signaling his goodbye to the girl. Mai smiled with a shake of her head before heading into her class. The bell rung bringing Oliver back to focus. He was in the middle of a clear hallway, and he was late.

---

The following school day, Oliver walked to their regular lunch table in the courtyard, he zipped his jacket up to the neck noting how cold it'd gotten in what seemed a week. If his brother and his band of idiots insisted on eating in the courtyard, he would go back to the library during lunch hour. Oliver made it to the table first noting no one else was there. He wondered briefly if they were inside, and Gene just hadn't gotten to him yet. He pulled his cell out and texted his brother who responded within the minute saying he needed to ask his professor a question and he'd be there soon. Sufficed, he put the cell away wondering where the other boisterous crew were. Yasuhara was no doubt waiting on Gene, John usually arrived later, and Mai and Masako were usually there by now. He normally didn't care to be alone but not at a large table where anyone could sit with him even though his forehead clearly read 'Do Not Disturb'. He looked up seeing Mai and her dimpled smile coming out the courtyard door, but she wasn't alone. Again, she was beside Takigawa, the blonde ponytailed upperclassman.

Currently, he was nudging her shoulder with a flirtatious grin while Mai squinted her expression in mock annoyance.

It seemed many other male school peers noticed Mai. It seemed especially more noticeable since the social media post, allegedly, confirmed she was in a relationship with his brother. He sighed thinking on how silly all this actually was.

Mai was supposedly in a relationship with his clearly smitten twin and flirting casually with popular classmen. He found himself annoyed.

Mai waved goodbye to Takigawa as she approached the table. She smiled in surprise seeing Oliver was there early. Placing her bag on the table top she flopped beside him, he turned his head away quickly getting a glimpse of her pink panties when she sat.

"You're here early! What's up?" She smiled excitedly.

He looked at her blankly staring at the distance they had between each other. Normally she sat across from him with his brother adjacent to her, but she chose to sit beside him. Maybe so he'd look less lonely? He wasn't even sure why he was questioning something so trivial.

"I finished a quiz early."

"Of course, you did." She snorted before pulling out some snacks from her bag. "Tangerine?" She offered him.

Surprisingly he took it and began peeling it. She smiled brightly before pulling a juice out and drinking its contents. When she looked up, he handed her the peeled tangerine and took her second one to peel for himself.

"Oh, thank you." She said gently, putting a slice in her mouth. He again looked away when he saw the juices drip down her bottom lip.

"You painted your nails." He said in response. He tried to ignore her odd expression towards him and instead changed subjects. "Was it for your new boyfriend?"

Her mouth opened and shut comically before he placed a finger under her chin to close her mouth. She swatted him away putting some distance between them to directly look at him.

"What the bloody hell are you going on about?" She stammered.

"The want to be rockstar. Takigawa." She just stared at him incredulously. He knew he sounded silly. He knew her acquaintances were none of his business or concern, but he just couldn't seem to stop himself. Like word vomit.

"You've been flirting." He accused her.

Mai said nothing for an entire minute before slowly and in a questioning tone responded.

"No, I haven't, Oliver."

"That's how it has appeared." He insisted. He watched her eyes widen and then narrow in agitation.

"How?!" Her voice having gotten louder. He knew she was getting very upset, but he continued to press forward. Possibly because of his own agitation he'd been feeling since Autumn Break.

"Flirting; a fundamental fixture in humans' sexual repertoire. A time-honored way of signaling interest and attraction." Oliver recited. "Your physical closeness and prolonged eye contact are textbook definition of flirting."

"What gave you that impression?! We're just friendly." She yelled becoming exasperated and then her eyes became very large and almost watery. No.

"Are you calling me a slut or something?" She asked breathlessly. His own mouth parting in stunned silence before he quickly refuted.

"No, of course not. It's natural to have sexual attraction to others and act on them-"

"But I don't and I'm not doing anything." She shook her head to herself, her eyebrows showing her mind was flying at a 100mph per second.

"It's not any of my concern." He said defeatedly hoping to defuse the situation he had gotten himself in.

"Then why are you watching me and how I interact with other guys?" She wasn't having any of his nonsense. In fact, she was downright furious.

"That's not what I'm-" He began to plead but was interrupted by a new voice.

"Are you two fighting? Masako interrupted the bickering duo.

The raven haired beauty stared, in disbelief, between the two persons. What had she just walked into?

"No." Mai coldly responded before getting up, her nose almost touching Oliver's on her way up. The boy quietly gasped feeling all out of sorts while Mai she was headed to the loo leaving her bag on the table.

Oliver had stood up when Mai had but made no move to follow her. Instead, he sullenly sat back down glaring at nothing in particular. His stomach hurt.

---

At dinner that night Gene had told their parents about Mai's behavior the car ride home. Gene glaring at Oliver still not believing he had nothing to do with it. Oliver looked down at his plate and stirred his food about with no appetite. His stomach still hadn't been quite right since lunch.

Oliver vaguely responded to Luella's questioning and quietly rejoiced in her giving up on him. Once he was sure the attention was away from him, and directly focused on Gene, he headed to his room but not without a glare directed at his family. It was easy for everyone to assume he was in the wrong without having any context. He shut his door, cup of tea in hand and stared offensively at the brown coloring. It didn't taste right. He placed it on his desk knowing he'd just dump it out later and opted to sit and read.

But that wasn't what happened. Like the prior two nights, he found himself pacing, deep in thought, again. He just couldn't keep his mind off Mai.

Thinking about her was making his stomach feel worse, and now his head was starting to hurt as well. He rubbed his forehead with a resolved sigh giving into his thoughts of her, when had he begun to observe her so closely, feel anything but indifference to her actions and voice his opinions to her?

He should put distance between them. Although Mai was probably already planning that with his abysmal behavior at lunch. She looked upset.

A knock at his door broke his thoughts. He turned to his door to see Gene standing at the doorway, having already opened the door.

"Whatever you did or said to Mai, you better fix it, Noll. I won't forgive you until you do." He threatened.

His twin's eyes were dark, much darker than how his own could get. His glare was not only menacing but unpredictable. Oliver hated when Gene was cross with him because not only was it a rare occurrence, but it also troubled him to see his normally personable brother have anything less than a smile on his face.

Gene didn't wait for a response. He shut the door leaving Oliver to think on how he upset the two happiest people he knew.

---

The next morning Mai had reminded herself that she wouldn't acknowledge Oliver. She would accept their generous offer of a ride to school, speak with Gene and ignore Oliver. If he called her an idiot or spoke out of turn, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction that he'd gotten to her.

She hoped she hadn't looked like she was crying last night. She saw the twins pull up and smiled brightly at Gene who smiled right back at her. She hadn't noticed Oliver gotten out the car and taken her bag. She glared at him about to say something unkind but became flabbergasted by him opening the car door. He had her bag seated in back upright. She walked past him getting in after a moment and silently cursed to herself because she said thank you. Damn her good manners.

Gene walked her to class once they arrived at school the two waving and promising to see each other at lunch later. Mai walked to her seat ignoring the whispers from her peers who questioned her relationship with Gene.

"She's so lucky."

"I don't know what he sees in her."

"She's not even that pretty."

She dug into her bag pulling out her books for class and heard a soft plop hit the floor. She looked beside her bag to see a small stuffed Elephant, the size of her hand, with an attached post it note that said "I'm sorry"

She looked at the girl behind her and politely asked, "this yours?"

"It fell out of your bag. So, no." The girl said rolling her eyes before placing her head on her desk.

Mai quickly turned forward again and looked at the elephant. It was grey with its face hidden in its hands. It was really cute and had fallen from her bag. She certainly hadn't packed it. Who could have slipped it in her bag?

Then she recalled Oliver taking her bag earlier in the morning. She looked at the elephant with a realization. A small smile appeared on her face as she looked over the note.

I'm sorry.

I forgive you, Naru. She thought as she squeezed the elephant happily.

By the time lunch rolled in, Mai was in a much better mood. Which meant Gene was in a better mood and Oliver could breathe again. As soon as their eyes had connected, she mouthed a thank you to him and was her old regular self.

"Damn it's getting cold." Yasuhara commented having been the only person without a jacket.

"When you get the flu, you'll have no one to blame but yourself for not wearing a jacket."

"Are you saying I'm asking for it because I'm not as clothed as other boys?"

Gene spit out his drink while both John and Oliver looked up astounded. Yasuhara was the most unpredictable person in their circle.

"My breath is wasted on you."

"My dad says the same thing." He shrugged before biting into his sandwich with a rawr.

John, Mai and Gene chuckled at the disgusted face Masako made. Even Oliver found himself amused at their antics.

"Hey, JouChan!"

Everyone from the table looked up and around, trying to figure out who was speaking. A tall ponytailed blonde began approaching the table with a wave, his many earrings jingling as he jogged towards them. Mai smiled with an enthusiastic wave of her hand.

"Hey Monk!" She grinned brightly.

The male sat against the tabletop, nudging Gene in the process as he looked down at Mai.

"You not cold out here?" He asked noticing her very thin cardigan. "Could give you my jacket?"

Gene glared at the side of Monk's face. He completely disregarded him and everyone at the table and was quite obviously flirting with Mai.

"You're so sweet! No, I'm okay. What brings you over here?" She asked a confused look on her face.

"I can't visit my favorite classmate?" He laughed. "Actually, I came to ask what you're up to this Saturday?"

"Other than some errands, I haven't planned anything. What's going on?"

Gene watched as Monk slipped took a stray strand of Mai's hair from her cardigan and brought it to her face for her to blow away. Something built up inside before the violet eyed boy stood up abruptly from the table. Monk getting bumped in the process and having to right himself. The fiasco caught everyone's attention around him, including a deeply concerned Mai.

"I- !" He nearly shouted and coughed, "I just remembered something."

"What is it?" Mai asked. "Something important?"

"The auditions are today." He sat back down ignoring the stifled laughter from Yasuhara and Oliver's disapproving headshake.

"It'll be fine, Gene."

"How could you forget that?" Masako muttered darkly.

"Anyway, " Monk coughed looking back Mai before giving Gene an odd look. "Saturday, we're throwing Lin, the guy over there who looks like he's got a stick up his ass, a surprise party. At his place."

"Lin's having a party?" Gene blinked confusedly. He knew Lin to be more no nonsense than Oliver most days.

"Lin wouldn't which is why it's a surprise." Oliver narrowed his eyes at Monk.

"You get the idea." He winked at Oliver.

"Is Mai the only invited person or?" Yasuhara pressed.

"No, you're all invited. Any friends of Mai gotta be cool people. Plus, you're good friends with Lin." He looked over at Oliver.

"I've never been to a party." Mai remarked in wonderment. "Is it alright if I think on it?" She looked at him.

"Of course, Jou Chan!" He sent her a happy smile. "Just show up whenever or don't. I won't be mad. A little heartbroken but not mad at you." He joked.

"Okay, great." She smiled in turn.

"Hope you all can make it. Especially you, Mai." He winked before leaving the group to ponder on their Saturday plans.

---

Friday after school, Gene and Oliver went their separate ways. Gene riding with Yasuhara to the arcade. They hadn't been since the summer and once both teen boys entered in, they were like kids in a candy store.

Yasuhara was watching Gene play Galaga. Gene was trying to beat the high score which would be beating his own best score.

Gene was a real hardcore Galaga player. He had a strategy he always went in with. He'd go for double ships immediately. And when his ship was getting captured, he'd strategically shoot once to turn the enemy blue, and wait till the enemy starts to attack to destroy it. Not waiting lead to consequences like not getting your ship back. The game required patience c something Gene had an abundance of.

"You're much worse than Mai on Mrs. PacMan." Yasuhara chuckled beside Gene, his attention on the screen.

Gene laughed softly, "she gets very aggressive on the machine, doesn't she?"

"Yea, remember one of the employees screamed at her to treat the consoles delicately or she'd be buying him a new one?"

Gene laughed heartily as he entered a new level, hurrying into position.

"She yelled back. Told the guy the machine wouldn't be the only broken thing if he wouldn't leave her be."

Yasuhara noticed the soft smile and gaze on Gene's face. He always held that expression when he talked about Mai. It was endearing and made Yasuhara smile as well for his friend.

"How did Sunday go with Mai?"

"We rode bikes for a bit until it rained and decided to catch a cinema."

"No confession, I see."

"No. She left in a hurry and my mum wanted me back for a family dinner. The day ended prematurely." He frowned at the memory but soon a small smile overtook his face. "But we did hold hands running into the cinema and during the movie at the scary bits. And she got me a gift."

"What gift?" Yasuhara raised his eyebrows.

"A Vaccine t-shirt." Gene's eyes were gentle. "She must have bought it when I went to the bathrooms. It's wicked!"

"So, you held hands at the festival, held hands on your regular Sunday dates, and she bought you a gift yet you have still not confessed. What are you waiting on?"

It wasn't an easy thing to explain. There was time between them, time that centered on the string foundation they created as friends. She was involved with his family, his friend group. Mai was an integral part of his life. Confessing and possibly being rejected would change his entire life and effect everyone involved. Not only was that terrifying to imagine it wasn't the biggest thing that scared him.

He felt things for her that petrified him. She made him so blissfully happy whenever he spoke to her even by text. And God, did it worry him what it would be like if that part of his life went away. Those very feelings were what prevented him from confessing.

"I know."

"If you know then get a move on, Gene. You saw how that upperclassman was looking at her. He invited her to the party and I'm sure it wasn't for platonic purposes."

"Yes, I know and you're right. I decided I'm going to confess at the party."

"Why there?"

Gene had leveled up again, thanks to his knowledge of the challenging stages. It was paramount in racking up points. After a while, he knew exactly where to be and that gave him perfect scores, desired results.

"The party is the perfect place. I've thought about it since he invited all of us."

"See, Mai and I will have a good time together."

"Yes, naturally." Yasuhara provided.

"We'll dance together, spend our time together, have conversation."

"The perfect ambience!" The speckled boy glowered.

"Precisely. Plus, it'll get rid of enemy one, Takigawa. I'll be able to unwind. I'll ask to take her home."

"Which she'll say yes to because she always goes home with you." Yasuhara interjected.

"Right, and from there we'll keep the conversation light when we arrive at her door, I'll tell her how much I've enjoyed my time with her. How I enjoy all the times I've spent with her and that I want to continue doing just that."

"Oh, this is getting romantic."

"I think I'll know exactly what to do based off what she says to that. I want it to be organic. I want to not feel pressured or a nervous wreck as usual."

"Mate, I think that's the perfect strategy." Yasuhara slapped him gently on the back.

Gene's ship was blown by an enemy losing the game right before he could beat his old score.

"Dammit."

"What happened? How'd you lose?"

"My personal strategy is to try to basically eliminate the enemy except for maybe a few as they enter. I leave a few because the few times I've destroyed them all on the entrance, the next level starts, and you don't always have time to get into position."

Gene backed away from the game picking up his school bag from off the floor and placing the straps on his shoulders as he spoke.

"I got distracted, wasn't able to get into position and didn't realize I hadn't gotten all the enemy."

"Sneaky buggers." Yasuhara frowned.

"Sometimes, you're just not fast enough."

"Sometimes, you don't see 'em at all."

---

Gene groaned upon waking up on a Saturday morning. For a few seconds he drifted into a heavy daze, grabbing a half drunken water bottle from his nightstand and gulping its contents down before crushing it and letting fall to the ground around the rest of the clutter.

In a zombie like state, he pried the covers off himself stumbling towards his desk where his phones alarm clock continued to blast. Immediately shutting it off he dragged himself back to bed, cell in hand. Nothing quite like a Saturday morning. Suddenly looking through his texts he finds her name. Smiling, Gene sent Mai a quick text.

"How are you doing" He shook his head wondering why he had such a cheesy grin on his face. Before he could put his phone down on his nightstand and collapse back onto his pillow a notification of newly received text popped up.

Excitement and anticipation burst from him, his fingers making quick work to turn the phone over. A little too quick. The phone fell on his face.

"DWAA." Illegible words escaping his mouth as he rubbed his nose and forehead before quickly opening the text.

"Morning, lazy head. Just woke up?" Forgetting his assault with his cell he grinned from ear to ear as a flurry of messages went back and forth between himself and Mai. It seemed she was going to the party which meant he needed to prepare himself to confess his feelings for her.

"This is it."

---

Yasuhara admired the Davis Manor as he got out of his cabby. The home was a classic English manor. He thought how wealthy the twins were looking at the exterior framed by a portico made of Belgian blue stone, large white windows, and a perfectly manicured garden.

"Rich as fuck." He scaled the home a few yards from the front door.

Gene opened the front door telling him to hurry inside as the boys walked into the living room. Gene had texted Yasuhara earlier that morning telling him that Operation Confession was on. So Yasuhara got himself a cab and headed to the Davis manor to help prep Gene. As the boys walked in, Yasuhara could see Luella and Martin were having tea at the couch while Oliver was nowhere in sight. Probably in his cave, he thought.

"Hey Mr. and Mrs. Davis!" Yasuhara waved at the couple.

They looked at him and then each other before Luella greeted him nicely and Martin nodded towards the speckled boy.

Yasuhara was Gene's unruly friend. They had reserves about the boy walking into his perverted transgressions a time or two when he was over, or the time he dropped Gene off from the music festival and knocked over their garden statue breaking its head clean off. He was smart as a whip, a loyal friend, and polite but he could be trouble. The Davis' were cautious of him.

Yasuhara watched as Gene shuffled his feet and stood around having no inclination of leaving the living area. Yasuhara realized in that moment from Gene's fidgeting that he hadn't told his parents about the party. Great.

"Gene, you're sure to put a hole in the floor shuffling about like that." Martin raised his eyes upward from a journalist article he was reading.

"What do you want, son?" Luella smiled in kind.

"I am a young adult."

"Hardly." Martin despondently replied putting his article down. It eerily sounded similar to Oliver.

"Get to the point, dear." Luella pressed with a gentle but impatient smile.

Yasuhara inwardly hissed.

"I'm becoming a young adult and finding myself presented with adult situations."

Luela put her tea cup down as Martin lifted his head up to look at Gene.

What the bloody hell are you doing, Gene.

"I have been invited to my first high school party. And I would like to attend."

"Where is this party at?" Luella asked.

"Lin-" Gene remembered Lin had no idea about it and could get in serious trouble if his parents knew. "Lin's good friend, Takigawa."

"Hm, will Lin be there?"

"Yes."

"Take Noll too." Luella smiled as she picked her tea back up from the table to take a sip.

"What? Why?" Gene looked positively incredulous. Yasuhara looked between both parties hoping for the best outcome.

"Because he could use some socializing, since he is also becoming a young adult." Luella said rather pointedly.

"He'll say no." Gene deadpanned.

"Then you can't go." She shrugged before grabbing a tea biscuit.

"Father?" Gene turned to Martin who looked most disinterested in the room.

"You heard what she said." He provided. Less blood on his hands if he agreed with his wife, Yasuhara reckoned.

"I'll be there Mr. and Mrs. Davis." Yasuhara tried to appease both stubborn parties.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis both gave each other expressions Yasuhara couldn't quite make out but it became obvious what they thought of that idea with their response.

"All the more why Noll needs to be present." Martin finished.

"Fine, I'll ask him even though I know the answer." Gene stalked off towards the stairs. Yasuhara in tow.

Gene knocked on Oliver's door and opened it without waiting for him to invite them in. Oliver was sitting at his desk, raising an eyebrow at his two guests. Gene walked in first and sat on Oliver's bed while Yasuhara shut the door and leaned his back against it.

"I didn't recall inviting you both up here." Oliver said with his back to them.

Yasuhara looked at Gene seeing his pensive expression. He could tell Gene didn't want to ask Oliver anything and may have been working the nerve to ask him. He wished Gene's parents didn't use Oliver as an ultimatum. If they trusted him maybe Gene could have been spared to ask the dark and brooding Oliver. Then he remembered The Davis' reaction to him. He turned to Gene.

"Gene, when were you going to tell me your parents think I'm a nonce?"

"Everyone thinks that because you are." Oliver cooly replied in place of Gene.

"Noll, get dressed." Gene said arms across his lap.

"Why would I do that?" Oliver said, writing in his notebook and still not sparing a glance at them. Yasuhara could feel the tension between the twins and wondered if he was going to witness a fight between them.

"Because you're going to the party."

"I didn't realize I had agreed to that. Did I recently have a lobotomy that made me so dim witted and incoherent to accept such an inane offer."

Yasuhara looked between both twins and tried to hide his personal feelings for Oliver by focusing on Gene. Sometimes Oliver was a downright aresehole.

"Oliver, I can't go if you don't come along. Mum and Dad said." Gene practically begged.

"That sounds like a you problem." Oliver scoffed.

Yasuhara raised his eyebrows at the sound of Gene jumping up from Oliver's bed and standing eerily close to his twin.

"Why do you have to be such an arsehole! Can't you just be normal for a bloody night and do me a solid?"

Oliver swiveled his chair to stare down a furious Gene. Yasuhara had never seen twins fight, and although that would be wicked awesome, he didn't want it to be Gene and Oliver.

"Gene." Yasuhara said in a warning tone.

"That's one way to make it certain that I don't go." Oliver narrowed his eyes warningly at Gene.

The two in some kind of staring competition or maybe they we're arguing telepathically. Yasuhara wasn't sure but he did know he needed to lay off Google search on twin phenomena.

"Fine. I don't fucking care." Gene stormed out of the room leaving Yasuhara behind.

"I too am indifferent." Oliver shrugged before heading back his "work".

Yasuhara shook his head at Oliver, the boy in turn looked right back at him with the most apathetic eyes. He looked for Gene finding him in his messy room bouncing a small ball up and down on his beanbag chair.

Yasuhara frowned looking at his pitiful mate and The resolved himself to becoming a motivational speaker. He stepped in front of him, hands to his sides.

"Gene, go ask him politely. Beg if you must! It's an important night for you and Mai. You can't let anything stand in the way especially Oliver." Gene stared blankly at Yasuhara before the speckled boy kicked the beanbag chair. "Go!"

Gene stumbled clumsily out of the chair before heading out of the room. Yasuhara listened from the doorway and could hear Gene's plea to Oliver.

"Oliver, please. Please."

He strained his ears trying to hear a response but only heard an exasperated sigh. Yasuhara grinned. Looks like they were going to a party!

---

Lin Koujo lived in a luxury apartment. The exceptional residence presented a perfect blend of modern elegance and classic charm. Gene and Oliver had been over on several occasions due to their respective fathers' amicable relations. But Gene couldn't help the chuckle that escaped when Yasuhara whistled.

"Maybe I've gotten used to your villa, Davis'. It's larger than this apartment yet why does this feel more luxurious."

"Because it is." Oliver deadpanned.

"The apartment is in a desirable neighborhood. Plus, they get all sorts of luxury items included."

"Like?"

"For starters, 24/7 concierge, residents chauffeur driven Bentley and Valet Parking, a residents lounge, 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms."

Yasuhara gave Gene a strange look that Oliver filled in quickly.

"Gene has taken advantage of the Koujo family so he would know best."

"Only because you and Lin avoid me like the plague."

"We ignore your idiotic comments. Unfortunately, we can't avoid you altogether."

As the young men stepped into the apartment, house music greeted them. Oliver twisted his face already in a souring mood. Gene frowned knowing his brother was probably waiting on an opportunity to escape just by the music alone. Yasuhara immediately started moving his head to the beat and shouting, "alright yea" as he led the trio through the inviting entrance hallway that broke into high ceilings, elegant wall paneling and gleaming hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the living space. The open plan living and dining area were crowded with class peers and over seen by large windows that let city light enter in. The tastefully designed space provided ample room for entertainment, while the contemporary furnishings and stylish decor create a sophisticated ambiance even for a teen rager.

"This is insane!" Gene smiled in awe.

Yasuhara put his arms around both twins and grinned deeply. "Welcome to year 10 boys!"

"Oi! That Mai? Holy shit."

Mai was dancing on the coffee table in the shorts Gene loved to look at from behind. She had on her faded converses and a graphic tee of her favorite anime. Her body moving sensually to the beat. Her hips swaying every which way and arms raised above her head. Masako had a deep red blush on her face as Mai kept pointing at her. John was laughing and surprisingly moved his shoulders and feet in a shuffle.

"Mai!" Yasuhara yelled out.

Mai whipped her head towards the voice, her long flowing auburn hair following behind her shoulder. She gave a bright smile which Gene returned before she turned her attention elsewhere. He could see Mai mouth something to John. John nodding a few times before he helped Mai down from the table and the group started to head their direction.

"Hey, thought you'd two never arrive." Mai smiled and then her mouth hung. "Naru?!"

"I'm not Eliot the triplet." He deadpanned. John laughed loudly holding his stomach. His odd behavior having his friends look at him strangely.

"Thought it was funny." He said in between stifled chuckles.

"I'm surprised you came, Oliver." Masako walked over standing beside him, "I'm glad." She smiled shyly. Oliver said nothing to this just rolled his eyes in annoyance at being there.

"Sorry Masako but I forced Noll to come. My parents didn't trust me to come with Yasuhara alone."

"Oh, I understand" Masako nodded.

"Completely understand." John agreed.

"What the hell?!"

"I'm just really happy everyone showed up." Mai smiled ignoring Yasuhara's outcries.

"That alcohol?" Gene pointed towards the marbled island bar table.

"Is this a party?" Yasuhara's good mood coming back intact.

John chuckled again holding his sides. "Did you have yourself a pint, Johnny boy?"

"He accidentally downed a drink from an upperclassman." Mai filled them in.

"An accident! I'm fine I swear."

"What a cruel prank that I had no part of. Dammit."

"Mai, did you drink?" Oliver asked.

"Of course not. Do you think I'm dumb or something? Don't answer that actually." Oliver's smug grin disappearing. "Neither did Masako. We've behaved."

"You did before around ours."

"Naru, that was once and Gene did too and if I recall you had a sip, yourself."

"You've been hitting the bottle, Noll?" Yasuhara joked.

"Peer pressure." The recluse boy responded.

"You? No such luck. You wanted to."

"You guys are boring I'm gonna dance." Mai groaned.

"Okay rude."

"Masako dance with me?" The auburn haired girl, childishly pleaded and grabbed Masako's dainty hands.

"Mai, I don't dance unless for performance purposes."

"So I've got to pay you for a dance, you're saying?" Yasuhara began to dig around his pockets.

"You couldn't afford me."

"So, there's a price?"

"Shut up you bloody git."

"Mai, I'll da-" Gene's words falling flat the moment he noticed Mai was already back at the main dance floor. She began jumping around along with the crowd who smiled and welcomed her easily.

"Mai, wait up!" Yasuhara called after joining in the crowd.

"Mai doesn't waste a minute, does she?" John giggled into his cup.

"The idiot can't help it. Short attention span." Oliver glared after her retreating form.

"She's not an idiot, Noll."

Oliver gave his twin an expression that said, "you're no better".

Lin Koujo, the handsome tall black haired Chinese teen, approached the remaining group members and gave Oliver an up and down glance over.

"You came?"

"I didn't have much choice." Oliver said looking at his twin who smiled at him.

"Fun party, Lin." Gene smiled at the stoic teen.

"Wish I had known about it." He muttered staring disgustingly at the people in his house. No doubt thinking of all the damage control and cleaning he'd have to do when everyone was happily gone.

"It was a surprise party, why would you know about it." Oliver said mockingly, a smug grin on his face.

"So, you knew then?" Lin glowered, his narrow eyes squinting dangerously low.

"We didn't want to ruin your surprise." Oliver smirked at a seething Lin. An upperclass pink haired tall woman stood beside Lin taking his arm affectionately.

"Glad you can keep a secret, Noll." The girl winked.

"Madoka, was this your idea?" Gene asked the pink haired girl.

"No but I wish it was." She smiled up at Lin.

"Your girlfriend only knows how to cause trouble." Oliver remarked.

"I'm more aware than many others." He agreed.

"You love me for it." She teased. "Where's your girlfriend, Gene?"

"Mai?" Gene asked. "She's dancing."

"I saw your post on socials. She's cute!" She winked.

"Uh yea." Gene blushed. "Excuse me." He headed into the dance crowd looking for Yasuhara.

He spotted the tall, speckled boy dancing with some familiar classmates, who he gave a friendly grin to.

"Yasuhara!" Gene called twice before just tapping hard on his shoulder.

"Gene, come join mate!"

"Let's talk!" He spoke. But Yasuhara mouthed "huh" he mouthed it slowly before Yasuhara nodded and followed Gene.

"Why am I so fucking nervous?" He ran his hands through his hair and paced before coming to an abrupt stop. "It's just Mai."

"Yea, it is just Mai. So, stop being a toss pot and act like yourself! Go dance with her like you always do." "GO Gene!"

Eugene got pushed into the crowd, bumping into some older girls who at first glared but changed their tune seeing him. He tried to excuse himself politely, but rational thought ceased the moment he found Mai in the crowd. She looked beautiful. The most beautiful girl in the room. Despite those worn sneakers, and those two year old shorts and the tee he'd seen her spill ramen and crisp crumbs on numerous times in the past. She was breathtaking. He gently swatted the girls away compelled to get closer to her.

Her hips and body swayed perfectly on rhythm to the EDM beat and her smile was so goddamn contagious. He smiled upon looking at it. She whipped her hair and her closed eyes opened at the moment that Gene caught eyes with her. The song changed to one they sang loudly on car rides homes. Like some Shakespearean fate they started dancing towards each other. A few people clearing the floor as they watched in curiosity and awe by the two who began to dance along to the song.

Mai didn't need to shake her good stuff to be a good dancer, she had great rhythm and could shuffle her feet. Gene evenly matched her moves, the two challenging the other with eye contact and nonverbal displays. They probably looked absolutely silly but neither cared as they bounced around each other and shouted the lyrics towards one another. Mai danced around Gene and bumped her hip against his bum making him lurch forward but bounce back on his toes and move robotically which caused the auburn haired girl to laugh boisterously. The song concluded, as well as their dance. But what the pair hadn't expected was how everyone cheered them on. Class peers slapping Eugene on the shoulder while people complimented Mai. Others began to introduce themselves.

Yasuhara had joined the group again cheering on Mai and Gene from a distance. Masako and the others watched on with hearts bursting at the seams with excitement at this new development between Mai and Gene.

Yasuhara looked over towards his friends. "I'm heading over to where the action is. Maybe I'll catch myself an older woman. Come on, Johnny Boy. Masako, Noll!"

Yasuhara grabbed onto John as they made their way through the crowd to enjoy the evening with Mai and Eugene. Masako smiled looking towards Oliver deciding if Gene and Mai could be confident, she should too. She turned to him to ask him to dance but her words were immediately caught and swallowed in the back of her throat at the sheer trepidation in Oliver's expression. She was transfixed by the emotion on his face. Emotions he kept bottle tight normally. He looked positively mad as he stared ahead. Masako could feel the change in her heartbeat. An eerie feeling taking over at what or who he was staring at. Masako quietly talked herself into looking but she knew. Deep down she knew. She began to turn her head in that same direction when Oliver spoke.

"This is stupid." He growled to himself. "I'm going to find somewhere to sit in peace."

"I could go with you." Masako offered quickly, her fingertips touching his arm.

"No." Oliver snatched away. Telling from the tone he used he could see he had upset her. Masako's eyes flashed surprise and quickly turned to hurt.

"No, thank you." He corrected himself and left allowing no further arguments of conversation.

Masako stood alone for a long moment looking down at her new shoes and felt suddenly ill. Tonight wasn't supposed to go like this. He was supposed to look at her.

Masako looked up where Oliver's eyes had previously been. The scene that caused such a strong emotion to come across his features. Mai and Gene were dancing closely to an upbeat EDM remix song, oblivious smiles on their faces. Yasuhara and John not too far off dancing with upperclassmen girls. Everyone was having such a good time. All of them without her. And Oliver rather be alone than with her.

She needed to go. Now.

A more relaxed house song played as some people dispersed to other areas of the home. Mai looked around the sea of people and couldn't find Masako or Naru.

"Gene." She called over the music. He blissfully kept moving to the gentle beat. Mai softly chuckled before poking his chest.

"Eugeennnne!" She sing sung. He blinked and with the cutest dazed expression looked down at her.

"Aye 'sup?"

"Have you seen your brother and Masako?"

Gene scratched the back of his head and looked about. He honestly, with shame, forgot all about Oliver. Hopefully Oliver hadn't escaped and was already halfway home if not already home. Maybe he was with Masako?

Gene shrugged towards Mai and bravely grabbed her wrist taking her towards Yasuhara and John. Yasuhara was chatting up a young lady and John…

"Dear Kami!" Mai yelled.

The kind boyishly handsome blonde was snogging an upperclassman. Gene forgot he and Mai's unspoken mission for a moment but shook his head and called out to Yasuhara.

"Yasuhara!" He called. The tall speckled young man continued to casually talk. Gene frowned not wanting to interrupt or cockblock his best mate's game. He quietly tried again but Mai stepped in front of Gene with a roll of her eyes.

"Hey Yasu!" Mai yelled getting the attention of Yasuhara and a few others.

"Guys! Good to see you. Have you spotted John yet? Who knew the bloke had it in him, ay." He laughed completely turning his back on the girl he was just speaking with. She walked off briskly, Yasuhara none the wiser.

"You've seen Noll and Masako around?"

"Nah. But isn't that a good thing? The girl is particularly quenched if you know what I'm saying."

"Don't say that!"

"Is it not true that she has a crush on the mean twin?"

Mai didn't look remotely amused by Yasuhara's antics and neither did Gene who gave his friend a heated expression.

Yasuhara sighed. "Have either of you well-meaning geniuses texted or called them?"

Mai immediately pulled her cell from her back pocket, frantically searching for Masako's name in her contacts but froze and looked to be reading something.

"Masako went home." She said quietly. Her voice losing its enthusiasm. "I'm gonna go find somewhere quiet to call her. Let me know if you guys find Oliver." Before Gene could say he'd accompany her she had already headed past a crowd of others cell pressed to her ear. Gene looked after Mai and relaxed his shoulders. When he looked over at Yasuhara the boy had the biggest mischievous grin on his face.

"Things were looking pretty hot and heavy on the dance floor back there." He wiggled his eyebrows.

The violet eyed young man could only shyly blush and smile. It was simply magical.

"So, confession. It's still on tonight, right?" Yasuhara clapped his hands together rubbing them like he was sparking a fire or was the newest Disney villain.

"I think so. Everything is feeling right, you know? You think she's into me?"

"If not you then who else?! I mean she's only danced with you tonight. Practically all night. Looks like a good sign to me for a love connection." He shimmied his shoulders as a few girls laughed in mockery at him.

"All the women here want me." Gene raised an eyebrow. "Except Mai and Masako. Speaking of Masako, you think she left because your brother said something to her?"

"I really hope not." Gene checked his cell to see a one worded reply from Oliver.

Here.

"Says he's still here but where?" He questioned.

"Doesn't matter right now. You've got to confess."

An upbeat popular song played, and the volume increased with it. The party goers began to crowd back around the middle of the living space and clapped along to the beat. Gene smiled feeling good about his odds and the overall night itself.

"Alright, here's the plan." He turned to Yasuhara grabbing him by the shoulders. "I'm going to ask her to dance a few more songs. I'll offer to take her home, like I usually do."

"Yes, you always do."

"Yea right very casual like. Then I'll walk her to her door. Oliver will be kind because he'll just be glad, we are out of here, so I've got 10 minutes tops."

"What are you going say to her after your romantic speech?"

"That will be a story for the following day my friend."

"Damn. Alright I'm in you bastard." The duo clasped hands firmly before looking back out at the crowd of dancing teenagers.

Gene looked around to find Mai and immediately watched his plans burst into flames. Mai was dancing with Takigawa.

---

They'd been dancing for two songs now. The tall dirty blonde had his arm over Mai's shoulder introducing her to his friends. She had a bright smile on her face talking animatedly to the new acquaintances and not once looked uncomfortable with Takigawa's arm on her.

Yasuhara was flirtatiously chatting with the same dark skinned girl from lunch earlier in the week, her name was Serenity and she seemed to find Yasuhara cute. She excuses herself to check on her friend and he looked to see Gene glaring daggers at Mai's friend, Monk.

"Gene," The violet eyed boy didn't turn to look at him. He kept his eyes on Takigawa. "Mate, go to her!"

Gene shook his head tensely. Takigawa was older, more muscular, popular, and good looking. Maybe Mai was happier with him? Maybe she wouldn't want him there?

He was beginning to lose his nerve.

Maybe this confession wasn't ideal? Maybe he investigated things too closely? Maybe he was seeing what he wanted to and not the reality? He was just a friend.

No.

No no no no no no

"Gene?" Yasuhara stood in front of his friend seeing his fist clenched and his jaw tightening. Gene got pushed forward into Yasuhara, a party goer accidentally bumping into him.

"Oi! My bad, mate." The curly headed Indian teen apologized. "Here, just poured it for myself. Looks like you need it."

He pushed a red plastic cup into Gene's hands. The boy held the cup looking down at the clear contents. The guy walked off calling after a friend with a cheer.

Yasuhara looked at Gene, "let me take that from you, man."

But Gene gulped down the entire cup full of vodka and coughed when he felt the burn sit in his chest.

"Whoa! Bloody hell." Yasuhara stared astounded at Gene. Gene shook his head before walking towards the bar.

"I need another."

Yasuhara stood shocked but quickly went after his friend seeing a bad idea take form in front of him.

---

Yasuhara had joined Gene for one drink but refused a second cup and said he'd be back after finding John. Gene didn't really care. Not about anything now.

He hadn't wanted to go to the party, but Mai had. She didn't want to disappoint her new friend who obviously fancied her. But of course, she couldn't tell. Hell, she didn't even know HE liked her, and everyone was saying it even to her face. He used to lie to save face but then one day he didn't deny it. Would just blush and hope that maybe she'd acknowledge what they had.

He didn't want to be at this party, but he thought they could have a good time. He thought tonight would change his and her life but not the way he thought it would.

Mai was flirting with that guy, dancing with him, hanging out with him and he was in some corner drinking from his second full cup of vodka- no chaser.

Why couldn't he just…

Say it!

I can't.

It's not the right time.

It won't be reciprocated.

It's not the right life.

You'll regret this.

I just can't.

It's never the right time.

They said you would miss out.

Not now.

When?

Maybe not ever.

No, he couldn't allow it. He couldn't never not tell her. Pour another, liquid courage, his mind provided. And so, Gene poured his third cup.

---

"Oh, there you are! Have you been hiding from me, Naruuu." John giggled like a common schoolgirl. At least that's what his laugh reminded Oliver of.

Oliver was hiding out in the Kouju's bedroom balcony and reading an eBook from his cell when John stumbled out and fell on the marbled ground hard.

"You're smashed, John." Oliver raised an eyebrow though his eyes were still firmly on his phone.

"I know." He sniffled.

Oliver impulsively looked up from his cell but immediately looked back down. Usually if you looked at a wounded toddler, they would cry but if you ignored them they went about their business as if unscathed. And seemingly the same thing could be applied to drunken teens because John was right back to giggling.

Oliver pinched the bridge of his nose. If he weren't in such a mood, he would have found this John amusing. Amongst all the others in the group he substantially preferred John. He was kind, quiet but insightful when provoked. Even drunken John was too kind, and sickeningly sweet it seemed.

"Think I'm finally sobering up." John blinked a few times before sitting up and patting his face.

"I snogged an upperclassman." Oliver set his phone down a bit to look at how serious John was. The blonde was known to be a truthful person.

"Are you pleased with yourself?" Oliver asked after being sure John was indeed telling the truth.

"I'm not certain." John looked rather thoughtful.

"Why?" Why was he interested?

"She said I was too cute." "You know 'cute' like a small child or a pet. All the girls say that."

"Ignore them. It's what I do."

"But they call you cuteee. Like shag worthy cute. I'm a meet the parents' alibi so they can meet their real boyfriends cute."

Oliver laughed. He tried to stifle it, but he broke out into a deep chuckle.

"You're laughing at me. Poor Johnny boy." John pouted. "Oi, you're laughing! I'd done good." John smiled.

"You've scratched the surface on a horrid evening."

"You're peeved?"

"What was your first clue?"

"Sorry." "I was supposed to tell you something."

Oliver waited.

"Right! I remember. Gene's piss drunk." John tried to say it with a straight expression, but a spray of spit and laughter bellowed out.

Fuck.

---

Oliver stepped out of Lin's parents' room with a drunk John in tow. He wanted to rush to into the crowded hallway to find his brother, but John kept bumping into the walls and other patrons. Eventually he stopped a furious glare on his face as he had to uphold John and practically drag him down the hallway.

Oliver scoured the crowd that seemed to have grown since he last came out. He thought the later it would get the less crowded it would become. He was mistaken.

The music was unbelievably loud with a pounding bass that was doing nothing for his focus or headache. Oliver looked for familiar faces in the sea of intoxicated and promiscuous teens and fortunately, there was a God, spotted Yasuhara's tall form.

"Yasuhara!" Oliver yelled a few times until the boy spotted him and moved through the crowd towards him.

"Hey Noll! Gene-"

"Where is my brother?!"

"I was getting to that!" He glared. "Mai is with him outside. I came back to grab you."

Oliver pushed John into Yasuhara. The speckled boy, fortunately, catching the tossed blonde. Oliver headed straight out the door without a second glance, an excuse me or a damn.

He headed out the luxury apartment building and out onto the street. He looked around the vicinity of the sidewalk but couldn't spot his brother or Mai.

"Dammit." He growled under his breath before his phone vibrated in his pocket. Quickly pulling it out he saw Mai's name pop up and he answered.

"Where are you?"

"Across the street at the park. I have him sitting on a bench."

"I'm walking now."

Mai looked at her phones wallpaper realizing Oliver had hung up. She could tell by his clipped tone he was furious. She couldn't blame his anger because Gene was definitely bent out of shape.

A text popped up on her phone from Yasuhara. He and John took a cabby to his place. Yasuhara and John were lucky his parents were in Germany for business. She texted Yasuhara back urging him to message her when they got home. One problem solved, she thought.

She looked down at her shoulder where Gene, her second problem, was resting, his hair matted with a sheen of sweat, his mouth ajar as he was breathing a little heavier than usual and his face a bit pensive though his eyes were closed.

She gently frowned down at him moving his bangs aside from his face and sighed.

"Gene why would you do this?" She asked quietly. She leaned her head against his knowing he was asleep and couldn't respond.

"It's ruined." She lifted her head to look at him. He wasn't asleep.

"What is?" She asked him.

"Tonight, wasn't supposed to go like this." He muttered getting closer against her.

"The drinks snuck up on you."

"Fast." He said comically slow.

"Why'd you even drink, Gene?" She waited for him to respond but his breath evened out and it seemed he was too exhausted to respond but he surprised her.

"I was supposed to do something important. We were supposed to have a good time."

She looked at him and could tell he was sad by his tone. But she wasn't going to pity him. He knew better than to drink like he had.

"We did up until you got tossed." She said in a reprimanding tone.

"I know I know." He said bobbing his head against her chest. "I hate myself."

Her eyes widened and she began patting his back. He felt really bad about his actions. It wouldn't do him any better if she was mad at him too. At least not now when he was drunk. She could nag him when he was sober.

"Don't go hating yourself for something innocent. You're a teen, it's normal to experiment with alcohol." She continued to soothingly pat his back. And then she felt him chuckle against her. His body vibrating against her.

"Mai, remember when we tried alcohol and got Noll to drink? That was so funny."

"It was." She smiled softly, now just resting her hand on his back.

"I have so many good times with you. Even now, I'm having fun even though I hate myself."

"Gene stop. You're drunk."

"I'm drunk and I like you. Two facts." He chuckled pressing his nose into her neck.

Mai froze. One, did Gene say he liked her or had she heard wrong. His words were slightly slurred and muffled because of how he was laying on her. Two, he was sniffing her neck.

"Gene, what did you say?" She carefully looked down at him.

"I ruined tonight. Wasn't supposed to go like this."

Oliver began to approach the bench but stopped in his tracks seeing how intimately close Mai and Gene looked. His twin was clearly intoxicated by his languid and awkward looking body, but he looked peaceful sleeping against Mai, his head laying on her chest and Mai's hand gently placed on his back as she looked thoughtfully unaware.

He bit down on his tongue before stepping forward, Mai spotted him and silently the two helped Gene up and walked him to the parked car near the park entrance.

"Why would you take an intoxicated person across a busy street into a dark park?" Oliver berated as he buckled Gene in.

"I didn't want any adults or cops to see him like that. I don't always have dumb ideas, you know." She glared at Oliver beginning to grow frustrated with his accusations.

He had to admit that was a clever idea. But the image of the 5ft nothing girl carrying his drunk brother across the street and into a dimly lit park was the plot of every horror movie.

"You saw him drink and didn't think to stop him? He listens to you; he would have stopped if you asked."

"I wasn't with him the whole night, Naru. And if you want to blame anyone blame your brother no one forced him to drink like he did." She snapped at him getting into the passenger seat and shutting her door. A moment later Oliver was in the driver seat and shut his own door. Mai thinking it was the end of the tiff began to buckle her seatbelt, but Oliver was far from done.

"Why weren't the two of you together? You're attached at the hip any other day." His words dripping with sarcasm. He put his seatbelt on and heard the passenger seat squeak. He looked to see Mai's hazel eyes ablaze in anger staring stonily at him.

"Because I have other friends and I was meeting new people. I'm not Gene's twin. You are! Maybe you should have checked on him instead of hiding away like a dumb bat in a cave." She spat.

He could only stare confounded. She was right. It was his responsibility. His parents urged him to go to look out for Gene and he rebelliously went and hide in a room like Mai's annoyingly accurate metaphor. But he couldn't let her have the last word.

"You're an idiot." He gritted.

"And you're a bastard!" She said in a dark tone probably being considerate of a sleeping Gene.

The rest of the ride to the Davis manor was silent as Mai was fuming in her seat. Oliver had a habitual habit of pissing her off like no other. Her arms were crossed, and she glared at the home.

Oliver parked the car in the driveway and unbuckled his seatbelt. He went ti open his door but stopped and turned to her.

"Thank you for helping take care of Gene. I should have been looking out for him. I'm sorry."

Before she could reply he had opened the door and helped his twin out of the car. Mai watched as Oliver struggled pulling his brother to the side door of the home. Eventually he got the door opened and walked the two of them inside, the door shutting behind them.

Mai thought on the strange events of the evening. Gene getting tossed, Gene and his weird words at the park (what was that about), Naru yelling at her then thanking and apologizing to her. Naru had apologized twice in one week. Nothing made a lick of sense in Mai's world.

Oliver hadn't come out the house in over ten minutes. Mai beginning to worry if Gene was alright but just as nervous feelings started to surface, Oliver stepped out the front door and locked it behind him heading to the car.

"Martin caught us." He said as soon as he got in the car.

Oh no!

"Is he angry?" Mai shrunk into herself.

"What father wouldn't be?" Oliver deadpanned. Mai looked terrified in her seat. Probably worrying over Gene.

"He knows I'm taking you home." Oliver said beginning to push start the car.

"Is he mad at me?" She said below and whisper her head down in shame. Oliver sighed quietly.

"No, Mai."

"Are you guys in trouble?" She pressed. Oliver made a noise through his nostrils that resembled a snort.

"Probably, yes. But that will be discussed in the morning. Promptly after Gene's hangover."

He push started the car thinking Mai was done with her anxious questioning but she spoke again.

"I'm sorry. Maybe-" she started to tear up. "Maybe I should have kept a better eye on him." Her voice cracking in her stress and guilt.

"Don't apologize for that idiot's behavior. He got himself drunk. It's not on you." He looked at her gut she wasn't looking at him just internally beating herself up no doubt.

"Mai, you did everything right. You got my brother away from the party, took him out of sight so he wouldn't get in trouble with the authorities, comforted him and called to inform me. You were brilliant."

Mai turned her head to look at Oliver who was smiling. He was smiling at her, his eyes gentle and his attention and concern directed on her. She closed her mouth, nodded quickly and looked out her window. Oliver wondered if she was still upset but she had been compliant, so he didn't concern himself too much.

The ride to Mai's flat was surprisingly quiet. The roads were mostly clear because of the late hour and Mai seemed thoughtful. Oliver's Cell was connected to the cars Bluetooth. His music playlist playing in the dark of the car.

He noticed Mai drumming her fingertips against her knees. He decided to turn the volume up smidge and cleared his throat. Mai turned to her right watching his contented features. He really was so handsome, but she wouldn't tell his narcissistic self that. Instead, she looked ahead at the hypnotic road and relaxing into her seat listening to the song.

You gotta spend some time, love. You gotta spend some time with me. And I know that you'll find, love, I will possess your heart.

"You have a nice voice." He spoke. She blinked and gave him a pointed look.

"Oh God, please don't fib. I sound terrible. I already know." She said with a furious blush.

"I don't mind it. At all." He said confidently.

The car had been parked 5 minutes ago in front of her brown flat. Mai sat in her seat still not quite ready to get out of the vehicle. She felt an overwhelming sense of comfort sitting the quiet dark of Oliver's car. She looked outside the window and could see the lineup of her neighbors' cars, the neighborhood dead to the world of the night. She looked over at Oliver and smiled as he just stared at her. Her smile slowly dissipating into a content grin. She unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door. Before stepping out she set her gaze on him and said very softly, "Thank you."

Oliver looked down at her hand that was delicately placed on his arm and watched it disappear back to her side.

Mai stepped out the car and shut the door but jumped hearing a second door shut. She looked to the right of her seeing Oliver having gotten out the car.

"My mother wouldn't approve of me not walking you to your door." His eyes unwavering from her own.

"Right." She mouthed. They both walked in front of the hood of the car standing alongside one another until Oliver continued ahead towards her building.

"My last guess." He paused in his steps hearing her speak. Oliver turned around. Mai was still in front of his car. Her hazel eyes having a particular golden hue under the lamppost.

"I think I know who she is now." She seemed hesitant but strangely assured. It was insane to him but fascinating. His heart doing palpitations.

"I just wanted one more clue before I say who. You know just in case I'm wrong."

They observed one another for a long while, not a word or sound escaping them. He could see the question in her eyes, and she could see the fear in his.

"I kissed them before."

His voice betrayed his vulnerability and he silently cursed in his head at how weak he sounded at how weak he felt.

"Me. Why me, Oliver?"

He heard the desperation in her voice, he felt her speak. Her voice went through him and the chills and warmth she gave took over in ways he couldn't think possible. Butterflies of the tummy didn't compare to this frightening experience. He was terrified.

"Maybe it's because you're always around me, always there, and yet I can't seem to not think about you every day since that summer. So, you tell me, Mai. Because this makes no sense."

Inwardly, he began berating himself, pleaded with himself to NOT speak. To stop himself before he said or did something he regretted. But he lacked control. His head throbbed and his breathing became sparse. His body was against his desires. He was against him. He couldn't stop. Word vomit.

"Go on and explain it to me, because I don't understand it. I just don't understand, why does the entire universe force me towards you?"

"No one's forcing you." Mai said with tears in her eyes.

God, please, don't make me be the person that makes her cry.

I don't want this.

I don't understand it.

I'm terrified.

Please, something, anything, anyone, please make it stop.

"I must be mad." He laughed without mirth pinching the bridge of his nose as he paced in front of her.

"Why else would I be this obsessive, this compulsive and entirely absolved of all control and rational thought?" His throat hurt and his voice sounded hoarse. His eyes were burning, and his chest felt tight. Was he sick?

"Naru, are you alright?" And she was concerned about him. Here he was emotionally whipping her, no doubt confusing her and causing her some pain because she was beginning to cry. But she wanted to know if he was okay.

He couldn't answer if he was alright because he didn't know. He just didn't. In fact, when it came to Mai, he knew absolutely nothing. It was all uncertain with her.

He wasn't sure when he had gotten so close to her, but he could smell her now and almost touch her. She was so close. He brushed a stray tear from her cheek. She shivered and jumped at his touch but that only seemed to make her come in closer to him. Such a contradiction. Such an odd girl.

"Such a walking contradiction."

He watched her lips part in confusion. Her eyes innocent and big as saucers. A faint rose colored blush painted over her cheeks. Temptation at its finest.

He leaned over.

Their lips touched, not for the first time. The gates of Heaven opening. His hands traveled along the slight slope of her waist and hips. Static perpetrating his shaking fingertips. He surrendered.

The kiss deepened as her hands made their way behind his neck, bringing him closer, and suddenly the stupid game from before lost all merit.

How could they have joked in such a way with something so precious? To lie to themselves and act as if it was harmless and in good jest?

She was against the hood of his car now and making beautiful music as his lips trailed down her neck. Oliver marked her with soft kisses, each gentler than the previous one.

I'm an arsehole. How could I do this? Put her through this?

I'm not the guy she needs, not the one she really wants. She's naive, so beautifully naive, innocent and hopeful. She can do so much better than me. I deserve banality. I don't deserve this.

I must stop.

"Oliver..." she whispered his name. Shudders attacking the teen. So much emotion from a name. His name.

"Don't," he said against her neck. "Don't say it. I'm not worth it, I'm not the right guy for you."

He could feel her freeze against him. Feel the cold. She pulled away from him to look him in his indigo eyes. He wished he hadn't looked back into her eyes. Pain. Crushing pain.

He let go of her.

"I'm sorry."

She didn't say anything, didn't look at him. Instead, she pushed him aside and quickly walked to her building. He could tell she was trying not to run or cry.

As much as he wanted to call to her, he hadn't. He lost it tonight. He did what he promised he wouldn't do from summer break. He was sick. He was horrible. He was worthless.

And he was entirely infatuated by Mai Taniyama.