A/N: Happy New Year! Can you all believe its 2018 already? I honestly thought the world would have ended by now with how crazy our world is. Anyway, I hope you all had wonderful holidays!

Please enjoy the latest installment!

Chapter 18: As the Dice Roll

Things have changed.

The normalcy in their lives have shifted.

And that all started the day Kurata Sana showed up at Jinbou High School.

Sasaki Tsuyoshi had remained relatively quiet about the sudden changes that had disrupted their daily routines. He had voiced some concern mainly to Hayama Akito, but that was in relation to his lifestyle, or rather his lack of.

When Akito disappeared, Tsuyoshi feared for the worst.

He knew how reckless and idiotic his longtime friend was capable of. He had seen it. From the time they were kids, the oldest of the Hayama siblings was always engaging in reckless behavior. He didn't always make the best decisions when he was younger.

And most of his reckless decisions were made to spite his father.

It took him some time to realize that his actions were impacting the people around him negatively. And when Akito recognized the implications of his behavior, he changed.

Or rather, he finally grasped the reality of the situations he was putting himself through.

Tsuyoshi's known the blond almost his entire life. He has weathered the storm with his best friend and tried navigating murky waters with him. It was a sucker punch to the stomach had he ever gotten one when he realized that he was no longer able to help Akito how he used too.

He knows he's beating a dead horse with this statement, but the death of Akito's mother shifted the entire dynamic of their friendship; not just with him, but with the sole few who were friends with him.

Before Akito became reclusive and broody, he had quite the character on him. He was always apathetic and kept to himself, but he was much more interactive with those around him. After the accident, that all changed.

The disdain for his father? That never went away.

If anything, it made his hatred for his father grow.

That hatred was metabolized internally though as he was no longer outwardly spiting his father.

If Tsuyoshi was being honest though, he'd rather the Hayama Akito that was outwardly engaging in reckless behaviors than the Hayama Akito that was silently brooding to himself. With that, Tsuyoshi was more aware of Akito's emotions.

Now, he couldn't even guess what he had for dinner the previous night.

Tsuyoshi sighed heavily as he shut his book. It was pointless acting like he was studying. There was so much going on that his mind was constantly elsewhere.

"You too, huh?"

Looking up, Tsuyoshi watched as a defeated look crossed none other than the new girl of Jinbou High School herself: Kurata Sana.

She dropped her school bag to her feet and slumped into the chair across from him.

"You're still here?" Her reply was a heavy sigh.

"Unfortunately. I must pass my math class so studying it is."

It didn't look like she was getting much studying though since her books and study notes were still in her backpack. And it didn't look like she was grabbing that anytime soon. He chuckled.

"All you have to do is ask, and I'll help you out." He offered and she waved him away.

Weird.

Normally, she would be jumping at the opportunity for someone to help her with her homework.

"Everything okay, Sana?"

Her brows furrowed together and she crossed her arms as a response to his question.

"Did you hear about Fuka?" She asked, and Tsuyoshi grew somber.

Who didn't hear about her?

The news about her fractured ankle traveled fast in their private high school. Though she wasn't overwhelmingly popular like Akimoto Hiro, Fuka had quite the fan club.

She was a pretty girl who was insanely talented at gymnastics. Not only that, she always scored high in her final exams. Despite her standoffish behavior, she was admired greatly by the student body.

She was perfect.

Was.

"Yeah… that's really unfortunate. She was just starting her competitions too."

Aya had texted her out of concern. She replied a few hours later and told her the doctors diagnosis.

A medial malleolus fracture that extended into her right tibia.

She would be out for at least 4 months.

"How bad is it?" She asked, and Tsuyoshi was surprised by her sudden question. Sana… didn't know? Did Fuka not tell her?

"You- You don't know?"

The girl shook her head.

That was… shocking. Fuka's been out of school for a few days now. Surely in that time she would have talked to Sana about her condition?

"We had a fight. She hasn't talked to me since the day it happened."

Well, that explained his answer. Why did it seem like those two were always fighting?

"Why are you guys fighting?" Sana flinched, and Tsuyoshi immediately regretted his question. "If you don't mind me asking." He added at the end there.

"Honestly, Tsuyoshi. I have no idea." And he could tell she didn't because she looked sincerely perplexed with confusion swirling in her eyes.

She remained silent and didn't really have much to say outside of their discussion. In the two years he had known Fuka, her demeanor did not make it easy to get along with her.

But despite the callous exterior Fuka sported so well, once you got to know her, she was a really cool girl. Her drive and ambition were admirable and Tsuyoshi had to admit, it was nice being able to have intellectual conversations with someone outside of Aya.

"Our best friends really don't make it easy for us, do they?" Sana responded with a loud snort, followed by a heavy laugh.

Tsuyoshi liked seeing Sana with a smile on her face. Her arrival brought such a bright light to their group. Hell, she was even getting Akito to hang around more. And that wasn't something he thought was possible.

"No, they certainly do not."

His response was laughter, and Sana's troubles were forgotten for just a moment.

"It's really frustrating at times, you know? You want to do what you can to help them, but they are just so persistent on remaining reclusive."

The brown-haired teen watched Sana nod in agreement. She had a hopeless smile on her face that screamed her understanding. Granted, Fuka wasn't as bad as Akito. Dear God, no. At least Fuka was expressive and willing to hold a conversation.

Hayama Akito would talk with his eyes if he could.

But, Tsuyoshi couldn't complain about something that he brought upon himself. After all, there was a reason Akito stopped talking to him about his life.

He left him behind after he promised he wouldn't.

"But, I suppose that is my fault. At least with Akito that is." His voice dipped low, and Sana noticed the immediate change in his demeanor.

"Tsuyoshi?"

He looked up at the hazel eyed girl and gave her a sad smile. Sana's eyes were filled with confusion.

"I can't really comment on the way Akito manages his life, nor interfere with his decisions." Tsuyoshi would like to think that his opinion still mattered to the blond, and that their friendship would withstand the murky waters.

Despite the stark differences in their personalities, they had grown close over the years. Just like Sana and Akito created this strange type of friendship (which mostly revolved around Akito insulting her), it had left people raising their eyebrows for quite a while.

But ever since their first year, Tsuyoshi had failed to support Akito during one of his hardest times. And since then, he had been trying his best to make it up to him.

He was afraid he may have been too late,

"You're allowed to express your concern, Tsuyoshi. If Hayama isn't always making the best decisions, or doing things that raise concern, it's your job as his friend to tell him." Her voice was stern, and her eyes confident. Tsuyoshi doesn't think he's ever really seen her like this before. "If I was making stupid decisions, then you all better tell me! Even if I don't like what I hear, I know you guys are coming from a place of concern."

"I can't though!"

She immediately silenced, and looked at Tsuyoshi in shock.

He wasn't one to shout.

"Three years ago, right before the accident and his mother's death, Akito was… different. He was getting himself into a lot of trouble… well, more so than before." He really shouldn't be telling her this. But, ever since they formed this… friendship so to say, Tsuyoshi has acquired this confidence that Sana may just be what Akito needs to step away from the dark he has enveloped himself in.

"What kind of trouble?" She pushed, and Tsuyoshi sighed solemnly. He always hated talking about this part of Akito's past.

"The kind that often ended you up in suspension."

She nodded numbly.

"When we were kids, Akito was always getting into fights with other kids. Often times, he wasn't the one starting them. But, he was a lot more rambunctious than he is now. You could say he was kind of like a gang leader, with his faithful members following and mimicking everything he did. With one finger, he had them under his complete control."

Sana's eyes went wide. "Wait, seriously?"

He smiled slightly, remembering the days he would run the school yard rampant while he never lifted a single finger.

"Yeah. Akito was strong, and people admired him for that. They did everything he asked and said because they wanted to please him. And he took pride in that." His throat started drying up thinking about the events he was going to speak of next.

"So, he graduated from Boss Monkey to Lone Wolf." She muttered. Sana had quite the way of putting it together. It was kind of funny. "What a guy."

"As you now know, Akito and his father don't exactly get along. More so now than before after his mom's..." And that's when Tsuyoshi's voice trailed off, realizing Sana may or may not know about their mother's passing.

"Death, you mean?"

And that answered his question. He wondered who told her: Akito or Ayame?

"Uh, yeah." Akito's mom's death had really changed the blond as a whole. Especially since he was blaming himself for the whole ordeal. "His father has always been absent in their lives, more so now than before obviously with the whole going to LA thing."

Anyone else, And Tsuyoshi wouldn't think twice about sharing Akito's personal life. But, Sana was his one exception.

"I'll start by saying Akito loved his mom. More than anything. He was always protecting her, and looking out for her." Sana nodded in understanding. "His father's absence put a lot of stress on his mother, though you would never know it. She was always so happy and eccentric. If there was one thing Hayama Koharu was, it was her being a free spirit. It was weird seeing Mr. and Mrs. Hayama together because they had such stark personalities."

Now that Tsuyoshi thought about it… Mrs. Hayama was similar to a certain auburn-haired teenager sitting in front of him.

"You know, you kind of remind me of her, Sana."

She pointed at herself with a dumbfounded look splattered across her face. She blinked once, twice until she processed his words.

"What? You think so?" The brown-haired boy nodded, and that's when the lights went off in his head.

How had he not seen it before?

"Yeah, you two are very similar in your personality and demeanor. You carry yourself just like she did."

She grumbled. "I don't know how I feel being compared to Hayama's mom."

He gave a quick smile, but also his realization was dawning on him.

The reason why Akito was so quick to shut her down, why he refused to acknowledge her or get to know her.

Why he refused opening up to her.

All because she was so similar to his mom.

And because of that, Akito has strayed away.

At least, that's what he would like to think. Especially because he knew the blond wasn't stupid. He was smart, and very perceptive on things like this.

"Don't take it so harshly. His mom was really great." And she was. She accepted him immediately, and was always so grateful for being her son's friend, especially since he didn't make friends easily.

And it helped she was always making treats and snacks for him.

"So, you were saying?"

"Oh right." He felt a vibration in his phone, and knew immediately that is was Aya. "As kids, Akito's personality was centralized on doing everything he could to spite his father."

"They never saw eye to eye, as you probably know by now. But, Akito had such a deep disdain for his father that everything he did to get himself into trouble was to spite his father."

Now that they were older, looking back, it seemed so petty. But, there was so much anger in Akito from his father's actions that he didn't know how to control it.

The best way he knew how was to fight.

"Unfortunately, that caused his mom a lot of grief. Mostly every fight and scuffle he got into, his mom was the one dealing with the aftermath of that. And he knew how much pain it caused his mom. But the anger he had for his father was precedent over everything else."

"I don't like where this is going..." She muttered, and Tsuyoshi shared her concerns.

"Whenever Akito's father was in town, his attitude would worsen. And he would get himself into deep trouble." A pause, "Trouble that would people's life in danger."

Understandingly, Sana's face went white with that comment.

"I know we trailed off in conversation, but the reason why I can't talk to Akito about certain things anymore is because I let him down when he needed me the most."

The frog in his throat all but suffocated him

"We were in middle school at the time, and Akito was starting to realize the trouble he was getting himself into wasn't worth it. He started breaking away from the other guys he used to lead around." He could remember how happy he was to hear the blond was finally breaking away from that life. "But one day in class, a couple of kids were mouthing off to Akito."

"He ignored them, naturally. And they didn't like that. So, they decided to talk about his sister. And his mom." Tsuyoshi shivered remembering the fury in Akito's eyes. Talking about himself was one thing. That he didn't care. But, when you brought up his sister and mother, it was end game.

Sana was listening intently.

"Akito reacted obviously and he and the boys got into it. Their argument escalated, and one of the guys ended up punching Akito. I tried keeping Akito calm, and getting him to walk away. But at that point, he wasn't having it."

"It was unfair. It was 3 against 1." He chuckled with embarrassment. "I'm afraid that I was quite the coward at the time and Akito pushed me away from the fight."

"Though he is physically trained because of karate, 3 against 1 is still 3 against 1. And he is awful with defense. It was always his downfall. Offense is his much better quality."

Sana's eyes almost popped out of her head in disbelief.

"Wait, wait, wait, Hayama is in karate?!" Her jaw was hanging open, and it seemed like she was having a hard time believing that.

Tsuyoshi was too. He remembered the day the blond informed him he was joining.

"Oh yeah. He was pretty good at it, too! The day he told me he was going to join karate, I almost lost an eye because I started laughing at him in disbelief. But, he loved it. It made him calmer and relaxed too."

Principal Nara Nara, bless his soul really, had recommended karate to help control his attitude and anger during one of their many meetings. Principal Nara Nara and he had become very close from elementary to middle school with all their meetings.

He chose to see the good in Akito rather than the bad all the other teachers saw.

"Isn't karate supposed to help with the attitude? Because he still definitely has one." Sana pouted. He laughed.

"That's exactly what Principal Nara Nara said. He said karate could give him an attitude adjustment and also help control all the uncharted anger he had."

Sana stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again. "He was quite the troublemaker, wasn't he?"

"Yeah, you couldn't tell now looking at him." And you really couldn't because of how drastically different he was these days. "Anyway, it did help until recently of course. With everything that happened and quitting karate, he's become a shell of who he used to be."

"He doesn't compete anymore?" She asked, and Tsuyoshi shook his head in response.

Sana's heart fell. The more and more she learned about Hayama Akito, the more she empathized with him. Before they truly began talking to one another, Sana assumed he was just a crass and rude jerk with a holier-than-thou attitude.

But turned out he had a dark and troubled past that weighed heavily on who he was as a person now.

"No," a pause, "he quit when his mom died."

"Oh." Her voice went low.

There was an uncomfortable silence now. How is it that they always found themselves talking about Akito?

"Yeah... but anyway. It was 3 against 1."

Sana nodded with his statement.

"Akito was fending off against the guys for the most part. Of course, all the kids went screaming their heads off because there was a fight in the classroom. Our sensei at the time tried to break up the fight, but those guys just wouldn't let up. They went to go grab the principal and called the police."

Sana's eyes went wide again. "The police?!"

"Student endangerment." Which, was true. All the kids scrambled out of the class in fear that they would get caught in the fight.

"Your tone of voice leads me to believe this did not end well."

And she would be correct.

"They were finally broken up, and talked to Principal Nara Nara. Because the other boys started the fight, they got suspended for a week. Because Akito fought back, he was suspended for 3 days."

"That's no fair! He was just defending himself!" She shouted and her eyes narrowed. "Why didn't they just give him a write up or something? It wasn't like he was going to just sit there and let them hurt him!"

Sana was preaching to the choir.

"They always treated Akito unfairly because of his past actions. Luckily Principal Nara Nara was able to help out his case and vouch for him. All the other teachers wanted to expel him from school."

"People suck." She muttered, and Tsuyoshi nodded.

"So why do you think Akito can't talk like you used too?" Sana asked, intrigued with the history between Hayama and Tsuyoshi.

Intrigued with Hayama Akito's past in general.

Her head was already swelling with all the information Tsuyoshi was feeding her.

Like how the blond used to be a boss monkey, or how he used to compete in karate. And how he was suspended in the past. She was sure if Hayama caught wind of this, he would murder them both.

Tsuyoshi looked so incredibly sad. His eyes were crestfallen and his face fell with disappointment.

"While Akito was suspended, I had gone and dropped off some of his homework to him. We decided to go to the arcade for a bit since he had saved up a bunch of tokens." Sounded fun, but also entirely askew in relation to who he was now.

"Keep in mind Akito's dad was in town, and he had already gotten into an argument over his violent behavior." Sana thought about their father, and his careless parenting ways. Poor Ayame always looked so scared for her life, and her brother didn't even have a care in the world with not even concerned if he lived or died.

"Akito was obviously already frustrated, and when we got to the arcade, those kids he got into an argument with were there too." Of course, she thought immediately to herself. Tsuyoshi gripped his fist tightly. "He was annoyed, but we let them be. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for them. The moment they saw us, they had harped on Akito and were giving him a hard time."

"I tried really hard to hold him back." His voice was struggling to go above a whisper as his eyes just fell. "But I couldn't."

"Akito threw the first punch this time, and they got into a really ugly fight. They were throwing each other around, and really hurting each other. One guy even pulled a knife and threatened to stab him." Tsuyoshi gnawed on his bottom lip and began playing with his hands. "I was so scared that I ran to the nearest police officer outside and grabbed him, telling him that some kid was going to stab Akito."

"When all that was settled, the school found out and because I was a witness, had to recount the story. I had no choice but to say Akito threw the first punch. And because of that, he was suspended for another week with consideration of expulsion." Poor Tsuyoshi, Sana thought. She could tell this was really eating at him.

But she also felt for Hayama, who seemed to always be drawing the short end of the stick.

"Akito's father was furious, and forced Akito to attend a juvenile detention center during the time of his suspension." This time, Sana gasped outward her eyes nearly leaving her head at the information she was learning. "Again, if it wasn't for Principal Nara Nara, who knew Akito and knew his character, he wouldn't be at Jinbou High School right now."

"Whoa." Was all that Sana could reply.

"And during all that time, I was too much of a coward to be there for him." Sana watched as Tsuyoshi screwed his eyes shut, and clenched his fist tightly. "Akito was furious with me for telling the school administrators what happened, but he was more furious that I didn't see him while in Juvenile Detention and how I ignored him after he came back from the center."

"Why didn't you see him?"

"Because I was scared, and I thought Akito hated me." Sana's heart broke at the fragility of Tsuyoshi's voice. This was really hard for him to talk about. "Ever since then, we haven't been the same. I let him down. I abandoned him when he needed me the most."

The more she learned, the more she felt inclined to get involved. It wasn't her place. Not really. But, there was such a dark cloud hanging over Hayama Akito and the people close to him. She had felt it since she arrived. Her observations had only further proven that something wasn't right, and all she's heard and been told so far solidify that.

She wants to see her friends happy.

She wants to see Hayama Akito happy.

"People like you and me, Tsuyoshi," Sana started, reaching over to his hands. "We only do what we ever think is best, especially for the best friend's we have. We have no direct control over their actions, just influences. We may make mistakes, or say things we don't mean. But, that doesn't mean that we stop trying."

Tsuyoshi smiled, and chucked a bit.

He didn't know why, but he felt hopeful.

And he hadn't felt that in some time.

"What is it?"

"Your positivity is rather refreshing. I'm surrounded by pure pessimist. It's nice to have a positive outlook for once."

She grinned rather brightly, happy to hear that her positivity as appreciated for once. Like Tsuyoshi, the people around her were rather sullen.

"I try!"

She grabbed her backpack with the untouched books and notebooks that she was supposed to study and stood from her seated position.

"Thanks for sharing that story with me. I know it's difficult to talk about the past, especially concerning Hayama I know how difficult he is and the risk you're taking cluing me in." She smiled brighter. "He's lucky to have someone who cares so much about him."

Tsuyoshi blushed, and Sana giggled. "See ya later!"

And she disappeared, leaving the brown-haired boy behind as she made her way home.

-O-

The gym was loud, both the boys and girls filling the small auditorium. There physical education classes moved inside for the rest of the year as the winter season was settling. Sana was stretching her shoulders, a smirk settled on her lips as she watched the volleyball match out in front of her.

She had gotten to school late today because of a doctor's appointment. Her mom insisted they go get a check-up, wanting to assure she was healthy and caught up on her vaccinations for the winter season.

"Sana, I have made an appointment for you to see Dr. Nakamura tomorrow morning."

Said girl tilted her head slightly, setting the laundry basket in her hands down.

"Am I sick?" She shrugged her shoulders, scratching her head.

"No, but the winter season is upon us and you can't afford to be missing school if you fall ill."

Sana sweat dropped.

"But wouldn't I be missing school tomorrow anyway?"

Her mother pulled out her fan and covered half of her face.

"To avoid you missing school in the future, daughter. When you fall ill, do remember you fall quite ill."

Sana pouted, and crossed her fingers. "You know, normally I would be all for missing school, but to go to the doctors? No thanks."

"Daughter, be rational. Your health is imperative to succeeding in your life."

She groaned, grabbing the laundry she tossed on the couch.

"Fine... but NO SHOTS."

Her wish was not granted as she received a few injections in the doctor's office.

She rubbed at the sore spots on her arm while she waited to be put into the volleyball game in front of her. While a trip to the doctor's office wasn't always fun, she did manage to get out of class, so she couldn't complain too much.

She could see the gymnast out of the corner of her eye, stretching and chattering amongst themselves on one side of the gym. She thought of Fuka, who was currently in study hall. Because of her fractured ankle, there was nothing she could do in the gym. Instead of being reminded of her injury by not being able to practice with her team, she opted to remain in study hall.

After a couple days, they finally spoke briefly over the phone, but there was this awkward air that still stood over them. Sana had made it a point to let Fuka know she was being unreasonable, and it seemed like the brunette had finally acknowledged her poor treatment towards her.

It was strange, and Sana wasn't quite sure how to handle the situation. They were always polar opposites and there was always a stark distinction between the two girls. But, Fuka seemed different. Things were different and their friendship had changed. Sana had hoped that things would remain the same as they were when they lived in Osaka.

But, a three-year separation will cause a drift.

And Sana was beginning to fear that drift was going to make permanent changes in their friendship.

They had been on civil terms, though she wasn't all too sure why they would need to be? She sighed roughly, thinking about how Fuka was starting to become much more complicated than the lone wolf she had recently taken an interest in.

"Sana! You're up!"

She jumped in her step and ran onto the court. They tossed her the ball and she bounced it once, twice before she threw it up in the air and served it. The ball went sailing over the net, and she returned to her position on the court. Sana watched as the ball jumped three times from girl to girl until it was spiked back over. One of her classmates to the left got a nice dig and the ball went sailing up. Sana watched as their setter set the ball, and she smirked.

She set herself as she jumped and smacked the ball to the other side.

The ball sailed off the arms of their opponent.

They cheered, and she went to serve the ball once again.

Sana lost herself in the middle of the game, enjoying herself and the company of her classmates she didn't talk all too much with. Mami was cheering her and Hisae on from the sidelines and the pair of girls smiled as they let the game take over.

Golden eyes were locked on her as they traveled across the gym to find her.

He was minding his own business, listening to music when her voice found his ears. Because of her ever-growing presence, her voice had become recognizable to him. Also, she was loud as hell. So, when she cheered after spiking the ball, it was only natural her voice carried throughout the gym.

Hayama Akito was... confused.

Things have all changed so much since her arrival.

It was irritating to say the least. She was a nuisance with a big mouth. Her optimism was so incredibly annoying. And her carefree attitude was overbearing.

But, despite all that, he still decided to be friends with her.

She poked and prodded at him since they had been assigned as partners for that blasted project.

That damn project that has changed the dynamics of their relationship.

Before, they didn't even speak to one another. They got into a fight and left it at that. But, with her big doe eyes, she begged for his cooperation with this project.

And like the idiot he could be, decided to fall for it and indulge her.

She was frustrating... but in the short time they had become friends, he had come to appreciate her honesty. It was strange admitting his appreciation for one of her traits. While she annoyed him a majority of the time, their friendship had grown. And it would be hypocritical of him to deny that.

He watched as the ball went sailing over the net.

For as stupid as she may have acted, she was pretty decent at volleyball.

He felt a tug at his shirt as one of the guys in his gym class signaled for him to play basketball. Not in the mood to participate, he shook his head and waved off his classmate.

He turned up the music and continued to drone out the voices around him as he watched his project partner hit a silly ball up in the air.

It wasn't until the gym teachers blew the whistle that he realized he was watching her the entirety of their gym class.

The back of his neck burned at the realization, and he scowled. He shook his head, irritated with himself for allowing that to happen.

Why did he even care?

"Hayama!" Called boy heard his name being called out, and turned to find their gym teacher waving him over.

"You're in charge of putting away gym equipment." Without another word, Akito went onward to grab the used equipment.

As he grabbed the cart of basketballs, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Well look at that! I didn't know your gym class was here today!"

And there was she was, only a few feet away from her, showcasing that bright smile that she was so notoriously known for.

"All gym classes are moved inside for the winter, idiot."

She narrowed her eyes at his response, then chuckled and grabbed the net of volleyballs, swinging them over her shoulder.

"Why are you so happy?" Her persistent optimism was something he just couldn't understand. She was always so cheery and boisterous.

Shrugging her shoulders, she smiled. "Do I need a reason to be happy? Why can't I just be happy with life?"

"Because most people aren't happy like you are. It's a load of crap. And you're just the exception."

His comment made her smile fall, and it was replaced with a frown.

"I feel like you're insulting me."

"That would be correct." He countered without sympathy.

She glared, but then sighed. Her eyes wandered over to him and grinned.

"I would feel weird if you didn't."

How did she do that?

How did she have the mental ability to not be struck down? And he didn't mean just by him.

Hayama knew he was an asshole. His harsh and blunt honesty often send people crying and he held no remorse. What did it matter to him if people were hurt by his comments? Wouldn't it be better to know the truth anyway?

But, with Kurata Sana, he was always infuriated by her.

Sana watched him intently out of the corner of her eye. He remained quiet, as he always did. But, his eyes were always so clouded. She could never read what he was thinking.

After her conversation with Tsuyoshi the other day, all she's wanted to do was ask about his karate career. But, if she wanted to save what was left of their crumbling friendship, she knew she had to start by dipping her toes in the water. As much as she wanted to jump in, Sana understood major splashes would make him swim away.

The equipment storage was outside the gym unfortunately, and the moment they stepped outside, Sana began to shiver. There was no snow. Not yet. But, that cold winter wind was definitely settling in.

"Did you hear about Fuka?" She dared to ask, thinking this was a safe conversation.

"Yeah." He muttered through the hauling of the basketball cart. "She texted me."

Her chest felt tight as hurt flashed across her eyes. Why was Fuka being so difficult towards her? What did she do to warrant that treatment?

"People claim you two are so similar, but I don't see it."

Sana was fingering the equipment room key in her hand when his statement caught her by surprise.

"You think so?" He shook his head. "Huh. Hiro said the same thing."

Hayama didn't respond to that comment.

"There is a stark difference between you two."

She eyed him, and raised a brow with his statement. The stoic demeanor of his was frustrating yet similarly intriguing. Sana couldn't imagine going through her life without expressing herself. It was as Fuka always said.

She wore her heart on her sleeve.

"Buka is annoyingly perceptive and intrusive. It's either her way or no way. And she is persistent."

"I'm persistent!" Sana added, pointing out there similarities. Though, she had to agree with the blond. Fuka was those listed traits.

"You're persistent, but you're also obnoxious and overbearing. And for some reason, everyone likes you." The auburn-haired teen rolled her eyes at his last comment. It was just like him to make a sleazy comment like that.

Though, she has heard worse.

"Now I just feel like you're trying to add insult to injury."

"I'm surprised you know what that means."

Sana was offended.

"I may be naïve, but I'm not stupid." She bantered, stopping right in front of him with her hands at her side. She glared and poked at his chest, his own glare matching hers.

She pulled away and waved him off, annoyed by his demeaning comments. This boy really thinks she's that stupid, huh? She lifted the bag of volleyballs off the ground and marched her way over the equpiment room that was only a few feet away from her.

The rolling of the basketball cart fell on her ears as he pushed forward. Grabbing the key, Sana threw the bag of volleyballs to the floor.

"I haven't always been fair to her."

Hayama spoke, making Sana drop the key to the equipment room. She quickly reached down and picked it up, she looked at him with a curious look at the blond who rolled his eyes at her.

When she stood back up, she proceeded to ask "What do you mean?"

It took him a minute before he said anything, but when he opened his mouth, Sana was shocked.

Shocked, but happy that the reclusive, apathetic brooding boy who steered clear from everyone was willingly talking to her.

"I've always pushed her away because she was always pestering me with questions and wanting to get to know me. It made me uncomfortable. But, instead of telling her that, I always told her to fuck off."

Was it rude that she laughed? She probably shouldn't have, but it was such a Hayama thing to do.

"That's not very nice, you know?" She poked at him, and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, that's what happens when you annoy someone who doesn't want to be talked too."

He had a good point there.

"Eh, well, I guess that is fair." She looked over at him, and watched as his eyes looked anywhere but at her. When Sana took a better look, that's when she noticed the blond stubble on his chin.

Was that always there before?

She cleared her throat, painfully aware that Hayama Akito was in fact a boy. "Anyway, you were saying?"

He was completely oblivious to her reactions, which was out of character for him. It may have seemed like Hayama didn't pay attention.

But, he did. He always did.

"I guess I just never realized that she actually cared."

Sana could see how he would assume that. Fuka was never good with articulating her true feelings. She was always so blunt and harsh with her words. She was an honest person.

Except when it came to her caring.

That she showed in a very particular way that was hard to distinguish. Fuka was not open with herself and was even more closed off to people around her, including her friends.

"Fuka has her own way of caring. She doesn't show it all too often, but she cares a lot more than you or anyone would think. She tries to act vain, and pretentious because that's what her mother taught her to be like. But, once you actually get to know her, you realize Fuka is just looking for a way to open herself up. She hides herself away because she believes that her true self is imperfect."

Fuka always wanted to be perfect. Sana didn't always understand it. Not until she met her mother and grasped the overwhelming amount of pressure she put on the brunette.

The blond scoffed, rolling his eyes. "She has to know perfection doesn't exist. She's not an idiot."

"She knows that. But, she also has a mother who expects nothing less than perfect." The silence loomed over them, and Sana could see him shaking his head.

"You know, the fact that Fuka even tries with you is surprising."

She smiled, and he just shrugged his shoulders. "Surprises me too. I never gave her a reason to try in the first place."

Frowning at the blond-haired boy, the auburn-haired girl realized that Hayama was taking her out of context. But then again, how would he know? He doesn't know Fuka, and about her past.

"Not for that reason, idiot." She knocked him in the head, and he glared immediately, flinching away from touch. It was her turn to roll her eyes now as he crossed his arms in front of him. "Fuka was in love with someone before she moved here. And things ended pretty badly between them. She even left before they could even have full closure. Besides me, Fuka never opened herself up to anyone."

She probably shouldn't be telling him this, but she felt like she could tell him the context behind Fuka's personality. Because if not her, who else?

"Sound familiar?" Sana snickered and he scoffed once more.

"Buzz off."

Not offended by his low-grade insults anymore, Sana carried on with the conversation. "Anyway, she was closed off to everyone and even though she wasn't such a snob anymore, kept people at arm's length."

And Fuka did such a great job at doing so. Not as difficult as the lone wolf standing next to her, but she was good at keeping people away from her.

Until her world changed.

"But then came Takaishi Yuta."

She watched as Hayama arched a brow slightly, and she sighed sadly. Oh Taka… he was a good guy. It was unfortunate that things had ended the way they did between the two of them. Sana couldn't even bring herself to hate Taka like any best friend should because their whole argument was just one huge misunderstanding.

"Ex-boyfriend I assume?" Sana nodded.

"Taka was a great guy. He was handsome, funny, smart, and had a really charming personality."

She remembered when Takaishi Yuta first transferred to their middle school. From his first day, he was already making friends with people around him. He quickly grew popular and one of the most sought out boys in their school.

He and Sana had become friends first when they were grouped together for a project in class. He actually became a good friend of hers before Fuka and Takaishi even met. Not that Fuka really gave Taka a chance before so. She was adamant about staying away from him; well anyone for that matter.

"You sure you weren't the one in love with him?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"Har har very funny." Her tone was sarcastic and dry. "Now, before I was so RUDELY interrupted." She sauntered out towards one of the benches, right next to the water fountains. She gestured for the blond to take a seat beside her. There was slight hesitation, but he made the decision to sit.

"Taka and I became friends very quickly, our personalities just meshed real well, you know?" She nodded, recalling the memory. "Well, one day, Taka and I were hanging out and Fuka came up to me, scolding me like usual. They recognized one another, but hardly spoke to each other. But, Fuka didn't bother getting to know him like I did."

"That day, she decided to sit down and join us. She had never done that before. But, I was happy! Ya know? Because Fuka was so persistent in hating the world."

It was exhausting really. Dealing with Fuka's hostile personality really put a damper on someone's mood.

Her heart fell when she thought about what happened next. Hayama seemed to notice her change in persona as she sighed.

"Now, I'll spare you the long story." She started, "They hit it off right then and there and within a month, began dating." She smiled, shaking her head. "I had never seen Fuka so happy. She was always smiling and skipping her step. Taka treated her so well, I was kind of jealous."

Sana wasn't jealous because she wanted Yuta Takaishi as her boyfriend. She was envious of the relationship they shared. It was honest, genuine. They were so young, but one would think they were older with their maturity. Taka treated Fuka so well, and thought the world of her. It was maddening whenever Fuka treated him unfairly.

Also, Takaishi was adamant about including Sana. They had already been friends before he and Fuka began dating. Over the course of their relationship, he and Sana had grown closer. And though it annoyed Fuka sometimes, the three of them were very close.

Sana's prolonged silence bothered Akito, who was so used to her boisterous attitude.

"So, what happened?" He edged, and Sana's demeanor fell once more. Her eyes were crestfallen and the smile from her lips fell.

"They had a huge fight." Her brows furrowed together, recalling the earth shattering fight that ensued between the two. The fight that tore them apart. "I've fought with Fuka almost half my life. We've said some pretty awful things to one another. So, fighting wasn't new to her."

"Her and Takaishi fought more than they should have had too. I mean, how could they not? It's Fuka you know? She always has to have the last word."

Sana saw Hayama nod his head silently in agreement.

"Their fight was… awful. Just so much miscommunication between her and Taka. And with Fuka's ridiculous expectations and Taka's perpetually laxed attitude, it just wasn't enough for her.. Not to mention the other girl that was involved."

This caused Hayama to raise his eyebrows slightly. "I thought you said he was a good guy. Good guys don't typically cheat."

She immediately furrowed her brows at Hayama's insinuation and began to shake her head, wagging her finger at him. "Oh Gods no! Taka would have never cheated on Fuka. Nah uh! Never! The guy was head over heels for her!"

"Well, what else would I assume? Anyone with a right mind would have thought the same thing."

"Stop assuming wrong things!" She sent him a glare, and he rolled his eyes.

"Now, I'll explain since you seem to always think the worst of everything. Tch, freakin pessimist."

He scoffed.

"ANYWAY, there was this other girl that was in love with Taka. She was in a few of my classes in middle school, and we talked on a few occasions, but we were never close. When Fuka and Taka started dating, she started to avoid me. And I thought it was weird, but I didn't put too much attention to it."

"Turned out she had a major crush on Takaishi and was really upset when he and Fuka started dating. You would never think that a small, quiet girl like her would cause such a fuss."

She nodded her head with her arms crossed around her chest. "It's always the quiet ones, you know?" And Sana gave Hayama a pointed look, that caused him to frown.

"Shut up."

"I could go into all the details, but like I said, long story short. There's too much baggage to bring up, and frankly, talking about it always gets me upset. So, let's just leave it with Fuka thinking Taka was cheating on her and not believing him when he said he didn't."

Sana could recall all the events that led up to that specific day, by the courtyard where a crowd of their friends gathered. The break up wasn't even private. Everything about them was public, and they made sure to watch as it fell apart.

"Boys aren't always honest. Especially middle school boys who say they love you. That's bullshit and you know it.

"Wow, aren't you just on the bright side of things?"

"I'm just calling it as I see it."

"I knew Taka was innocent because I heard the other girl talking about ruining their relationship. And if you're good enough, you can tell when someone is lying. I know Takaishi Yuta and he isn't a liar. Nor a cheater. A little laxed, but he isn't a jerk who was going to hurt my best friend."

Sana wished she was able to intervene before the break up, before the other girl ruined something that made Fuka so happy. When she confronted the other girl, she adamantly denied plotting the damnation of her best friend's relationship.

And before Sana was able to fix it, Fuka had left, leaving nothing but a mess for her to salvage.

"When they broke up, I had never seen Fuka cry so much." Hayama stilled, thinking that wasn't even possible. She was a robot, similar to him. "She always tries to be so strong, you know? Looking at her, you'd think she never shed a tear in her life."

Case and point, Hayama thought.

"But that night, she couldn't stop crying."

Sana gripped her hands together, remembering the way Fuka clutched onto her shirt, sobbing horrendously into her shirt. Her grip was so tight, and the brown haired girl clung to her with every inch of her life. Her heaving and gut wrenching sobs filled her room as Kurata Misako would drop in every now and then.

Her heart ached for Fuka. She didn't know what it was like to love someone, but Sana knew that she never wanted to experience the heartbreak Fuka was agonizing over.

"She was miserable, but didn't dare to show it." And she didn't. At school, she put up a stone cold act. She carefully avoided Takaishi, but made sure to keep her composure at school. It was disheartening honestly. Because even though she made strides to be more outgoing, and more engaging with their peers, her cold front sent her backwards.

Sana could still hear all their viscous comments. All of Fuka's progression, and her willingness to come out of her shell had reverted to nothing. Everything Sana worked towards to helping Fuka break away from her hostile demeanor fell apart in a matter of days.

"I don't understand how this relates to me."

She sighed with frustration. For someone who is supposed to be so smart, Hayama was kind of oblivious sometimes.

"I just never thought I would see her care for another guy like she did for Taka."

And that was the truth. Sana wasn't an idiot. Well, not as much as she used to be. Before, she was an oblivious and dense fool that couldn't different red from green. Thank goodness that phase of her life was over.

But, Fuka was so entirely reserved for most of her life, and really struggled with interpersonal relationships. The fact that she was attempting to connect with Hayama Akito above a curt nod made Sana happy again.

"I don't like her like that."

The auburn haired girl figured that he wasn't one to trifle with feelings and relationships, but it was still disheartening to hear. Fuka liked Hayama, she could deny it all she wanted.

But if the blond didn't like her, then that was his choice. And no one could force her feelings onto him. He didn't have an obligation to return her feelings. Despite the cold exterior he put on, he still had his own notions and thoughts on matters like that.

"That's fine." She waved her hand, "But, remember, you're the one who said you were unfair to her." Sana pointed out, and Akito narrowed his eyes.

"Shut up."

Sana snickered slightly, enjoying the constant bantering that ensued between the two,

"Just saying." Shrugging her shoulders, Sana stood from her seat and stretched. "If you feel like you're being unfair to her, then maybe treat her better than you have been in the past?"

"I don't want her to get the wrong idea."

That… was a fair point. Fuka was always thought so rationally. But for some reason, Hayama made her entirely irrational. And any steps he made outside of being stoic and apathetic, she may take out of context.

But, at the same time, Fuka wasn't an idiot.

She turned around and crossed her arms out in front of her.

"Hayama, all you have to do is treat her like a friend." He continued to narrow his eyes at her. "I mean, look at us, ya know? I don't get the wrong idea from you."

He scoffed… loudly.

"It doesn't matter how I treat you. You call me a pessimist and rude for always berating you, but that must make you a narcissist if you enjoy being belittled." His words were sharp, and his eyes glared at her. "So, you don't count."

"I feel like I should be offended." Sana responded, and the glare in his eyes turned into an eye roll.

"But you're not."

She smirked, something that caught Hayama off guard.

"Nah. I don't get offended so easily. And besides, I like the playful banter. It keeps me on my toes!" There was a 'tch' sound coming from Akito. "Besides, if I did get offended so easily, I wouldn't be friends with you."

"Lucky me."

His sarcasm was so dry it made her mouth parched.

She could really do without his sardonic words.

Deciding to ignore his most tasteful words, Sana shook her head and pulled away. "Just talk to her. Like actually talk to her. What's it going to hurt?"

Apparently, a lot by the disgruntled look on his face.

"Nothing ever satisfies you. Remember, you were the one who started this conversation. You can't be upset with the way it went."

"I'm starting to regret ever starting one in the first place."

She shrugged her shoulders again, the smiling never lifting off her face.

Hayama might be a jerk, and a hopeless gnat who thinks smiling will give him cancer.

But he was a decent guy.

"Not offended, remember?" She winked and started making her way back towards the locker room. The other students already headed back. Her and Hayama had just finished putting equipment away.

His only response was silence.

"Anyway, always a blast having these conversations with you, Mr. Lone Wolf. But, I gotta get back cause I have a tutoring date with Tsuyoshi and Hiro after school."

Much to Sana's surprise, Hayama merely nodded. There was no insulting comment to follow after. Which was unusually weird. He always had something smart to say.

But before the auburn haired teen disappeared behind the door of the girl's locker room, she was suddenly hit with a thought that made her skin crawl. She hastily walked out of the locker room hoping Hayama hadn't entered his respected side yet.

He hadn't.

"Hayama!" He turned around to the call of his name. "Do me a favor, would ya?"

"I don't remember owing you one."

Ah, there it was. It goes without fail every time.

"Don't tell Fuka I told you about Takaishi. She'll probably murder me." She probably shouldn't have told him about Taka, but she felt like Hayama needed a bit of background on her brown haired best friend. She wasn't as cold and callous as she made herself to be. And it was important to her that he knew that.

She smiled as he rolled his eyes for the nth time.

"See ya later!"

And with that, she hurried back into the girl's locker room and dreaded the overwhelming amount of math homework she had to get done.

A/N: This chapter did not come out the way I wanted it to, but I suppose it's better than nothing! I have been working on it for a few months now. But working 7 days a week doesn't make it too easy. I get to it when I can.

Next chapter comes with tons of drama, angst, you know. All the works and what not. So BE PREPARED.

Happy New Year again! I hope you all enjoyed this! Reviews, comments, and questions are always welcomed!

Until next time!
-Dark Waffle