The morning seemed far from good to a young girl who had just turned sixteen a few weeks ago. Her body was completely damp and ached. She didn't feel like getting off her bed. Her weary eyes looked out the window to witness the sunrise; it felt magical. On most days, she would have been already fully dressed and ready to set off, but today she went against it.

She turned to the other side and fully covered herself with her quilt. Then there came that disturbing alarm sound that she hated to listen to. Reluctantly, she got off the bed and turned it off. She stretched her muscles after her deep slumber which made them numb.

Warm amber light is wafting through her window. Beautiful but too bright to see. She realized it would only be more trouble if she took a day off. She was fully awake after taking a warm shower. She wore a blue dress that reached up to her knees and packed her stuff for today. Before her departure, her room was tidied up.

"I hope I am not too late. If I was late even by a minute then he's dead in my hands."

XXX

"I wonder if she could make it on time. What do you think?" A young boy with messy light brown hair covering his eyes, and blue glasses propped up on his head is seemed very anxious for his brunette friend.

"Hmm. But she's a tough nut to crack. Don't worry, she'll be here in no time." Although Tyson said it, he was also looking at the door of the classroom, waiting for a certain brunette's arrival.

"You think so? How come you're so confident that she'll come today? It's hard to believe since the words are coming from you." Kenny looks suspiciously at Tyson.

The two did not notice that their friend, whom they now speak of, came in and went directly to them.

"Guys! Good morning," a cheerful voice from their brunette friend snapped them out of their train of thoughts.

"Good morning Hiromi-chan." Kenny replied back.

~Ring~

As the bell rang, the teacher walked in. Every student hurriedly took their seats. Hilary was totally confused because her usual seat was occupied by another person.

"Hey, Hiromi. It's a new semester, and obviously the seating arrangement will change this year too. Don't you know that? Your seat is next to mine; my bad luck, I guess. Hurry up and sit down before the teacher sees you." Tyson quietly whispers to her, not to draw any attention.

She took the seat beside him, and all the students greeted their homeroom teacher. As the class went on Hilary's body started to feel very light. She tried to focus on the class, but her head started to spin, and she felt very tired. However, she didn't give in and continued to be stubborn.

Tyson on the other hand was fed up and wanted a nap. He looked around to make sure it was safe for him to take one. But he saw his brunette friend struggling to stay conscious. He found that very amusing, considering the fact that Miss Perfect of the school was having trouble focusing in class.

"Hey you can sleep for a while I will cover for you if you want." He nudged her to take a rest. But she ignored him. Tyson was feeling irritated; he had already struggled to be considerate towards her, but she was being stubborn and not listening to his words.

Tyson paid no heed to her. He was captivated by the serene view of the blossoming Sakura tree when he looked out the window. But even though his ego is hurt he wanted to try again and ask her. He glanced at her again he knew she wouldn't listen, so he thought of an another way that would make her to listen to him.

"Hiromi-chan this is the last time I ask take some rest, you look like you would faint any second." He inched closer to her as he said this. Hilary just moved away from him and continued to be wilful.

He sighed and stood up from his seat. "Sensei! Hiromi-chan isn't feeling well. Can I take her to the infirmary?" He said to their homeroom teacher. Everyone was baffled by his words. No one ever dreamed that a day would come when Tyson Granger would be concerned for Hilary Tachibana.

"Alright Takao you can take her to the infirmary." Their homeroom teacher agreed with him. Tyson took her hand in his and dragged her out. All of them can't believe their eyes as they watched what was happening.

When Tyson held her hand, he was sure that she had a fever. As he dragged her with him, she was too unsteady on her feet which adds up to his doubts. As they reached a corner Tyson turned to her and bent a little so that their heads are at the same level. Hilary eye's are blurred, but when he came closer, her heart beat fast and her cheeks turned a light shade of pink on her pale face.

He tapped his head to her head to know her temperature. "I knew it!! You were burning up. Seriously Hilary how can you be so stupid you're prioritising studies over yourself." Tyson's anger surged and was visible in his words. But he knew taking his anger out on her would do him no good.

XXX

In the infirmary, Hillary's asleep in the bed after taking her medicine prescribed by the school's doctor. Tyson sharply looked at her and sighed. He knows she's just keeping a strong facade. At times like these, he couldn't help but realize she's just a girl. She always keeps up with their pace so sometimes he forgets the fact that she's a girl.

"Hey, you don't have to pretend to be strong all the time. You can just be yourself at least in front of me...I wouldn't mind if it's you."