Chapter 3: Please Be Serious

Summary: Nonsensical and curious questions got Ishikawa in a situation while Storm-kun struck. Chapter takes place between Episode 2 and 3 of the anime. They're about to be Third years soon.

Normally Izumi's early or on time. Most times we would put away our shoes together, but as I glanced at my texts, he had mentioned he was running behind. I sighed and flipped my phone closed without replying. As I walked through the corridors to get to class, I was lost in my thoughts. Izumi and I had the weirdest conversation last night, and I ran away from that. By admitting that I preferred the model Yumi, I think I had admitted that I found him attractive. I always break down when put on the spot like that or under pressure. I ruffled my head in frustration.

The noisy halls were louder than usual. Right as I was nearing the classroom, I glanced up to see a commotion. And past the crowd, I recognized Hori, surrounded by the same group of students who had been exploiting her with their excessive demands.

I approached Yuki, who stood nearby, to inquire about the situation. However, before she could utter a word, the scene unfolding before me provided a vivid explanation.

Hori's voice, filled with a mixture of timidness and desperation, pierced through the air, "As I said, I did everything you guys told me to do!" Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.

The students, however, remained unmoved by her pleas. Their accusatory tone rang out all around her as if trying to tear her down. I paused on my tracks.

"But we are missing some of the documents. We couldn't find it anywhere." The student council president said, as if trying to relentlessly blame her.

"I don't get it. Yuki, didn't you tell them we were both witnesses? Hori had finished all her work right in front of us." I asked her.

"I did! They won't listen!" Yuki said, scared that her friend's reputation was about to be tarnished. The realization that Hori's dedication and hard work were being met with such ingratitude fueled my resolve to intervene.

"Sengoku, you…" Before I could jump in and beat his ass, several arms belonging to my classmates held me back from getting involved. For some inexplicable reason, I couldn't stand that guy. There was something about him that just rubbed me the wrong way, like an itch I couldn't scratch.

"Calm down, Ishikawa!"

A familiar and comforting scent of cologne suddenly wafted past me, and Izumi's voice cut through the anger I felt.

"What is it? What's going on?" Izumi inquired, his concern evident in his voice.

My gaze shifted towards him. It was as if his presence alone had the power to calm the storm brewing within me. I sucked my teeth and broke away from anyone that had previously tried to stop me.

"It's Sengoku. He's been acting like a jerk towards Hori."

Izumi frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he observed Sengoku's behavior.

"Miyamura, please help her out. Hori…she's in trouble! No matter how many times I tell them I saw Hori hand in everything, they won't believe me!" Yuki pleaded. "The student council is picking on her!"

Izumi's expression turned emotionless as he walked past me.

"Tooru." He greeted me calmly. Regardless, I felt a slight shiver since I couldn't tell what Izumi would do. "Sorry. Hold onto my bag. And these too." Izumi said, taking off his classes and handing them over to me.

My eyes widened as I witnessed Izumi casually doing what I had meant to do. But the way he carried himself, so laid-back, no wonder no one suspected him of the violence that would follow as he bashed the student president with his head. Just then, Izumi looked so cool and more handsome than before. My respect for him rose.

Thanks to him, he helped clear things up and helped save Hori's reputation. However, I still had questions…

"But if you wanted to clear things up, did you have to hit him with your head?" I asked Izumi.

"That was because… I was sort of mad at him."

"What?" Why would Izumi be mad? Was he jealous of the president…?

Izumi turned to Hori and frowned. "Hori, there's something that's been bugging me. Does the president have dirt on you or anything? You do everything they tell you to. It feels… Strange."

"We just grew up together."

"She's definitely hiding something." We all seemed to think at the same time.

After that, the rest of the day went by without anything worth noting. Though the one thing I noticed within myself was the increasing curiosity I had for getting to know more about Izumi and Hori's relationship. So during P.E, I decided to pry as subtle as I could under the pretense that maybe I'm not over her.

"Oh, right. Hori's birthday is coming up." I said casually over table tennis. But I wasn't sure if Izumi's response meant he didn't know or not.

"Oh, really?"

"Her birthday is at the end of March." I replied, noting how his stamina matched mine and we were equally matched.

"Oh, so it's during spring break."

"I want to get her a present. But you know, I've been rejected once. It would be annoying of me, right?"

"I don't think so. There's nothing wrong with wanting to give her something."

"But I have no idea what kind of present she would like at all."

"It's the thought that counts. You can give her anything. How about jewelry?"

"That's too much." I said, surprised at how bad Izumi was when it came to suggesting gifts for the girl I suspect that he likes. "We're going to be third years soon,"

"Is that why you want to make it count? Tooru, do you still have feelings for her?"

"What? No! I was just wondering if you even know what she likes." I said and stopped, letting the ball finally miss, ending our game of table tennis. Man, I sound so pathetic. "But If you treat me to burgers I'll tell you what Hori likes!"

"Nah, I'm good, I have other sources so don't worry about it."

Together, we put away the table tennis equipment back to where it belongs. But as soon as I stepped outside the gym closet, I felt dizzy.

"Hmm? You okay?" Izumi asked, concerned, since I was leaning my body against the door frame for support.

I know I mentioned nothing notable really happened today, aside from that fight from earlier. But during lunch, I had snipped a meal so that I could finish the homework that was due.

"Yeah I'm okay."

"No, you're not, idiot," He didn't sound annoyed, but it was more like a gentle reprimand. "Come on, I'll walk you to the nurse's office." He reached out to my arm, and he gripped it firmly, offering me support by letting me lean on him.

"Dude you're going to be late to class,"

"I'll get a note from the nurse office, which will cover for the both of us."

As we walked, the hallways seemed to blur around me. I focused on the warmth of his shoulder beneath my arm, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the soft sound of our footsteps on the tile floor. I gave a brief glance at him, catching a glimpse of his gentle smile. We reached the nurse's office, and he helped me settle into bed while I answered all the nurse's questions.

Our school nurse eventually encouraged Izumi to go back to class and reassured him that I would be fine. Who knew that an onigiri and water would help me feel better. But I passed out on the bed for the rest of the day.

I woke up to Yuki poking my cheek. "Hey, Miyamura told us you weren't feeling well."

I opened my eyes and swatted her hand away and sat up. "I feel good already." I offered a grin.

"The nurse left for the day. She didn't want to wake you up and asked me since I'm the class president." Hori added.

"Where's Izumi?" I asked as I looked around. Did he already leave? That sucks, I guess I'll just have to text him a thank you.

"He's-"

We both looked towards the door, and the sound of someone breathing as if they had been out of breath.

"Miyamura! Are you okay?! Why are you out of breath!?"

"Yeah-It's just-our teacher. I got-in trouble for hitting-yeah-Sengoku. I got off with a slap on the wrist-He scolded me." He said while trying to catch his breath.

"Dude you didn't need to run though," I said as I sat up in bed, slipping my feet in each shoe. But then I noticed Izumi was holding my school bag as well. He walked into the room, dropping it right next to me.

"The Nurse sensei told us you almost fainted because you skipped a meal. Growing boys shouldn't be doing that." Hori said while giggling.

"Yeah that was my fault." I said, rubbing the back of my head.

"Well I'm glad that you know now, so do better. Anyways I have to go, I have to pick up my little brother from school. Miyamura, are you coming?"

"Actually, sorry, I think I'll pass this time. I want to make sure Tooru makes it home okay."

Yuki and Hori shared a look, while I looked away, and stared outside the window. I didn't want to go home. Yuki pushed Hori out the door as she said her goodbyes, something about making sure to enjoy the weekend.

"Um, Izumi, can we go to your house instead?"

"Sure. Though we have to make our own snacks and dinner. Today's Friday, so my parents are going to be super busy prepping for the weekend and won't have time. I'm actually on cooking duties to make sure they eat and are fine."

"Wow, I didn't know that. So what's so special about the weekend?"

"I mean it's a bakery. A lot of people pre order birthday cakes."

"Hahah right."

The glow of the screen illuminated my face as I deftly navigated through virtual landscapes. I smashed buttons with practiced ease as I laid on Izumi's bed, playing on his handheld device while he got ready.

"Hey, Izumi, do you have a plan for tonight's dinner?" I inquired, my attention still partially focused on the game.

"Yeah," he replied, a hint of excitement cutting through. I guess he probably likes cooking too. Izumi took out his phone and flipped it open, showing me an app I couldn't read. "I made a list of all the ingredients this morning. That's why I was running a bit behind schedule for school."

"Cool."

I set the handheld device aside and turned my gaze towards Izumi. He stood in front of a mirror, and with practiced precision, he fastened piercings, turning into a completely different person in seconds. I think his style choices make him look like he's into punk. I guess I was staring. I sat, crossed legged, and deep in thought, with my hand supporting my chin.

Izumi glanced over at me, his piercing blue eyes were filled with curiosity, inviting me to share my thoughts. "What's up?"

Intrigued by his lip piercing, I couldn't resist asking him dumb questions. "Your lip piercing, doesn't it ever get in the way?"

"In the way? You mean like when I eat or drink?" He chuckled lightly, as if amused by my inquiry. "Surprisingly, it doesn't," he replied, running his finger over the silver stud on his lower lip. "I've had it for a while now, and I'm used to it. Plus, it's become a part of my identity."

I gawked at him and pointed accusingly.

"WHAT IDENTITY?! YOU LOOK LIKE A LONER CREEP WHEN YOU SHOW UP TO SCHOOL!" I placed a hand over my mouth for being loud. I forgot I was at Izumi's house. "Sorry, it's just even if I told anyone about this at school, no one would freaking believe me." No wonder Hori keeps it to herself.

"Anyways," I continued, realizing I didn't get to ask the question I had meant to. "That's not what I was asking. Doesn't the piercing get in the way while kissing someone."

"Tooru, is that what's been on your mind?"

"What! No! Why do you make it sound weird! Be serious for once!"

"Alright," Izumi laughed. "Well I don't have the answer to that. But if I have to guess, just like anything else, it probably just takes getting used to it." He played with the piercing absentmindedly as he explained it. And just like day and night, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he casually asked, "But if Tooru really wants to know, then there's only one way to find out."

Find out…? What the hell did he mean by that…?

I made a face. God, if you're out there, please kill me now. This guy seems to get off on teasing me whenever he can, a trait that probably comes naturally for him because he's so fucking handsome. I know he was just joking, but I had enough and had to teach this guy a lesson. I decided to call his bluff.

"You know, you're right. I'll be the idiot friend to test it out."

His phone slipped off his grasp as he looked surprised.

I grinned, feeling like I had turned it around and back to him, because his face had completely turned red. But then, he immediately recovered. He bent down and picked up the fallen phone off the carpet. And then, he sounded serious for once.

"Hey, I have to make dinner first or else my parents will starve. Wouldn't want them fainting too."

Using his family as an escape, that was a smooth exit, but I still won.

The clouds were getting eerily dark outside. But despite the ominous sky, I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I stepped through the doors alongside Izumi. We had reached the mini market. I picked up a basket and followed him.

After navigating the aisles, our baskets gradually filled with an assortment of fresh produce, meats, snacks and beverages. Occasionally, I erupted in laughter, scaring nearby customers in the process, because anything Izumi would say, I just found too funny. His gloomy and serious deliveries were the best as he told me stories about his day.

I remembered afterwards, our footsteps echoed against the pavement as we settled for silence on our way back to his home. I was mostly inside my head, thinking this day was nice so far, and was glad Izumi was my friend.

Once inside, Izumi immediately pulled up his hair in a ponytail and threw on an apron. His movements were efficient when he got the cutting boards and pots ready.

"Hey, can I help with anything?" I asked. His family had fed me very delicious meals and I wanted to contribute.

Izumi turned to me. "Do you know how to peel and cut veggies?" he inquired.

"Of course!" I replied confidently. "You can leave it to me!"

"Alright, just make sure to rinse them first." Izumi replied, throwing an apron at me. I loosened up my uniform tie and took it off. Then folded my sleeves up and pushed them up to my elbow. I was ready.

I set about peeling and cutting the vegetables, carefully slicing through the skin of the carrots, then dicing the onions into small, uniform pieces. As I worked, Izumi moved around the kitchen, preparing the other ingredients and overseeing my efforts with a watchful eye.

"Hey Tooru,"

"Yes?" I sobbed out a response since I had just survived cutting the onions.

"Hahah, you know there's a way to avoid stinging your eyes, right? I'll show you next time."

"It's kind of too late for that!" I yelled at him, but it wasn't really yelling.

I sat behind the kitchen counter when Izumi no longer needed assistance, and watched him. Soon something filled the air and it smelled good. I felt truly at home and didn't notice that the outside world, with its dark clouds and approaching storm, conspired together.

I sighed. Izumi looked really cute and feminine in an apron. He was prettier than any girl I ever met. Maybe even prettier than Yumi, the magazine model.

I slapped myself.

Izumi turned away from the stove. "Why did I hear the sound of a slap?"

"Hahah, just trying to stay awake."

He smiled. "Right. Don't worry, dinner's almost ready."

Right as I had given back my apron, Izumi's parents briefly joined in and we all sat down to eat dinner together. His parents were super cool and didn't mind at all that I've been coming over frequently. After we were done, and I was helping with clearing up the table, Izumi stopped to look at me.

"Tooru, why don't you call your mom and let her know you're crashing here tonight?"

"Huh? Why would I do that?!"

Izumi motioned outside and I panicked and gaped. A thunderstorm and gusts of wind was suddenly in full blown effect, probably for some time as I had a bunch of missed calls from my mom.

"What the heck?!"

Izumi's mom smiled. "I can talk to your mom if you like."

"Please, thank you Izumi's mom!" I pleaded. I didn't want to get into trouble.

"I'm gonna go upstairs and put on a movie," I heard Izumi saying in the background while his mom talked on the phone, explaining the situation to my mom, and sharing addresses.

I skipped a few steps as I made myself upstairs. Izumi had been sitting down, leaning against his bed, in front of the tv. I sat down and joined him, sighing out of happiness. The rest of the night continued, with Izumi's family showing really awesome hospitality. His mom set up a futon for me, next to Izumi's bed. We both sat on it while Izumi scrolled through movie options.

"Dude, thanks for the awesome dinner,"

"No problem. Thanks for the help."

"What movie are we watching?" I asked, resting my elbows on my knees, curious about the movie genre that he's into.

"About that," Izumi paused and turned the tv off. He leaned his head against the bedframe as he stared at me, as if deciding what he wanted to say next. The silence and the serious look made me feel kind of worried. "Tooru, about what you said earlier, do you think I will easily dismiss your words?"

"Huh?" I began freaking out the more he talked. "Earlier? Yeah, I mean I say all kinds of things, how am I supposed to remember?" And that is exactly what happened. I ended up remembering.

"But if Tooru really wants to know, then there's only one way to find out."

"You know, you're right. I'll be the idiot friend to test it out."

I gaped. I couldn't calm down. Izumi turned half his body to face me, our knees touching.

"Why are you being quiet?" His blue eyes met my gaze.

"Izumi, you really like to mess around with me a lot. That's not cool man." I said, while trying to lean away as he kept getting closer. My heart skipped exponentially.

"I'm sorry that's how it came across. The truth is, I'm also curious about these kinds of things."

"Huh? Since when?"

"Since there is this classmate at school named Ishikawa, who thinks I don't notice him and how he's always looking at me." This couldn't be happening. This had got to be some kind of dream or something. I froze when Izumi placed a hand on my hand. "So would you like to try it once with me?"

I went limp and didn't stop Izumi when he placed a hand on my chest, and pushed me until I was on my back and he was on top, staring down on me. His beautiful face, it was just too much.

"If you stiffen up like that, you'll just make me nervous."

I glared at him. "You're asking for the impossible! There's a storm happening right now!"

"I'm well aware. But don't clamp down now."

Izumi looked too sexy and I couldn't stand it. I was avoiding his gaze and my face felt red. But from a man's point of view, this wasn't ideal. Even with all my inexperience, I wanted to be the one to test it. I grabbed his hip with one hand and flipped our position, my arm hitting the low table nearby, but I didn't really feel it. Now I was on top.

Izumi's expression, he looked shocked for a second, but was quickly accepting. I don't know what was wrong with me, or why I was so turned on right now. His blue eyes were locked in mine as I curiously thumbed his bottom lip, avoiding his piercing.

"Um, Izumi, I'll stop if you don't like it."

"Tooru, you really are an idiot."

He gripped my collar and brought me down, closer to him. I guess I really was an idiot because when I pressed my lips against Izumi's, I didn't feel his piercings and his lips were really soft. What was happening to me? I started to fantasize going further than this.

Since that day, I realized I'm probably bi. I haven't liked a guy before until I met him. That's why I'm saying it's…probably…probable? Not a guarantee?

Still, I think about him, even more after that night. That night, at his house, where we kissed and touched. I had to wonder what spring break without him is going to be like. Man, I hate school. But I couldn't wait to see him.