V.

Eira.

Keiji:

Sorry, Eira-san, but we have to reschedule our group study session. We're staying late at training today.

Me:

It's alright, Keiji! Don't worry about it.

Keiji:

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

Me:

Sure. Thank you. Good luck with training. Please say hello to Koutarou-senpai for me. ^^

Keiji:

Will do.

Well, I guess I just have to study... alone.

"Masafumi-san!" Some of my female classmates approached me as the final bell rang for the day. I tilted my head upwards from my desk to give my full attention to them.

"Hello. Yes?" I flashed a polite smile.

"We're going to the coka today with our other classmates. Wanna join us?" Mari-san asked with a smile.

"Coka?" My eyebrows knitted together to express my confusion.

"It stands for coin karaoke..." Ayume-san uttered in a mild tone.

"Oh..." I blinked in surprise. Of course! I have never tried the coin karaoke, and I heard that it's quite fun!

My first month in Nekoma High School has been sailing smoothly so far. And by smoothly, I meant by gaining friends. Kuroo-san must have been really popular in here because I became the center of attention right after he talked to me in this classroom. I have interacted and made friends with a few of my classmates, mainly Mari-san and Ayume-san. I haven't really had the chance to interact much with my other classmates but this might serve as a chance for me to get closer with them.

"You'll have some fun in there, Masafumi-san. I'm sure!" Mari-san encouraged with a grin. Ayume-san smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Sounds wonderful." I smiled, but then it wiped off at the reminder of my father, who strictly ordered that I shouldn't slack off when it comes to academics. Heiress duties. I internally sighed. "But I'm sorry, I have to pass this time. I have to study..."

"Eh... but you just aced our quiz today! You deserve to celebrate at least." Mari-san pouted.

But not enough to impress my parents. It will take a lot more than acing my quizzes and exams to be worthy of the last name 'Masafumi'.

"Sorry. Maybe next time." I smiled apologetically.

Ayume-san chuckled suddenly. "Uh-oh. Mari, look, 9 'o clock."

"Oh my god, It's Kuroo-san!" Mari-san whisper-shouted.

I casted my eyes at the exact direction and indeed, Kuroo-san was by the window, taking a peek at us, specifically at Kenma. He gave me that same smirkish smile when he noticed my stare, which made me start to think is his trademark. I smiled back, only a little.

Which reminds me... I still have to meet up with Kuroo-san after classes. I have stayed up late last night thinking about different kinds of possible scenarios and I even prepared a list of answers! I have made it a big deal than it should be...

The staring contest didn't last long because I was the one who ended it. I returned my gaze back at the duo in front of me and saw them also looking at Kuroo-san before they refocuse their attention at me, then they plastered on a smile once again.

"He's soooo hot, like seriously!" Mari-san fanned herself as if she's feeling hot.

"If it isn't obvious yet, Masafumi-san, Mari is the biggest simp for Kuroo Tetsurou in Nekoma High School." Ayume-san informed me with a snicker. "She cuts her classes just to watch his matches. She even considered to tattoo his name on her left boob! Thank god, I convinced her not to... yet."

"What?" I spluttered, trying hard not to form that image. I almost winced. "Is that even allowed...?"

"Obviously not. But who cares?" Mari-san chuckled.

"He's coming this way!" Ayume-san whispered.

"What?!" Mari-san and I said in unison.

"Quick! Act natural!" Mari-san whispered back.

"Hello, guys." I flinched when I heard Kuroo-san call out. He smiled at my reaction. Dang it! Why is it that I always make a fool of myself around him? He must be laughing inside at how silly I look!

"Hi, Kuroo-san!" Mari-san greeted with a beautiful smile.

"Hey, Mari-san," He greeted with a smile before looking back at me.

"I told you to wait outside, Kuro..." Kenma drawled.

"You always take forever so..." Kuroo-san shrugged with a silly smile.

"You never do this before."

I don't know whether I should join in their conversation and ask what Kuroo-san wanted to talk to me about. But in the end, I decided to just keep my mouth shut.

Kuroo-san shrugged. "Well, I decided to get another hobby."

"Do you have volleyball training today?" Mari-san asked with a bright smile.

"Yep." He replied.

"Do your best!"

"Yeah, thanks."

"Sorry I can't watch your training today... I'm going to the coka with my friends."

"It's alright." Kuroo-san smiled. Then he glanced at me again. Why does he keep on doing that? "Are you going, too, Masa-san?"

I opened my mouth to answer but Mari-san beat me to it. "That's what I've been telling her about, Kuroo-san. She said that she has to study!"

"Didn't you just study with your friends recently? How's your quiz by the way?"

"I aced it..."

"Wow, that's good." Kuroo-san replied with a smile.

"Thank you."

"The more reason you should join us!" Mari-san added.

"I'm really sorry but I can't." I repeated.

Kuroo-san stared at me again, and I darted my face away from his sight because of embarrassment. Isn't it rude to stare too much?

Kenma finished packing up his belongings and got up, slinging his bag on his shoulder, ready to leave. Then they both looked at me, which made the two females look at me as well. I blinked in confusion.

"Um, is there something wrong?"

"Ready when you are, Masa-san." Kuroo-san said.

"I'm coming with you guys?" My eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah. I texted you last night, remember? You want to repay me for my help, right?"

My mouth went ajar. Oh, okay. Mari-san gasped in the background which grasped my attention. "Um..." I turned to look at Mari-san and Ayume-san, to which the former only had a dumbfounded look on her face.

Then without warning, Mari-san stormed out of the classroom, leaving Ayume-san behind.

"What's with her?" Kuroo-san asked, confused.

"Don't mind her. She's just in her emo mode. It happens all the time whenever she's jealous." Ayume-san smiled wryly as she waved a dismissive hand. "I'll see you guys tomorrow." She bowed before taking her leave.

Kenma sighed exasperatedly. "I lost..." He mumbled, referring to his game on his PSP.

~*~

I blinked my eyes frantically at the sight in front of me. It almost sent goosebumps on my skin when it went up to me and rubbed himself on my legs. And its cute high-pitched meow is enough to send me to my knees.

I knelt down to try to pet the black kitten. I flinched when it went to rub his face on my hand. Then it looked up at me with those adorable eyes, meowing at me again. My heart melted at the sight.

"Kuro likes you." Kenma commented, which made me immediately dart my head at him, bewildered.

"W-what?" I blinked, my face heating.

"The kitten."

"Oh... right." I cleared my throat, then tried hard not to steal a glance at Kuroo-san.

"See, I told you not to name him after me. People will get confused." Kuroo-san sighed.

"I can't think of any other names." Kenma reasoned. He also knelt down to pet the kitten on the head.

"Kenma found him about a week ago. He couldn't bring him home because his mom doesn't allow pets. And I couldn't bring him home either because there's someone allergic to cats at home." Kuroo-san explained.

"Oh, poor thing." I cooed, then stroked Kuro again.

"None of the members have spaces in their homes for an additional pet. We've been looking for someone we can trust to take care of him." Kuroo-san mirrored our actions, and there the three of us were swooned by the black kitten. "And I was wondering if you want to, Masa-san?"

My expression morphed into horror as if I had heard something so scary. "Oh, no... as much as I want to, I'm sorry but I can't." I shook my head.

"Why?"

"My father isn't fond of cats... or animals for that matter."

Kuroo-san nodded, smiling. "That's understandable. No apology needed."

"Do you know anyone who would want to take him home, Masafumi?" Kenma asked.

"Yeah. Maybe you can help us find this little furbaby a forever home?" Kuroo-san added, playing with Kuro using the ball of purple yarn he brought for him.

I thought for a moment. Yuka likes dogs and cats, but she didn't have the chance to adopt neither because her parents didn't like pets, too. Keiji and his family wouldn't have the time to take care of him because they're always busy. As for Koutarou-senpai, I think he already has a single pet and preferred it that way.

Then I shook my head. "No, I'm sorry. But I don't live with my parents for the time being so I can foster him while we look for someone who can take care of him."

Kuroo-san looked at me thoroughly, which made me feel self-conscious yet again. Is there something wrong about what I said?

"Thanks." Kenma let out a small smile, stroked the kitten one last time before standing up. "I'll just go to the clubroom to find a box for him..."

Now I am left alone with Kuroo-san once again, and I am still not quite accustomed to it.

"Thanks, Masa-san. I owe you one." Kuroo-san started.

My attention shifted to him, confused at his words. "Owe me? You've already helped me a lot..."

He tilted his head to the side. "Well, if I had helped you a lot, then that means you still owe me, right?"

I blinked, confused even more now. For some reason, my cheeks started to head at the stare and attention he's giving me. "I-is that how it works? Then I won't a-ask for your help f-from now on." I stuttered, then cleared my throat to fix my speech.

"Why not?" He tilted his head to the side, hugging his knees then pillowed his head on it, looking at me with a sly smile.

"Because that'll make it go on forever."

"That's fine with me. I like it. Because if we keep on owing each other, Eira, then there'd be no reason for us not to talk to each other."

"H-huh...?" I stuttered yet again, which rewarded me a quiet chuckle from him. I looked away, my blush intensifying upon realizing that he called me by my first name. There was something about the way he said it that made me feel so... strange...

Kenma returned with a small box fitted for Kuro. How I wish I could also join him inside the box and never see the daylight again! Kuroo-san took Kuro from my arms so that he can place him and his toys inside the box, also bidding farewell.

They have volleyball training so we just called it a day and went on our separate ways. Before coming home, I bought Kuro's necessities which consisted of a solid and wet cat food, food bowl, gray collar with a bell and litter box. Can a kitten even use a litter box though?

"Nee-san..." Hanako breathed upon seeing Kuro. Her wide eyes were casted on him and then she squealed. "Oh my god! Soooo cute!!!" It's also the first time I have seen her act her age ever since our father scolded her about being childish. "Where did you get him?"

"From..." My smile shifted into an embarrassed expression, my cheeks heating up again at the reminder of Kuroo-san, especially his flowery words! "friends..."

In the middle of struggling to study, my phone beeped, announcing a new text message. It was from Kuroo-san...

Kuroo-san:

Hey. How's being a foster mom so far? :)

Although I didn't want to reply, my fingers seemed to have a mind of their own and I just found myself typing a reply to him.

Me:

It's good. My sister likes Kuro so much.

I winced at the statement. That sounded so wrong...

Kuroo-san:

Hahaha it feels like you're talking about me. I knew it was a bad idea to name him that.

Me:

It's alright. It has a nice ring to it, and it suits him because of his color. I like it.

Kuroo-san:

That's good to hear. Thanks again for fostering him. What are you doing now?

Me:

Studying as usual.

Kuroo-san:

On what subject now?

Me:

Hmmm, English. I'm just making an English reflection paper on this one story.

Kuroo-san:

I've read Kenma's notes regarding that. The question is whether you think that the guy is in love with the girl or just playing with her feelings, right? Well, what do you think?

Me:

I think the guy isn't in love with the girl at all. He just fancies her because she has it all. Wealth, beauty, popularity, manners etc. The guy was attracted to her innocence.

Kuroo-san:

Are you saying that he preyed on her?

Me:

Um... Kind of?

Kuroo-san:

The guy was first attracted to her beauty and innocence, yes... but there was no indicator that he was ever interested in her wealth and popularity. He wasn't even aware of that when they first met. I personally believe that he fell in love with her gentleness. He wouldn't fight, risk and lose everything for her if he wasn't in love.

I blinked at his long explanation. Then a sudden thought popped in my mind: Has he ever been in a relationship? Maybe. Because he's so good with feelings and all...

Me:

You seem so sure with your words. I guess I haven't tried to see it in that light. Your girlfriend must be so lucky, you're so mature.

Kuroo-san:

Hahaha that's not the base of an opinion, Masa-san. And no, I've never had a girlfriend. What about you? Do you have a boyfriend?

I stared at his text, not knowing how to reply that. Why is he asking me if I had a boyfriend? And why do I feel so nervous?! Why am I so affected?!

Me:

No. I don't have one, Kuroo-san.

Kuroo-san:

Really? Then, what do you think about the girl in the story? Do you think that she's in love with the guy, too?

Me:

No, I don't think so. She was only infatuated. The girl is from a prominent family. I'm sure she has met a lot of guys that are way better than him. They're basically the dream guys.

I only said what the girl must have had in mind. He is way out of her league. I know because I have met a lot of guys who are in every girl's dreams. But I was bewildered at Kuroo-san's reply.

Kuroo-san:

Eira, the dream guy is too overrated. How about she tries a guy that will make her experience things she didn't even dream of?