It was another morning to school.

You woke up late and because of that you had to double time in preparing for school. As you stepped out of your house, you caught a glance of a tall red head standing in front of your gate. Although only the top of his head was visible, you know very well who it was. After all, he’s the only one you know with hair in that beautiful, vibrant shade of red and he’s the only one who waits for you to go to school together with him.

Ever since he moved in your neighborhood, you have been very close to him. Despite his “bad boy” looks coupled with his muscular physique and towering height, he’s surprisingly a very gentle and sweet person, in his own way of course. You love spending time with him and so he is towards you. He would often invite you in his house and sometimes casually go out with you. You would always help him out in his studies since he’s not good at it and he would cook for you in return. You had always loved his cooking simply because it tastes great and you find him cute watching him as he cook. The two of you grew fond of each other that you both decided to enrol in the same high school.

“I’m sorry for making you wait Kagami-kun.”

“Don’t worry about it. Actually, I just arrived here.”

“Is that so? Then let’s go. We’re going to be late if we don’t hurry up.”

The two of you walked together to the train station and as expected it was packed with all sorts of people although students and professionals, going to their respective schools and workplaces, were the majority of the crowd.

 “This is Japanese morning rush!” Kagami exclaimed in English.

“Kagami-kun, you’re acting American again.” You managed to say to him between giggles. A faint blush was visible in his cheeks, embarrassed at the fact that you laughed at him and also because your laugh sounded like a soothing music to his ears.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh at you. You’re just being too cu— ow!” you weren’t able to finish your sentence when the crowd’s flow was pushing you away from him.

“[Name]-san!” before you could even be swept away by the crowd, Kagami grabbed your hand tight and managed to pull you back to him.

“Don’t go far from me again okay.” He said to you, still holding your hand. His hand was big and warm, wrapped snugly around yours.

“It’s not like I wanted to be pushed away by the crowd…” you grumbled.

“Geez…That’s because you’re too small. You should eat more to grow bigger.”

“My stomach isn’t as big as yours and it can’t be filled with food enough for five people. Besides, I don’t think I will be able to move if I eat as much as you do.” You retorted.

You two managed to board in the train. It’s packed inside and there were no seats available so you both have to stand.

“Nee, Kagami-kun. Did you finish doing our homework last night?”

“Uh…yeah. Thanks.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For tutoring me. I kinda understand the lesson now…”

“No problem. Thanks also for the food. It’s really delicious. Can you teach me how to cook next time?” you looked up at him with sparkling, anticipating eyes which made you look really cute in his eyes.

“I-I don’t really mind…”

“Really? Thanks Kagami-kun!” you beamed at him.

“Y-You’re welcome…”

“…In studying, I don’t really think you’re that bad at it…you just seem to focus more on other things but I guess if you pay attention during class and spend more time studying, I think you’ll be just as good as I am.” You said to him.

Lately he has been troubled because of an upcoming major examination because if he fails at it, his participation in the Winter Cup will not be allowed.

“Really? But I don’t think I’ll be as good as you, Miss Rank One.”

That’s right. It was you who got the highest score in the whole first year level in the last Efficiency Test. But you hated it whenever he calls you like that.

“Stop calling me that!”

“What was it again Miss Rank One?”

“I told you to stop calling me that!”

“Call you what Miss Rank One?”

“Shut up Weird Eyebrows!”

“Weird…eyebrows?! What do you mean by weird?!”

“Your eyebrows look weird. Why are they split in two? They look funny…”

“…and cute.” You purposely didn’t voice out that part.

“It’s not my fault that they’re shaped like this! They have been split in two for as long as I can remember!” you moved in front of him, standing on your toes as you reached for his eyebrows then suddenly someone behind you accidentally bumped against you making you pressed against Kagami’s chest. Your face instantly became red. He’s warm and the soft rhythm of his beating heart is relaxing…not to mention that he really smells good!

“What the hell am I thinking?!”

Since it’s really packed inside due to the morning rush hour, even if you wanted to pull yourself away from him, there wasn’t any space so you remained in that heart-pounding position.

“Could he feel my heartbeat too?” you thought to yourself.

The train temporarily stopped at the station, unloading some passengers. Although there were also passengers who boarded in the train, there were less people now than it was a while ago, so the two of you managed to occupy seats. But there was an old couple who was standing so you did not hesitate to give your seats to them.

“Thank you. You two are such kind children. May God bless you.” the old lady said to you and Kagami.

“You’re welcome Granny.”

The trip continued. You felt a bit unstable so you decided to hold on to the hand straps but they were beyond your reach. Kagami noticed your dilemma.

“Geez…that’s why I’m telling you to eat more.”

“Shut up. I’m doing my best to grow taller but I’m not blessed with lots of growth hormones!”

“…Here.” He muttered.

“Huh?” you looked up at him in confusion. You saw his hand gripping on the train’s hand strap.

“Just hold on to my arm instead.” He said. You shyly reached your hand towards his arm and held on it. You felt your face heat up as your hand came in contact with his hard bicep.

“T-Thanks…I guess.”

“[Name]-san… ”

“What is it?”

“What you said a while ago…do you really mean it…or are you just saying that to encourage me?”

“Hmm…Maybe both…I do believe you’ll pass the test and at the same time I’m encouraging you. I’m sure you can do it, Kagami-kun.” You gave him a bright smile.

He bent down to your level and leaned his face on yours and pressed your lips together. His lips are soft and warm. The kiss didn’t last long since his lips left yours as fast as it came, though its effect lingered on you. Your face is stained by a bright blush even long after he pulled away.

“W-What was t-that for?!”

“You were just so cute that I wasn’t able to control myself. By the way, thank you for being always here for me.” He leaned down close to you again and kissed your forehead.

With those words and another kiss, you could feel your blush grow darker.

“S-Stupid Kagami-kun…” you grumbled under your breath.

You saw the old couple chuckling at the two of you, making you feel embarrassed.

“You two remind me of how we are when we were younger, right Dear?” the old lady said.

“That’s right. But studies must still be you priority okay. You two are still young.” The old man replied.

“It must be really nice to be young…” the old lady said again.