September 1
This summer was perfect! Hikaru and I spent a lot of time together. We mainly went to the beach and to the mall. Aunt Jeanie and I made a trip to Louisiana to see Tres Alex. I mostly stayed in the guest room and texted Hikaru. Leah was swollen up the size of a semi! They are naming the baby Alex IV, of course. It was so weird being there now that they weren't my family anymore. I only wanted to go home. Worst week of my life! I wasn't even back in Japan long enough to take a nap and the boys had kidnapped me to go see Haruhi. She was so mad when we showed up. I don't know how many times I apologized, but I was sworn not to tell her. She was working at a resort for one of Ranka's friends Misuzu. I think this summer has been the best of my life. I'm just not ready for it to end; school starts back in two weeks. I've recently picked up photography as a hobby, and I've made it habit to capture EVERYTHING on film...it's starting to annoy Haruhi. I think I have maybe a hundred photos so far. Hikaru and I are going out tonight. I can't wait!
-A.J.

Aunt Jeanie knocked on my door, and I jumped out of bed and yanked the door open. "Yes'um?" I asked. "You hungry?" She had a wide grin on her face as she held up a plate of pralines. I snatched one of the brittle snacks off of the plate and bit into it, waving her into my room. "Nice outfit, homemade pralines...what's goin' on? Is it my birthday or somethin'?" I asked, plopping down on my bed. She fidgeted nervously and set the plate on my nightstand. "Not really sha," she sighed, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I have a few clients I'm meeting for dinner tonight. It's really important, and I might be home late," she sighed. "That's fine," I said around a mouthful of sweets. "I just feel bad leaving ya all by your lonesome and--"

"Auntie, it's fine. Hikaru and I are going out tonight anyway. I promise I'll behave and I promise I'll be in by curfew. No worries," I cut her off. The look of relief on her face was priceless. "I know you'll be okay babydoll. I just don't like leavin' you by your lonesome all the time," she smiled softly, kissing my forehead before she walked out of the room. "Have fun!" I called after her. My phone vibrated and I rummaged around my bed for it. I finally managed to dig it out from under my blanket, and saw I had a message from Hikaru.

Hey beautiful. Got any plans for tonight? :)

I smiled and typed out my response. "Only with you ;)"

Hope you don't mind being outside. Bring a jacket. I got something special planned.

"Oh really? Do I at least get a hint?" I pressed send, munching on another praline as I waited for his text.

Outside, it'll be a little chilly, and it's on me. That was three hints right there.

"I hate surprises -.-" I replied.

I know :) ...but I hope you'll like this one

I sighed and shook my head, tossing my phone on my pillow as I got up to get ready. I was falling for him, and I was falling hard.

I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed as I started to brush out my hair. I was feeling butterflies in my stomach as I pulled my hair back in a loose braid. He would be here soon. I didn't know where we were going, and I was so nervous. If someone saw me now, they'd think it was my first date. "Why are you feelin' honte, huh? You love him, don't you?" I murmured to myself. I stared wide-eyed at my reflection. I love him. Holy hell, I love him!! my thoughts screamed at me. Could I tell him? No, of course not! We had only been together a few months. He would laugh in my face.

I left my bathroom, towel clutched tightly around me, and rummaged through my closet. I finally settled on a pair of black leggings and a grey sweater-dress, completing the outfit with a pair of black flats. I pulled on a pale blue hoodie as a last thought and grabbed my purse, closing my bedroom door behind me. Buzzzz.

Are you ready? I'm on my way.

I paced the living room. It felt like forever until I heard a soft knock on the front door. I jumped and hurried to answer the door. Hikaru was standing there in a white hoodie and dark blue jeans, his headphones around his neck. "Took you long enough," I teased, kissing him softly. "It's a pretty night. I decided to walk," he answered with a shrug. "So we're walking? That's not very spoilt brat-like of you," I giggled, locking the front door and taking his hand as we walked toward the elevator. "I'm not spoiled," he pouted. I grinned and looped my arm through his as we stepped out into the cool autumn night. We walked two blocks before a black car pulled up to get us. "You such a lie! You didn't walk here," I frowned, swatting his arm as he held open my door for me. "I did walk...from the parking garage to your house," he chuckled. The driver looked at him in the rearview mirror and Hikaru nodded. The driver took off, heading out of town. "Hikaru, where are we going?" I asked, laying my head on his shoulder. He squeezed my hand gently and smiled. "I said it was a surprise." I frowned, playing with my braid absentmindedly, trying to figure out where he was taking me just by our surroundings, but I was clueless. Eventually, the car stopped and I looked up to see bright lights all around and a ferris wheel. We were at a fair! "Hikaru," I sighed as he helped me out of the car. We paid to get in and then he paid for two wristbands so we could ride all the rides we wanted. He looked at me and scratched the back of his head nervously, chuckling a bit. "What do you want to go on first?" I looked around and my eyes lit up. "Let's go on the ferris wheel!" I squealed, dragging him along. "O-okay," he agreed. "I gotta admit, I've never been to one of these. I thought you would like it though." I felt my cheeks grow warm as we stopped at the back of the short line. A few short minutes later, we were stepping into the little carriages and taking our seats. We rocked back and forth slowly as the wheel began to spin. We went around a couple times, then it stopped right at the top. I could see everything! I rummaged through my purse excitedly and grabbed my camera, snapping a few pictures of everything below us. "Do you ever go anywhere without that thing?" he asked, smiling as he wrapped his arm around me. "Nope," I grinned, turning the camera on us. Right before my finger hit the button, he hooked his finger under my chin and turned my face toward his, his lips crashing against mine. I whimpered softly and melted against him, snapping the photo. He pulled away and smirked at me. "Now there is a picture you can put in your album," he whispered. I smiled and tucked the camera back in my bag, snuggling against him as we enjoyed the rest of the ride. We got off the ferris wheel and I looked around eagerly, trying to decide where to go next. "Ooh, let's go on that ride!" I squealed, pointing to a large boat that rocked back and forth. "A.J., listen--"

"If you don't wanna, we can go to one of the game booths!" I was all riled up, and I wanted to fit everything into tonight. "A.J.," Hikaru sighed. "Oh! We can get somethin' to eat! I got a ahnvee for some cotton candy. " He grabbed my hand and spun me around to face him. He didn't look happy at all. "Dammit, Adrienne! Will you wait five seconds?" he yelled. I flinched away from him a bit. "What's wrong? You don't want to be here, do you?" I pouted. His gaze softened and he chuckled loudly. He doubled over with laughter. I yanked my hand away and glared at him. "Why you laughin' at me, tete couillon? " I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. He straightened, still laughing, and pulled me into his arms. "I'm trying to talk to you and you are all over the place," he sighed. I bit my lip and looked up at him worriedly. "Then why'd ya get mad?" I whined, playing with the sleeves of my dress. "Stupid girl. I'm trying to tell you I love you," he whispered softly. I narrowed my eyes and snapped, "You think I'm stupid? Yeah, that's real sweet." He smiled and breathed out a short laugh. "I also said I love you, but your ears seem to have fallen deaf to that," he sighed. I felt a tightening in my chest and I was suddenly furious. "Idiot! You idiot!! That's not fair!" I cried. His eyes widened and he looked at me with concern. "What? Don't you feel the same? Did I do something wrong?" he asked. I pushed him and glared, holding back tears. I didn't understand why I felt like crying. He just told me he loved me. I should be happy! "I was supposed to say it first!" I blurted, quickly covering my mouth as the words slipped out. He laughed again and wrapped me in a tight hug. "That's what you're upset about? So you really do love me too?" he whispered in my ear. I could hear the joy and relief in his voice. Why had he been so nervous? Did he think I would react the same way I thought he would react if I had told him first? "Silly A.J. Always worried over nothing," he sighed. "Shut up," I mumbled against his chest.

He brought me home around midnight and I stood in the doorway awkwardly. "Tonight was amazing. It was better than anything I could've ever imagined," I confessed. "Then why do you look so sad?" Hikaru asked. I shrugged and gestured inside to the dark and empty apartment. "Aunt Jeanie's still gone. I'm all by my lonesome tonight," I sighed. He grinned and picked me up bridal style, carrying me to the living room. "I could stay here with you," he whispered, kissing my neck softly. I glared at him as he set me on the couch, laying on his stomach beside me. "You ain't gonna try nothin', are you?" I asked, a warning in my voice. My heartbeat had spiked and I was nervous. "I'll be the perfect gentleman," he swore, rolling over to lie on his back and resting his head in my lap as he flicked the TV on. "Don't you have to leave?" I sighed, watching him kick his shoes off and make himself at home. "I sent the driver away," he yawned. I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. "You was plannin' on staying? You's canaille, yeah, " I hissed. He snickered and sat up, kissing me sweetly. I pushed him over a little and moved so that I was laying down, one leg hanging off of the couch, and pulled him down so that he was laying against me and his head was resting on my shoulder. "Shouldn't this be the other way around?" he snorted. I swatted his arm and pointed to the TV. "Hush and watch the movie," I chided. It was an old black and white horror movie, my favorite.

I woke up late the next morning. It was Sunday; Aunt Jeanie was off today. I was still on the couch, but Hikaru was gone. I padded into the kitchen barefoot and saw him standing there with Aunt Jeanie, helping her make breakfast. The sight was almost hilarious, had it not been for what I heard. "Thanks Miss Jeanette. I want it all to be perfect for her when she wakes up, but I'm not much of a cook," he laughed, scratching the back of his neck. His clothes were rumpled from sleeping on the couch and he had some serious bedhead. It was adorable. "What do you want to be perfect?" I piped up, leaning against the counter. He jumped and almost dropped an egg as he whirled around to face me. "O-oh, nothing. Just...making you breakfast," he answered, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. "That's sweet," I sighed happily, coming around the counter to kiss him. "Y'all get a room!" Aunt Jeanie groaned. "I mean, if you say so," I smirked, taking Hikaru's hand and pulling him toward my room. She turned to face me and rose an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Just kiddin'," I giggled, dropping his hand and running off to get changed.

I came back in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved black tee, my hair undone in a wavy mass of locks. The boys, and Haruhi, were all crowded around the counter as Aunt Jeanie served plates. "Merci Auntie," I murmured, sitting down at the end with Hikaru next to me. Kaoru sat on the opposite side of him, giving me a stern look. "Sorry I kinda kidnapped your brother. In my defense, I didn't know he was staying," I giggled softly. Kaoru turned his slight glare on Hikaru. "You can have him back, Kaoru. A.J. and I are going back to school shopping today," Auntie said, handing Hikaru and me our plates before sitting down with her own.

After breakfast, they all left as Aunt Jeanie and I cleaned up the kitchen. "I love you," Hikaru mumbled in my ear, kissing me softly before running out the door to catch up with our friends. "Love you too!" I yelled. "Usin' the 'L' word already?" Auntie commented, bumping her hip against mine. I felt my face heat up and I shrugged, staring down at the stack of dishes in my hands as I carried them to the sink. "I really do love 'im though," I sighed. "I know you do babydoll, I know," she said, wrapping an arm around me.

~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up on the first day back to school dreading the day. I slipped on my uniform and pulled my hair into a tight bun. Aunt Jeanie had already left for work. I sighed and texted Haruhi.

"Are the boys giving you a ride 2 school?" I sent the message then tossed my phone on the bed, sitting down and sliding on my boots. Pa-ting! I unlocked my phone and checked the messages.

Yeah. Y?

I sighed and typed back, "Yall swing by & get me 2"

OK :)

I sighed with relief and grabbed my new backpack before heading downstairs. I dug through the black and purple messenger bag, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag as I waited for my ride. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes. Twenty-five. I lit another cigarette, bouncing nervously on the sidewalk. "I swear, if I'm late for school, I'ma kill 'em," I mumbled. No sooner than I had spoken the words, the limo rounded the corner and the host club pulled up in front of the building. I stubbed out my cigarette and climbed in. "That's a bad habit," Kaoru chided. "Are you ever going to quit?" Hikaru finished. I shrugged and laid my head against the window. "Eventually, I guess," I murmured tiredly. I didn't like school before, and I really don't like it now.

The same massive hallways, the same snobby rich kids, the same boring homeroom. It was way too early to deal with anyone. The homeroom teacher walked down the rows of desks quietly, handing out our schedules for the fall term. I glanced at the paper with disinterest.

1. Algebra I
2. Biology
3. French I
Lunch A
4. English I
5. Club Hours / Free Period
6. Sociology

I smiled a little at the page. At least I'd still have lunch and third period with Hikaru. I pulled out a book, Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream, and read until the bell rang for us to go to first. I weaved my way through the hall with my nose buried in my book. "Is a dead guy really that interesting?" Kaoru joked, snatching the book from me. I frowned and reached for the book. "Stop! I didn't get to mark my place!" I whined. He grinned and kept the book out of my reach. I turned to Hikaru and pouted, silently begging him to get my book back. "How else were we supposed to get your attention?" he defended his brother with a slight shrug. I stopped in front of my math class and glared at them. "Why would you need my attention? I'll see you in third period. Can it not wait?" I sighed. "Fine then, we just won't tell you at all," Kaoru said, handing me my book. "Don't get mad at us when you see it," Hikaru finished, kissing my forehead softly. "See what?" I gasped, narrowing my eyes at them. They were already starting to walk away. "Kaoru, Hikaru! Don't get mad when I see what?" I whined. They waved their hands over their shoulders dismissively. "Love you," Hikaru called as they turned the corner and headed toward their class. I shook my head and ducked into my classroom, taking a seat in the back.

"Oh, so this is what you meant," I murmured as I took in the sight of the host club. I had spent all day curious as to what the twins weren't telling me. Turns out it was about our cosplay for the day. Tamaki sat on his "throne" in a cream-colored suit with a gold vest and a jacket with a curttail. He wore a top hat with a sash around it, and held a slender cane with a glass ball as the handle. Inside the glass ball was a single large gear. The twins wore matching outfits: a pair of tan pants, a loose white shirt, matching button-down vests (Hikaru's was light blue, Kaoru's was beige, and both were unbuttoned), completing the outfit with a set of aviator goggles on their heads and fingerless gloves. Kyoya was in leather pants and a navy brocade jacket with leather cuffs that came up to the middle of his forearms. Mori was in a button up shirt and tan slacks, a pair of suspenders, and a slip-on sleeve that made his entire arm look like it was made of metal. Honey was in a white shirt and khakis, bands wrapped around the sleeves, and a red and white striped vest, a black bowler hat covering his dirty blond hair. Haruhi wore a short-sleeved button up shirt and a brown leather vest, a pocket watch tucked in her vest and a leather messenger bag over her shoulder. "Why would I be mad over this? Steampunk is awesome! I love it!" I exclaimed. "You heard her, boys," Kaoru chuckled. "She said she loves it," Hikaru snickered. Tamaki's eyes lit up and he grinned like a fool. "My precious little girl, of course you do! Daddy's so happy that you like our outfits," he squealed, handing me a bag. "Here's yours." I peeked inside the bag, and I saw a lot of ruffles. I glared into the bag and then looked up at Haruhi. "I spoke too soon, didn't I?" I groaned. She nodded as she doubled over laughing. I just rolled my eyes and stomped off to the changing room.

I stared at my reflection in awe. I was in a white dress that stopped about mid-thigh and had frilly half-sleeves; a pair of light grey leggings and a pair of black combat boots that stopped just above my knees; a black corset with lacy floral designs on it, silver buttons, leather straps and buckles, and a chain that hung from just below my right breast and draped over to my left hip; metal shoulder guards that clasped under my arms and just below my collarbone; and finally, I pulled my hair into a quick French braid, wrapping it in a bun and pinning it to the top of my head with the small black veil that covered my eyes. I stepped out of the dressing room and took a seat at one of the couches. People would be here any moment. I'd have to wait until everyone else left to start taking pictures of my friends. Hikaru stared at me, his cheeks turning red, probably from whatever thoughts were going through his head. Thinking about what might be on his mind, I felt my face heat up, too.

"This is amazing!" one girl gushed, looking around in awe. A few guys trailed in; as usual, there were no more than three or four. "Hey A.J.," they greeted as they came to sit by me. "Steampunk. Nice," one of them grinned. "Thanks Nick," I replied politely, smoothing out my dress. "You don't think your boyfriend minds you entertaining a couple of us guys do you?" a dark-haired boy, one of my regular "clients" Ryo, said as he looked past me (most likely at Hikaru). I laughed a little, shaking my head. "He shouldn't. He's a host, too," I replied. "What's your name?" I asked a blond boy, someone I had never met before. "I'm Dylan. You look really good," he murmured. "Do you guys do this a lot?" I smiled, playing with the chain on my corset. "Thank you. And do you mean cosplay? Yeah, we do it a couple times a week," I answered, pouring a few glasses of tea. No sugar and extra cream for Nick, tons of sugar and no cream for Ryo, and three sugars and a splash of cream for me. "Would you like some tea, Dylan?" I asked, picking up another tea cup. "No thank you," he whispered, fidgeting nervously. "Dylan here is my cousin. He's new, and we're helping him make friends. Since you're our friend, I thought you wouldn't mind meeting him," Nick explained. I crossed my arms and leaned back in my seat, smirking at Ryo and Nick. "Y'all consider me yo friends? How sweet," I mumbled sarcastically, letting my drawl seep through. They grinned and nudged Dylan. "Told you she's cool. Loosen up," Ryo chuckled. Dylan smiled bashfully, seeming to relax.

**a few weeks later**

"Who are you texting?" Haruhi asked boredly, plopping down on the couch next to me. I was sitting upside down, my legs hanging over the back of the couch. "Dylan, Auntie, Hikaru," I answered with just as much boredom in my voice as hers. "Aunt Jeanie says she'll be home soon and she's got pizza. Hikaru is talking to me about how he wants me to go on a trip with his family for Christmas. I told him I didn't want to leave Auntie alone my first Christmas in Japan and he said she's even invited, too. I don't know how I'm going to deal with a whole week at some resort in Sweden with his family. It'll be awkward. His mom doesn't like me." Haruhi smacked my arm and I dropped my phone on my face. I whimpered and held my nose, while she cackled evilly. "Oops," she giggled before frowning at me. "You know that's not true though. She adores you. Hikaru even said so." I rolled my eyes, slowly letting go of my face. "Ya lie!" I scoffed, unconvinced by her words. "Well, maybe he didn't say exactly that, but she's really glad that he's happy and she does like you, despite what you think," she scowled. I shrugged and went back to texting my boyfriend as she flipped through channels on TV.

"Y'all hungry?" Aunt Jeanie called when she came in the door. I flipped off of the couch, landing unsteadily on my feet. I regained my balance before sprinting across the apartment, sliding across the floor in my socks. "Starving!" I exclaimed, snatching the box as I ran back to the living room. I could feel her irritated gaze boring into my back as I scurried away. "You're welcome. Just go ahead and eat the whole thing, I'm not hungry. I love you too," she sighed sarcastically, following me. Haruhi and I had the box flipped open on the coffee table and were already tearing into our first slices. "Fank you Auntie!" I grinned, my mouth full of food. She shook her head and sat down in the corner of the couch, grabbing herself a piece. My phone vibrated once, and began playing my default ringtone, She's Country by Jason Aldean. Glancing down, I saw that it was Dylan. "I'll be right back," I mumbled to my aunt and best friend as I got up and headed toward my room. "What's up?" I answered nonchalantly, pacing leisurely around my room. "A.J.? I don't know what to do," Dylan's ragged voice came through, cracking at the end. It almost sounded like he had been crying. "What's wrong sha?" I sighed, sitting at the edge of my bed. There was silence for a long moment and I thought he had hung up. Then he sniffled, "I'm sorry. I-I didn't know who else to call. My family wouldn't understand, and I didn't know who else to talk to about it. But...just forget I called. I barely even know you." He coughed out a laugh, like he was forcing it. "Dylan...you can talk to me; it's okay. We're friends, right? Do you wanna come over?" I cooed softly, trying to calm him down. More silence. He only whimpered out a small acceptance of my invitation and I gave him my address. "You know how to get here? If you ain't at my house in the next hour, I'm comin' to look for yo' ass, yeah," I warned. He agreed that he'd be here soon and hung up. I ran a hand roughly through my hair and got up, marching back to the living room. Haruhi looked up at me curiously and Auntie tuned us out, grabbing another slice of pizza, engrossed in whatever movie was on. "Dylan is coming over. He called and he sounded pretty bad," I explained to Haruhi and sat down next to her. Her mouth was set in a grim line as she looked at me sympathetically and nodded.

Forty-eight minutes later, and Dylan was knocking on my front door. I got up to answer it, and he looked like hell. His hair was a tousled mess, red splotches covered his face, and his eyes were puffy like he had been crying. "Aw, hun." I clicked my tongue disapprovingly and ushered him into the house. "What is it?" The words that came out of his mouth next shocked me. "M-my boyfriend broke up with me!" he wailed. I could only stare at him. Honestly, I would have never thought Dylan was gay. He was tall, handsome, well-built, very athletic-- I don't know, he just seemed to a give off the vibe of a ladies' man. He wiped his face on the sleeve of his jacket, pouting at me. He looked like a little kid. "I know I have only known you hardly a month, but I didn't know where to go. Nick, my own flesh and blood, I couldn't tell him b-because I felt too embarrassed. When w-we moved here, Eric told me we'd have a-a long distance relationship. Th-then today, out of the blue, he tells me it's over. How can someone just throw away a year of memories an-and feelings like it's nothing?" he hiccuped, more tears spilling from his pale grey eyes like a storm cloud that was pouring rain. I pulled him into a hug, gently rubbing his back. "Shh, it's okay," I whispered. "It hurts! I-I feel like my chest is just gonna collapse," he sobbed, holding onto me tight. I carefully untangled myself from the suffocating embrace and nudged him toward the living room. "My aunt and Haruhi-- you know Haruhi-- are in there. They have pizza and movies, and I'll fix us all some ice cream, okay? Perfect break up coping materials. Just go ahead and make yourself at home," I said. He nodded and let out another broken chuckle, this one more genuine, and shuffled to the other room.

I took out four bowls and scooped vanilla ice cream into them, drizzling it with caramel and chocolate sauce. My phone lit up and the sound of Endlessly by The Cab started to fill the room. Hikaru's picture showed up and I smiled, answering on the second ring. "Hey babe," I grinned. "Hey beautiful. What are you up to?" His voice came through from the other end smooth and almost hypnotic. "Makin' ice cream," I replied, cradling the phone awkwardly against my ear with my shoulder. "Yum," he chuckled. "What do you say I swing by and we go catch a movie?" I frowned, feeling a small pang in my chest. "I would love to, but I can't. Dylan and Haruhi are here," I sadly declined. There was a slight pause. "Oh, okay then. Bye," he said bitterly before hanging up. I KNOW he didn't just hang up on me?!?!? I mentally shrieked. I held my phone in my palm and quickly typed out a text, not feeling the least bit guilty when I hit send.

To: Hikaru

No fuck you, love you, kiss my ass or nothin? Whatever, I'll talk to you tmw.

Cursing under my breath, I stuffed my phone in my pocket and picked up the bowls, carrying them to the living room. I handed the frozen treat out, plopping down in between Dylan and Haruhi as the opening credits to some Lifetime movie started. "Don't worry about it. Guys are assholes. I'm sure you'll find a sweet boy who loves you no matter what. But you still got years ahead of you, hun. Just because it was your first love don't mean it'll be the last," Aunt Jeanie murmured softly, patting his shoulder. He smiled a little and stared down at his bowl sadly, pushing the ice cream around.

The next morning, Hikaru gave me the silent treatment. He wouldn't talk to me, he wouldn't touch me, he wouldn't look at me. The fury bubbled up inside of me, and I knew it was a matter of time before I would explode. I could feel his glare during club hours while the host club was doing what it did best. Dylan was my only client for the day, and when he left, he pulled me into a tight hug. "Thanks for yesterday," he breathed, his voice filled with relief and joy. When he let me go, Hikaru nudged past him roughly. I smiled apologetically and then raced to catch up with my boyfriend. "What's your problem?" I hissed, stomping behind him. He turned his nose up at me and walked way. It was really starting to piss me off, but I just pivoted in the hall and went to my last class.

After school, I caught him outside of his last class. "Seriously, you won't even talk to me? Are you really that jealous?" I sighed, exasperated. He shrugged and started walking off arm in arm with Kaoru. "Have fun with Dylan," he replied sharply. That was it; the way he disregarded me, that was my breaking point. I followed them, quickly catching up. As we passed music room three, I reached out and caught Hikaru by the collar of his jacket, dragging him into the now empty room. I slammed the door and stood in front of it, leaving Kaoru stunned and alone in the hallway. "You think you can just get all pissy and ignore me because you're mad? It don't work that way, sweetie. Now what the hell is your issue?" I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at him. He stood only a few inches taller than me, but he leaned down and got in my face, trying to intimidate me. "You are my issue! You and that Dylan guy! Why is he so damn interested in you, huh? You blew me off to hang out with some guy you barely know, and you just let him stay at your house. So, yeah, I'm a little pissed off, so what?" he growled. I had spent my whole life dealing with Tres Alex's temper, so I wasn't scared of Hikaru in the slightest. "I don't know who the hell you gettin' loud with boy, but you gotta be the stupidest person I ever met!" I yelled back, straightening myself so I was nose-to-nose with him. "You know why Dylan was at my house yesterday? Because he was upset. You know why he came to me? 'Cause he couldn't even tell his own family what was wrong. You know why I said no to going out last night? Because he was sittin' in my living room in tears! I ain't just gon' leave my friend like that!" I said, my voice getting louder by the minute. He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he mumbled. My eyes went wide and I had to resist the urge to spit in his face. "Oh my GOD, how can you be so stupid?! You are jealous over a boy who came to my house crying last night because his boyfriend broke up with him!" I shrieked. "B-boyfriend?" he whispered, his glare softening into a look of confusion...and then a look of guilt. "Congratulations, Hikaru! You are jealous 'cause your girlfriend is hanging out with a guy who isn't even attracted to girls! Way to go," I sneered, drawing out every word to emphasize my sarcasm. He breathed out a sound that was somewhere between a chuckle and a sigh of relief. "I-- uh...I feel like a jackass now," he murmured, staring at the ground in shame. "Well, you should!" I scowled. He looked at me and carefully wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pressing his forehead against mine. "You're right. I am an idiot. Forgive me?" he whispered. I smiled and pecked him on on the lips softly. "Of course I forgive you. But you never have a reason to be jealous. I only want you," I sighed, taking his hand as we made our way out of the room. Kaoru stood there smirking at us, the only other person in the hall, and crooned, "Aw, the love birds had their first fight. How cute! Did you two make up yet?" I shoved him hard, snickering when he tripped. We parted ways at the front of the school and I blew Hikaru as kiss. "Love you!" I yelled as Auntie's car pulled up and I climbed in. "Love you too!" he shouted back. Even as we were driving away, I could see his embarrassment as he ducked into the limo, trying to escape Kaoru's banter.

*****I hope you guys liked it :) I know I time skip and jump around a lot but please understand I'm not trying to leave anything out...I just haven't really figured out how to stretch each chapter so that it's day-by-day yet doesn't become boring. Either way, I hope you like! ^_^ *****