Chapter 35: Almost

--two weeks later--

~Byakuya's POV~ Before we knew it Christmas break was over and we were back at Hope's Peak.

We found ourselves taking the mid-terms that were delayed by the blizzard and planning for the Christmas Gala that was also delayed by the blizzard.

It was soon released that the Christmas Gala would be rescheduled for about two weeks from today.

So that gave us--the Dance Committee--plenty of time to get ready.

For the rest of the week, we planned and decorated and designed what the Christmas Gala would be like. Although I think it's not a big deal, apparently a lot of people disagree; the Christmas Gala is a bigger event than I thought it was. Everyone was treating it like prom.

Actually, when I think about it, the Christmas Gala is basically the prom of Hope's Peak.

Of course there's also the Spring Fling, but that's more of an end of the year kind of deal and it's nowhere near as "important" as the Christmas Gala.

"So," Naegi chirped beside me during math class. "the Christmas Gala is coming up soon..."

"Yes," I mumbled, doing my work. "In two weeks."

Naegi nodded. "Uh huh. You know it's one of those dances where you have to bring a date, right?"

"Yes, Naegi, I was aware."

"Well, I was thinking--"

"Naegi, I'm... flattered, but I'm not--"

Naegi turned red. "W-What? NO! I wasn't-- Are you crazy?! I wasn't asking you to be my date, Byakuya. I was about to suggest that you ask June." he immediately said.

Time stopped.

I looked up from my work. "I... What? Why would I ask June...?"

Naegi rolled his eyes. "Come on, Byakuya! Everyone can see that you still have feelings for June. Stop denying it."

I felt heat creep up my neck. "I-I... I, uh... That's ridiculous..." I said, mentally cursing myself for not keeping my voice even.

Naegi smirked. "Oh really? Well, is that a blush I see?" he said, carefully inspecting my red face.

I tried my best to hide my face. "Shut up, Naegi." I hissed.

"I knew it! You do still like her!" Naegi said, smiling. "Ha! Hina now owes me ten bucks."

I sighed before I stopped hiding my face. "Okay. You caught me. Good for you. But what does it matter? She doesn't feel the same way about me so I see it as pointless to pursue the matter any further since it's useless anyway. She didn't like me then, she doesn't like me now; nothing's changed."

"Yeah, but you can make it change." Naegi said.

I raised my eyebrows. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"I mean, you can change it and give yourself a chance! And you can do that by asking June to be your date to the Christmas Gala." Naegi explained.

Ask June to be my date to the Christmas Gala.

It sounded simpler than it was.

"As in actually go up to her and ask her the question...?" I asked before I shook my head. "No. Nope. That won't work. I'd probably screw it up--no, scratch that, I would screw it up."

"You don't know that...!"

"Yes, Naegi, yes I do. The last time I asked June a question like that I embarrassed and made a complete fool of myself in front of her. I sounded ridiculous."

"Yeah, but that was then and this is now! You've matured. You're more confident now than you were then. And, honestly, Byakuya, it's one question. One question, one sentence, nine words--will you be my date to the Christmas Gala? That's it."

"And what if she says no?"

Naegi sat there for a second. "Well... something tells me that won't happen." he said confidently.

"Oh really? And what makes you think that?" I questioned.

"It's just... a feeling. Trust me, Byakuya, if you ask, she won't say no."

I sighed as I dropped my hands to my sides. "I... I just don't know, Naegi... Trust me, I want to tell her, but I'm... I'm..."

Naegi arched an eyebrow. "Afraid?"

I nodded. "Yeah. That." I mumbled.

Naegi sighed. "Byakuya..."

"Look, I'm afraid if I reveal my true feelings to her, I'll be rejected and it'll only make things awkward between us and ruin the friendship we just were able to rebuild. That's why I'm afraid--so many things could go wrong." I said.

I've been in love with June for as long as I can remember, and I've had no problem so far keeping my feelings for her a secret and in check. Although there's nothing I'd rather do more than confess my feelings to her, so many things could go south, and I can't risk that especially now when we just repaired our friendship.

"Byakuya, I'm not gonna lie; you're right. So many things could go wrong. But here's the thing you're not seeing," Naegi said before he looked me straight in the eyes. "So many things could go right. You could ask her to be your date and she could say yes, you could confess your feelings to her and she could say she feels the exact same way. This is what you're missing, Byakuya, you're missing the good things--the good possibilities. And these are possibilities I wouldn't risk missing out on."

"But... what if she says no? What if she laughs in my face? What if I embarrassed myself for nothing?" I asked. "What if you're wrong?"

"You won't know until you try. And it's better to say you tried and failed than to say you had a chance and didn't try at all." Naegi said.

I can't believe it, but... Naegi's actually right...

He sounds right anyway.

I've tried my best to keep my feelings for June bottled up and hid away, especially after the last time I tried asking her out, but Naegi may be right in saying it's time to stop hiding and time to start seizing the day.

"Fine," I find myself saying. "I'll do it. I'll ask her to be my date, but that's IT. I am NOT confessing my feelings to her or anything of that nature. For now, I'm only taking baby steps. Got it, Naegi?"

Naegi smiled. "Got it. When will you ask her?"

"After seventh period, of course, when the school day's over."

Naegi nodded. "Perfect. I'm proud of you, Byakuya," he said before he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Good luck. Not that you'll need it, though."

~June's POV~ The days went by like a blur and before I knew it Christmas break was over and it was time to go back to school.

During the school day today, I noticed Byakuya was acting... skittish about something. Whenever he'd approach me or vice versa, he'd freeze up and look like he would be about to say something, but he would just keep his mouth shut and his lips pressed together firmly.

What is up with HIM?

Soon enough, the bell signaling the end of the school day rang and it was time to head to my dorm room so Kyouko and I could study or watch a movie or something-- so we could just relax. It's only our first week back and it's already been stressful; we had a big meeting during the free period about the Christmas Gala being rescheduled for about two weeks from now.

So that means the Dance Committee has to kick it into high gear and make sure everything's ready for when the Gala rolls around.

Everyone here treats the Christmas Gala like prom, so there's really no room for error.

If we do for some reason make some mistake, we'll feel the wrath of the entire Hope's Peak Academy student body.

"Finally the day's over!" Erin said as she, Ibuki, and Kyouko walked up next to me. Hina and Sayaka were following close behind.

"Tell me about it! I already feel like ripping my hair out...!" Ibuki ranted.

"Amen, sister." Hina said.

"Gosh, planning for the Christmas Gala is a lot harder than I ever thought it'd be..." Sayaka said.

"Well, at least we get to hear you sing at it!" I said. "I mean, I've heard you on TV or on YouTube or your CDs or something like that, but I've never heard you in person. I can't wait!"

"I agree." Kyouko said.

"I've already got my dress and whole ordeal put together. I'm excited too!" Sayaka said happily.

"I just bought my dress yesterday." Hina said.

"Same for me!" Ibuki said.

"That reminds me; Erin, June, the three of us need to go to the mall soon and pick out our dresses." Kyouko said.

"Oh yeah! I completely forgot...!" I said.

"I didn't. I don't want to buy a dress... Can't I just wear what I'm wearing now?" Erin said.

Sayaka looked her up and down. "Um, heck no. This is the Christmas Gala, you're going to wear something amazing just like the rest of us!"

Erin huffed. "Ugh..."

"June!"

We were almost outside the building when we heard a familiar voice call out my name.

"Oh no..." Hina groaned.

"This guy again...," Erin grumbled. "I swear, he can't take a fucking hint, can he?"

"Apparently NOT." Ibuki said.

"June, stop!"

We all turned to see Leo running up to us.

"Oh jeez..." I mumbled.

"I swear, guys, we NEED a restraining order...!" Sayaka said.

"Great idea." Kyouko agreed.

Soon Leo was standing right in front of us. "June, don't leave." he said.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but the last time I checked June doesn't take orders from YOU." Hina snapped.

"Yeah! So, do us all a favor and get lost, Gonzalez!" Erin spat. "We don't talk to abusers."

Leo glared at them. "Was I talking to you? NO. I WASN'T." he snapped.

"Don't talk to my friends and sister that way!" I snapped right back. "Honestly, Leo, what could you possibly want now? I've told you to leave me alone."

"I don't care," Leo said bluntly. "Look, June, I gave you time. I waited and was patient for you. I waited for you to see the error in your ways and run back into my open arms. I've waited long enough, and now time's up." He suddenly grabbed my arm.

I immediately tried to yank away. "Hey! Let go of me right now!"

"June," Leo said, ignoring my demand. "be my date to the Christmas Gala. You know you want to."

"Excuse me, last time I checked we BROKE UP. And we're still BROKEN UP. So, hell no, Leo, I will most certainly NOT be your date to the Christmas Gala! You lost your chance with a me a long time ago!" I said. "As I was saying, LET GO OF ME. NOW."

Leo didn't let go, in fact his grip seemed to tighten. "Well, it's okay, June. I have another way of getting a yes out of you. And with what I have in mind, you'll be begging me to take you back and be your date." he said.

A shiver ran down my spine. What exactly did he mean by THAT?

"Let go of my sister RIGHT NOW or I'll take my hockey stick and shove it so far up your ass your grandchildren will be hurting!" Erin snapped, and I could tell she WASN'T KIDDING.

Leo ignored my sister completely. "Come, June, I'll make you realize."

And before I knew what was happening, he was suddenly dragging me off somewhere. I tried to fight back and yank my arm from his hold, but he had a firm grip and wasn't letting go.

Eventually Leo was running, dragging me after him. My friends followed close behind, so I tried to slow Leo down as much as possible, but it really wasn't doing much but annoying him.

"Leo! Let me go! Let me go!" I shouted as I struggled. Nothing helped though; Leo ignored me and he was too strong.

Suddenly, Leo stopped in front of one of the janitors' closets, opened the door, and before I could begin to think why he brought me here, shoved me inside and came in after me.

Then, he immediately turned around and shut the door.

I was engulfed in darkness. I almost couldn't see my own hands.

"L-Leo... what are you doing...?" I gulped. I was in high alert.

I mean, how would you feel if someone (your ex-boyfriend, no less) shoved you in a dark closet and closed the door behind them?

Not too safe? I thought so.

Leo's response shattered my train of thought. "I'm doing something I should have done a long time ago. June, I am finally, finally making you MINE. And not your stupid friends or sister or even Byakuya will be able to stop me!"

My breathing hitched. I looked into his eyes then and there. It didn't take a genius to know what he was about to do.

Suddenly, I felt his lips slam against mine and his tongue force its way into my mouth. I struggled to push him off me, but he traps me between himself and the wall. I put my hands against his chest, still trying to shove him off, but he grabs my wrists and holds them above my head.

"You'll stop struggling soon enough," His voice was raspy, his eyes filled with nothing but lust, not even love. "In no time, you'll be begging for it--you'll be begging for me."

I feel tears start to fill my eyes. My immediate impulse is to scream for help, but he covers my mouth. I bite his hand.

Leo hisses as he yanks away his hand in pain before he backhands me in the cheek. I gasp at the pain, and I immediately know it's going to leave a bruise.

"Stop acting like you hate it," he hisses. "You know you want it."

I whimpered as I feel his hands travel to the buttons of my uniform, about to undo them. "Leo, please. Please don't do this... I'm begging you..." I whispered desperately.

"You'll be begging me alright... Soon enough. You'll be begging for me to never stop." Leo's face twisted into an ugly smile.

I suddenly hear pounding on the door. "JUNE! ARE YOU IN THERE?! JUNE!"

Erin.

"JUNE! ANSWER US!"

Hina. ALL my friends...

"Y-Yes! I'm in he--" Before I could finish, Leo grabs a random cloth and shoves it in my mouth, silencing me. I try to scream through the cloth, but it all comes out muffled.

Leo begins to unbutton my shirt...

HELP ME!

The doorknob twists and turns quickly, urgently. Of course it's locked, so they can't get in.

I feel my shirt get pulled off me. I try to cover myself, but Leo yanks my arms away. His eyes scale all over me, and I want to vomit.

How could I have ever been interested in this guy?

Byakuya was right about him.

Tears are now running down my cheeks as Leo begins to now remove my skirt. He's kissing down my jawline, neck, chest...

I can't believe this is happening... I can't believe this is happening... I can't believe this is happening...

He is going to rape me.

I try to scream as loud as I can, but the stupid cloth is preventing anything but muffled shrieks.

"JUNE!!!"

The pounding on the door gets more fast and desperate.

Just as Leo's about to tear off my skirt, a loud crunch is heard and suddenly there's a hole in the door and a hand fiddling with the doorknob before twisting it and pulling the door open.

Light shines on Leo and me just as I immediately feel Leo being yanked off me.

"YOU BASTARD!!!"

At first, my vision is blurry from my tears and I can't make out anything or anyone. Then I slowly blink my tears away and wipe my eyes to witness what was happening in front of me.

Byakuya and Makoto.

They apparently had arrived on the scene. Byakuya's face was contorted with an emotion that could not have been placed as anything but pure anger. Trust me, I've seen Byakuya angry before many times in my life, but all of it combined was nothing compared to THIS.

The only thing keeping Byakuya from practically ripping Leo to shreds was Makoto, who was having kind of a hard time holding Byakuya back. And even then he wasn't able to stop Byakuya from getting a few punches in.

"I should have finished what we started when I had the chance!" Byakuya growled at Leo. "You do NOT KNOW the grave mistake you have just made, Gonzalez. I WILL MAKE YOU PAY."

Where are the motherfucking teachers when you need them?!

As if on cue, a group of teachers scrambled on to the scene and when they did Makoto immediately pulled Byakuya away from Leo.

I was pulled to my feet held close by Erin. Kyouko, Hina, Ibuki, and Sakura lingered nearby, ready to comfort me.

Unfortunately, one of the teachers that arrived was the headmaster.

I saw Leo's face pale when he saw him. Byakuya didn't look much better.

My uncle's fists were clenched and the vein in his forehead seemed dangerously close to bursting. "LEO. BYAKUYA. ALL OF YOU. To my office NOW."

Talk about déjà vu...

"June, are you...?" Erin didn't even finish her sentence, mainly because the answer was kind of obvious; I could feel myself shaking and I still felt like I was going to be sick.

This just happened. This actually happened.

He almost RAPED me.

Almost.

I didn't hear anything else but my own surprised, scared, and confused thoughts as we were all escorted to the headmaster's office.

Author's Note: Wow, guys... Intense scene...! Definitely intense.

It kind of made me sick to write this, but it had to be done to move the plot along :/

I REALLY HATE Leo... Well, then again, that was kind of the point of his character.

So, if you guys hate him too, that that must mean I'm doing my job :)

Until next time,

-RadipDagger✌