Chapter 42: Pursuing my Valentine

--two weeks later--

~Byakuya's POV~ "Kiyotaka, what the hell's the matter with you?" Leon asked Ishimaru as he, Ishimaru, Naegi, and I walked down the halls, just leaving our seventh periods.

Ishimaru sighed. "Nothing... I'm fine." he mumbled.

"Bullshit. Seriously, you've been acting all weird for almost two weeks now! What's going on???" Leon said.

"He's right; you've been acting not yourself, lately, Ishimaru." Naegi agreed, and I merely nodded, also agreeing.

Ishimaru didn't meet our gazes. "It's just... Valentines Day is today, and no matter how much I try and pursue Erin, nothing happens. Well, actually, the first time I asked her to the movies with me, she declined and said she didn't want a relationship," He sniffed. "I was flat-out rejected. Do you know what it's like to be rejected?"

"Oh, I know what it's like, for sure." I said, thinking back to the time I had asked June out for the first time to the movies, and she suggested Erin and Jesse come along. That had been rejection to me.

Well, actually, it wasn't really rejection, because when I told June about it, she said she had no idea I was trying to send a message that I wanted to go out with her. So, technically, no one rejected anyone.

"Well, actually, June was unaware I was asking her out and later confirmed it, so... bad example." I added, and Ishimaru groaned.

"Today is a day of romance. I've seen at least six couples together, in love, and happy," Ishimaru whined. "I want that!"

"Don't we all?" I asked.

"You can't talk, Byakuya! You got the love of your life! You two get to live happily ever after...!" Ishimaru snapped.

I smirked and shrugged. "You're right about that. I withdraw my previous comment."

"Ishimaru Kiyotaka: forever alone." Leon said, snickering.

Ishimaru glared. "Shut it, fellow classmate! Just because you, Makoto, and Byakuya have significant others, doesn't mean you have to rub it in!" he said, clearly irritated.

"Wait a sec--Leon doesn't have a love life..." Naegi said, and Leon glared at him.

"That's because I don't need one! Why be tied down to one girl when you can have one night stands with them all? No commitment, no strings attached. I'm perfectly happy." Leon said. Naegi and I rolled our eyes.

"You may feel that way now, but I bet you won't feel that way forever," Naegi said. "Being in a relationship isn't being 'tied down' to one person, it's finding that one person you are perfectly matched for and have intense and romantic feelings for. Being in a relationship is fun and it feels nice, especially to know you're loved in a very special way."

"Wow, Naegi. Quite deep." I said.

Naegi smiled. "Why, thank you."

Leon just scoffed. "Whatever." he huffed.

I turned to Ishimaru. "Look, our point is just keep trying and don't give up. Because, if you have feelings for someone, believe me, it's a bad idea to ignore them or give up on them. Trust me." I said. Been there, done that.

"Byakuya's right. Don't give up," Naegi told Ishimaru. "Besides, like you said, today is Valentines Day. What better day to really show Erin how you feel about her?"

Ishimaru took a breath before he nodded, seeming more determined. "You're right! I'm going to show Erin how I feel and romance the pants off her! That way she'll see and hopefully feel the same way!" he said, definitely determined.

Oh boy... I'd love to see this go down...

"'Romance the pants off her', huh?" Leon said before snickering. "Oh yeah, you guys will have all sorts of fun~!"

Ishimaru immediately turned red at the thought. "Sh-Shut up, Leon!" he hissed. I chuckled.

"Some times, you guys are very entertaining to watch." I said, and Naegi nodded.

"True that." he agreed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So," June said as we headed up a hill with our picnic blanket and food. "how long did it take you to get away from them?"

"Longer than I would have wanted--they were deadset on Operation Make Erin Fall For Ishimaru. I was somehow dragged into it." I said. June chuckled.

"I bet it was just torture." she said sarcastically, and I smiled.

"Oh, yes, it was," I said. "But, the torture is over now that I'm here with you. Alone. Just the two of us."

June smiled. "On Valentines Day."

I nodded. "Yes. On Valentines Day."

After we laid out the blanket and set out the food, we sat, ate, and when we were finished with our food, curled up in each other embrace and laid against a tree.

I absent-mindedly let my fingers twirl small circles on June's forearm. "Happy Valentines Day, Junie." I hummed.

June looked up at me, her beautiful green eyes sparkling. "Happy Valentines Day, Byakuya." Then she leaned forward and placed a peck on my cheek. I returned it, but on her lips instead.

She turned pink when I pulled away. Even now, she still blushed when we kissed.

Honestly, it's adorable. I love it.

I love everything about her.

God, I'm lovesick.

"I'm so happy," June suddenly said. "Just right here, right now. You and me. Together. In love. I couldn't be happier. I've wanted you for most of my life, Byakuya. And, it feels so good to finally have you."

I couldn't agree with her more; I've wanted her most of my life, and now I have her. And, trust me, it feels good.

"Same with me. I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember, and now I can finally call you mine." I said, and June blushed some more.

"The feeling is more mutual than you know." she said.

"Oh, trust me," I said, leaning into her and resting my chin on her shoulder. "I know just how mutual it is."