Hes a genderbent Osana. How have I not seen this before? Probably because I'm focusing more on getting rid of Osana without hurting Taro-Senpai. And running away from him. And Amno... and Kizano... and Aso... sometimes Osorō... hopefully not Megamo. Ugh... I only want Senpai... But now I have four, possibly six, other males to avoid to get to him. As well as two female who are aiming to get him! 

Why did my Senpai have to be so difficult to obtain!? Why couldn't I have gotten a guy who wasn't so popular with women!? Or gone to a school without all of these annoying boys?! I love Senpai, Osano likes me, Osana loves Senpai, a lot of other boys are chasing me about, and Kokona likes Senpai... 

This is confusing... I don't like it. All I want is Senpai... And soon, Senpai will want me. "Yan-chan! You better be up!" After I figure out a way to get rid of my friend... "I'm coming in!" Be my guest, I'm eating. 

I might be emotionless, but I'm not disrespectful. I'm developing my new emotions. I'll say they're in the beginning phase. Swallowing a bite of toast I looked over at him as he came in. "Morning." His blush was present as he looked at the scarf around my neck, good grief it's only a little crooked! It's not the end of the world! 

"Geez... You're hopeless..." Why is his tone gentler!? "Idiot." And there's the annoyance. His fingers clumsily undid the little knot and adjusted it so the two ends were even. "Mom says you're still open to come stay with us till your parents get back... N-not that I want you to! It'd be super annoying having to take care of you more than I need to! Idiot..." He finished the knot around my neck and then plopped down into one of the chairs around our small table. 

"Tell her thank you, but no thank you." His expression fell, did I say something wrong? "I'm trying to be independent."

He scoffed, "Real good job your doing. You always depend on me. You'd be dead of hunger, or failing school! Admit it your hopeless!" I shook my head and packed up my bento and homework. "Besides! I'm not your messenger! Tell her yourself!" If I had time I would. "Do you... Are you off work today?" I nodded my head as I cleaned up the kitchen a little bit. "My family is going to enjoy the boardwalk tonight, mom and dad are off, do you... Want to come with us?" 

I can read his little mind now, he's planning this as a one sided date to try and sway me into his arms. "Sure, should I meet you at your house?" But I won't be swayed, he can't. But I might as well milk some experience out of him.

"Nah, I'll come pick you up from here after you're done with club activities." His voice was coated heavily with annoyance, but I could see the excitement. "You can tell mom you're an idiot then."

"Shouldn't we get going?" He looked up at the clock ticking above the fridge and sighed, getting up from his chair. I could have squealed in excitement on the walk to school, it was silent. Peaceful. Perfect. Though I could feel his embarrassmed gaze as he kept glancing in my direction. 

I really hope I can make a girl fall for him and force her onto him so I can be free and be forever happy with my senpai. But what girl would fall for this tsundere? Probably someone who likes muscle or people who are protective. Osana is out of the picture, she is never dating my friend. I won't let him make a foolish decision. 

I think he's rubbing off on me... great...

I better find someone fast, Friday is in two days. I also have to finish matchmaking Osana and Haruto. As well as get in contact with Riku so I can get Kokona out of the picture. I have way too much on my plate right now... Hopefully the student council stops pestering the photography club, so they'll stop pestering me. Jonzu-kun decided to make a official school newspaper. He's working on the back to school story. I guess I could talk to Aso or Kizamo about their club leaders, I wasn't focusing much to them but it sounds like a easy story to cover. 

Let's see, I also need to start running or exercising... Maybe I'll start that this weekend. Also need to do something special for Senpai next week so when I confess next Friday he'll accept it easily, so me and him can live happily ever after in our fairy tale. 

Okay, so the plan for today. Ditch Osano. Ask Jonzu if there's already someone doing a story over the sports club or drama club. Go to them and start jotting notes. Go to class. Eat lunch with Osan- WAIT. I'm supposed to help Haruto during lunch! Shoot! I'm going to have to instruct him before class starts today! Gosh dang my promise to the boy who's crushing on me! Messing everything up! Ugh... okay. After lunch, go to classes again. Text remaining shots to Info-Kun. Go to club activities, write up story, get it approved by Jonzu-kun. Go home, get changed, wait for Osano. Have 'fun' and observe Senpai. Go home, stalk Osana. Then sleep.

Sounds pretty decent to me.

At least that was the case till I got to school... As I was heading towards my club, I nearly crashed into Megamo who was struggling under the weight of a large stack of papers. "Morning, Saikou-senpai." I greeted, he turned to see who was addressing him. 

The same glossy coat appeared in his eyes seeing it was me. "Morning Aishi-chan. Do you mind?" He wants me to carry papers... How about no?

"Sure, here." I lifted half the stack off of his pile and grunted under the weight of all the paper. "What is all of this?" 

"Ideas and petitions from the student body, as well as schedules for our members, also some forums that needed approved before handing them over to the headmaster." He seemed kind of upset, more angry but he didn't seem angry at the workload. 

"Shouldn't the other council members be helping you?" He nodded with a glare down the hallway. "Seems like your plate is pretty full." 

"I agree, though I'm glad there is a underclassman who is kind enough to help ease the physical load." I forced a grin up at him as we neared the student council room. "Thank you again, Aishi-chan." 

"No problem." I plopped the papers down on the table that groaned under the heavy load. 

"Have a nice day." He sat down and started sorting through the papers.

"To you as well." I really wished I grabbed a knife, he keeps running into my path. Almost like he wants to make me help him. Jerk. After finishing up there I hurried to my club. Thank goodness the lazy leader was there, sorting through pictures that both he and I had taken. I discussed options of what I could write and he agreed to the idea over the absent sports club leader. 

Now I just need to find Aso and ask him if I could discuss about his leader. He gave me the idea, I might as well use it. Instead I ran into the purple haired brat. "Ah! Darling! How lovely to behold you once again my Juliet!" Oh, he's a himedere. Now it makes sense. He thinks he a prince. Yay. 

"Hello Sinobu-kun." He grabbed my hand and held it up to his lips, I wanted to pull it away as he kissed it tenderly. His other hand reached behind his back and pulled out a rose, it was completely stripped of its thorns. 

Dang... I could have shoved it down his throats to stop his annoying chatter better if it had thorns... "For you, my princess." His princess? 

"Oh, thank you." He seemed disappointed, I had expressed my gratitude what more does he want from me? 

"Hmm. Ah! I know!" His smirk of a smile returned as he plucked the rose out of my hands and gently tucked it against my ear. "There, now its perfect." He beamed down at me as I brushed my fingertips against it. He leaned down by my other ear and whispered lowly, "Just like you, my princess." Does he do this with every girl? I'm not sure how to respond. "Till we meet again, my Juliet." With that, and a cape swish, he was gone. 

I guess I could give this rose to Haruto before class starts. I'll discuss the change in plans and tell him to give it to her. That should get a positive response from her. Hopefully it helps pull this off... I should have started this Monday... Oh well, I just have to try harder I guess. 

I'll talk to Aso right after school, right now I have to get to class. As I turned towards the hallway towards my class I ran full force into a wall. That wall knocked me down to the floor was named Osorō. He seemed slightly surprised before he scoffed down as my fallen form. "Watch where your going pipsqueak. Your going to get flattened into a pancake if you don't move!" 

I glared back up at him as I stood to my feet and crossed my arms across my chest, "I'd move if you weren't in my way." His piercing golden eyes flicked over to the the flower in my hair. 

"Oh I'm sorry are you late getting to your boyfriend? He's probably concerned about his puny flower." I nearly swung a fist at his face...

"I don't have a boyfriend." I growled, "Or do you have short term memory loss?" He didn't like that...oh well what do I care.

"Then what's up with the weed in your hair." I'm just wasting time here. I need to discuss plans with Haruto.

"A friend gave it to me. Now if you excuse me I need to get to class." I started to move around him to continue to my class till a bandaged arm blocked my path.

I said nothing but stopped my advance to hear him out. "Invitation's still open pipsqueak. You got more spunk than others do."

"I'm not interested." With that I pushed forward ignoring the stare that followed me. I at least have five minutes to get to class to talk with Haruto before it officially starts. 

That conversation was a disaster... "What do you mean you won't be there to help me!?" 

"I already had an obligation with another person. I forgotten about it. Look... All you have to do is compliment her hair, give her the rose, go through her cooking lesson, and maybe impress her with your words. She ain't the type to like stronger males, she likes smart guys. Try to ask her afterwards if she wants to eat lunch together tomorrow. I'll be there to help you wrap this up. Okay?" He sighed but nodded. "Good, I wish you luck. Don't mess up." 

With that I went to go sit down, to answer an annoying delinquent leader... 

yo pipsqueak

Why must you insist on calling me that?

Yer tiny that's why

I just wanted to warn u to stay outa my way. 

No more mister nice guy.

I'm not that tiny, you are just taller than average. And it wasn't my intention to anger the protector of the incinerator.

We don't guard it, it's just our meetin spot 

Sure it is.

Just stay out of my way

K?

Whatever.

I turned it off, I don't need any more distractions at the moment. I need to focus my studies and start an outline over my story for my club. I want to be done with it as soon as possible so I can join the martial arts club or the sports club. I need to be stronger to protect my Senpai. I'll be the strong one in the relationship. 

The desk beside me was bare for a second time in a row that week during the first few classes of the day. Not that I minded, gave me more room to glare at Osana. While my friend stared at me. I need to ask Info-Kun if there's anyone suitable for him. He's a good guy, other than he's overly annoying and protective. But he's my friend. Nothing more. 

Nothing less. Everyone else in this school is below him, except for Senpai. He is the bar, and he's set higher than the heavens themselves. My Senpai is better than everyone no one can compare. No one. 

Osano is only slightly higher than the others because I tolerate him, and he's always stuck to me. Even before I started to learn how to fake being normal... He's seen it all, which isn't a whole lot... well until recently. Ugh...why am I stuck thinking about him?! 

I need to focus on my studies... I'll eliminate him later. 

Lunch time rolled around and Osana and Haruto headed towards the fountain outside. Osano leant over my desk as I finished up my biology work. "Hurry up dummy!" He whispered as the teacher gathered her things. 

"You can be patient." I mumbled, my eyes felt heavy and my mind felt fuzzy. Must be a side effect of me staying up so late and getting up so early. 

"Geez! When did you go to bed last night?! You sound like you're gonna drop at any minute!" I just need a little time to rest...then I'll be fine. Hopefully I can adjust to my new schedule soon... I need to keep Senpai safe...

"I was finishing my homework... I didn't want to bug you this morning about it..." His head jerked back in surprise, a blush heavily coating his face. I lied but he seemed to find it adorable or something... gosh dang it...

"Come on weirdo," he lifted me to my feet as I jotted down the last answer. I was surprised as he grabbed my hand and lead me towards the courtyard. I stumbled behind as he basically dragged me away. "You're hopeless." I rolled my eyes as we joined the throng of students exiting the building. I tripped as he sat down by one of the trees. 

My momentum caused me to land on his lap, if his face wasn't red before it was completely turned into a becon now. "Sorry..." I mumbled as I got up and sat beside him. 

His mouth opened but no sound came out. I shrugged and leaned back against the trunk, slowly opening my bento and digging in. He followed my motions but he looked to embarrassed to even function. "Idiot..." he finally mumbled. Right as I was finishing up my food.

"I said I'm sorry..." I yawned as I rested my head against the tree. I closed my eyes hearing the sounds of conversation behind the tree. I nearly punched my friend as he gently tilted my head so it rested on his shoulder.

"Just shut up and rest." If I wasn't so tired I would have objected. But my body had other plans a as I fell asleep against him. The way it felt was that I had merely blinked. But when I reopened my eyes I suddenly gained feeling of my surroundings. My head was resting on his lap and his hand was combing through my ponytail. I looked up at him groggily, his eyes were directed to the sky and a relaxed smile was in place of his usual scowl. 

He looked peaceful... "Mm..?" He looked down in shock, I grinned to the best of my ability. That just turned him back into a beacon.

"T-tch! Come on get up! Lunch ends soon idiot!" I'd lie if I said I was annoyed. He really does pull through for me... 

I sat up slowly and yawned. "Okay..." I almost jumped feeling his hand on top of mine. What do I do? 

"Let's go, Yan-chan." His voice was gentle, "Idiot." Was, being the key word. 

The rest of the day passed by with a flash, that was up until school ended. I rushed off towards the track hoping to catch Aso before he started running... There he is! "Riti-kun!" Aso turned around and smiled seeing my fast pace coming towards him. 

"Ah! Ayano! Wassup?" He met me in the middle of our two distances. 

"I was curious if you could tell me about your leader, for a story for the paper." I didn't think his smile could get any bigger.

"Of course! Follow me, I have to get warmed up for today's activities." I just asked him some questions, such as; When did she become leader? How do you compare yourself to her? What's her techniques? When did she go to compete? Do you think she'll win? Just some follow up questions afterwards. If anything we only talked for about ten minutes. 

"Thank you for your time, Riti-kun." I stood to leave as he was stretching his arms till one of his arms shoot out and took hold of my wrist. 

"Hang on! I was wondering if you'd like to join our club sometime? I was talking to Fureddo earlier and he said you're only staying in his club for a week, do you want to join our club next week?" I do, solely for the purpose of exercise. 

"Maybe, I'll think about it." My answer seemed to satisfy him for now. 

"I'll hold you to it! See you later, Ayano!" He let go and dashed towards his group of members. Club activities were about to start. I better get back to the photography room. As I walked through the halls I heard laughter behind me, pulling my phone out of my pocket I angled it to use it like a mirror, some of the female delinquents. Looks like lime streak and copper streak. What do they want?

I guess I'll never know, they disappeared after I entered the club. Some of the guys were messing around while I quickly typed up a short article for the paper. When I uploaded it to the final copy, I noticed the actual time and effort Fureddo put into it. He talked about all the clubs and made sure to even include mentioning some of the other new students. He's serious about this, I guess there hasn't really been any real stories for him to write about in the past year or so. It's his friends that are the problem. They're probably waiting till last minute to finish up. 

I left a little early to head home and hide my shrine and pictures of senpai. Maybe I should change... it'd be awkward to walk around town in my uniform. Besides, I could let it wash while I'm gone. I better hurry, who knows when Osano's going to show up... Heck, with this new habit of barging right in I might want to lock my door till after I'm changed. 

On the way there I started a new conversation with Info-Kun. 

Is there any girl that might be slightly interested in Osano?

I think you know my answer to your question. 

Fine, is there any other girl he might be interested in?

You know the answer to that too.

Thanks.

I do however have a little bit of gossip you might be interested in.

If I send in my remaining shots for the week will it suffice?

I suppose I'll be generous, a thousand thanks.

There a rumor going around that a few of the upperclassmen and one other of your classmates might also be interested in you.

Who?

My resources won't provide that information, just be warned that there is a few girls who are quite jealous of you at the moment.

I can handle them.

Can you?

I wanted to send back some witty reponse, I didn't because I had to shove my shrine under the bed. Hopefully, he won't look under the bed... my room was cleaned up and our picture hung solely on the cork board. It looked kind of lonely... Maybe I should take more pictures of me and him. Wait...what am I saying..? I should be wanting more pictures of me and Senpai together... Not me and Osano. 

"Hey Ayano! You here!" Speak of the tsundere and he shall appear. Now, should I find a jacket for later? It's been getting kind of chilly at night lately... Nah, I'll be fine. "Yan-Chan!?" My goodness he's getting so annoying. 

"Coming!" I shoved my phone and wallet into my shorts pockets and bounded to the door. "Hey."

"Don't hey me! Y-you ready to go or not?!" He kept his gaze averted as he rubbed the back of his head. He merely exchanged his uniforms pants for a pair of faded jeans. He still had his polka dotted shirt and had taken off his jacket showing off his slightly toned arms. 

"Yes I'm ready." He nodded and started walking back towards the street. "Where's your family?"

"They're getting ice cream." I guess that's where we are going as well. Now, what do I do in these sort of things? Highly doubt any of my video games will help me at the moment... "So..." He looked away, "My siblings wanted to go the fair grounds to ride some of the kiddie rides. Mom told me to just hang out with you... What do you want to do?" Crud... This isn't good, at least with his family around the possibility of him doing something rash were lower. Now, there's nothing stopping him... 

"You caught my attention with ice cream." I haven't eaten yet, so the aspect of food at the moment sounds like heaven to my ears. Be even better if Senpai was here to offer it.

"Vanilla sundae?" 

"You read my mind."

"No idiot. You never get anything else." I guess that is correct, how odd, I was like a robot. I'm going against my programming now I guess. 

"Oh." I'd rather not change my entire schedule though. "What're you getting?"

"Probably orange sherbet." Sherbet? What is that? "Or maybe I'll get orange ice cream, I don't know. It doesn't matter." He looked down the road, we're getting towards the outskirts of the string of shops. I've never actually looked at the other shops before now that I think about it. 

I guess it'd be nice to look around. My Senpai gets the highest praise from me! Everything was dull before, now! Everything is bright and beautiful... I could cry tears of joy. If...I knew how that is... 

"Wanna go in there? You're staring for an awfully long time at that sign... Did you freeze?" Oh, I was looking at a floral shop sign. It is really ornate. I guess it wouldn't hurt to look around inside.

"I was just curious, mom said she wanted to get a plant. I just thought it'd be nice to get it for her birthday when she comes back." He stared at me like I just lost my arm or something. "What?"

"You're weird. You've never acted this way before... are you sick?" I shook my head at him and started to walk again. "Where you going? Come on idiot let's look around." Wait...seriously? 

He bought my lie just like that... Who's the idiot now?

We looked at a bunch of different arrangements and different plants. Nothing really reminded me of something my mother would like, even if I was doing something like this for her. Seeing our efforts were fruitless and the constant teasing from the chaser of how cute we looked together we went out of there and continued our march towards the little sweet shop at the edge of town nearest the ocean. Our mothers used to take us here when we were both younger and Osano was a single child. 

If I rember right, there's a picture of us on the wall. Our mothers behind us with big huge smiles to the person holding the camera, Osano looking at the camera covered in chocolate ice cream with a big open smile, and me sitting there eating my ice cream with an indifferent look. It's a very "family" style shop. Regulars like me and Osano often are treated as the older owners own children. 

I've never focused to detail, mostly because I never bothered to care, but the shop was a bit old fashion with fading paint and browning wallpaper. My mother used to always exclaim about how her and dad would visit the place while it was brand new. There's apparently a photo of them as well on the wall. Maybe I should look for it. 

"Hey, hey, hey! There's our favorite kids!" But I feel like we're going to be smothered... "How are you two doing?" What were the owners names again?

"We're doing well Mr. and Mrs. Gonzala." Osano greeted with a well practiced smile. Right that's their names, didn't they move from some other country? Ah well, doesn't matter that much. We both took our spots at the bar stools closest to the door. 

"Now, I know what Ayano-chan wants. But what do you want to try today?" So I do always order it...how come I don't remember it? 

"I'll try the orange sherbet today." I swiveled in my seat to look at the wall of photos and noticed ours right off the bat. Before I knew it a tiny grin had found its way to my lips. 

It didn't go unnoticed. "Alright! I'll bring 'em out in a jiffy!" Osano followed my gaze and smirked. 

"You never were one for pictures." I shrugged my shoulders and looked at some of the other photos. But no matter where I looked my gaze always found its way back to ours. "We couldn't get you to smile for anything. Even Christmas time you're always straight faced."

"Never really saw the reason to back then." Wait...back then? Is that what I said? It didn't go unnoticed by Mrs. Gonzala. She grinned and brought out a camera.

"We were thinking of updating some of the photos! Mind giving us a grin?" Osano smirked down at me and slung a arm over my shoulders forcing me to face the camera. I did as I was asked and forced my grin to grow. The flash nearly blinded me as she quickly pressed the button. "Now that's a keeper! My baby girls has grown! Her first smile!" Is it really that big of a deal?

"May we see?" She turned the camera around to show us the display screen upon his request. We looked kind of like a couple... I don't like it... I wish it was Senpai not him. "May we have a copy of it when it's printed?" He asked politely, seems like he enjoys the picture more than I do. 

"Sure! Come back tomorrow and I'll hand you it!" Mr. Gonzala returned with two bowls of frozen treats in hand. "Honey look! She smiled!" He squinted at the screen before his own wide grin spread across his wrinkled features.

"It's beautiful as always, smile or not. Photos are memory's. Even the bad ones." He slid the treats over to us, "But I'm glad to see you two are finally dating." I nearly gagged on the spoon in my mouth as the words came out of his mouth. 

Osano jumped in his seat, the words tumbling out in a spill, "Hang on! W-we're not dating! We're just friends! Just hanging out like usual! Nothing's happening between us!" They both laughed at him as his face flushed up in embarrassment. 

"We'll see about that, if anything you two are just adorable together!" I kept shoving vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce in my mouth to make sure I didn't have to speak. "I mean look at her! She's blushing a lil' bit!" I'm what? I reached up and felt my face, it was a tad warm. Why am I blushing? He isn't Senpai.

"Wait...what?" He turned to look at me, eyes wide in shock. "Oh my gosh! You are!" I just want to hide under the counter right now... I continued to shovel ice cream in my mouth hoping to cool my face off and to avert my attention elsewhere. 

"She's turning as red as a beet now!" Fuc- "I'm getting a picture of this!" Before I could protest, she snapped another picture of us! I need to get out the of here! I need fresh air or something! "I'll give you a copy of this as well!"

"Thank you," Osano grinned, poking my cheek to annoy me. I swatted it away as I glared at my empty bowl. 

"We have to tend to some of the other costumers, enjoy yourselves!" He waved as they both went back to their respective jobs.

"You embarrassed?" He asked me as they left.

"No."

"You sound embarrassed." He leaned closer, with a smirk. Possibly enjoying teasing me over such a stupid manner.

"I'm not embarrassed."

"You're cheeks don't lie Yan-chan, you're as red as a tomato." Okay, subject change.

"What does sherbet taste like?" He sat up straight in confusion.

"Huh? Oh! Dummy you should have ordered it!" He scooted his bowl towards me, "Here, try a bite." I glanced at him for a moment before grabbing my spoon and scooping up a small bite. "So?" 

"It's different." He cocked an eyebrow at me, "A good kind of different." He seemed satisfied with my answer and began to eat his treat slowly. 

"We don't have a lot of time left, wanna head over to the docks after I'm done?" 

"What are we going to do there? I can't swim." He rolled his eyes at me with a huff.

"Idiot! I know that! Geez! How dumb do you think I am! I just wanted to relax there for a bit before going home! It's not like I don't want to do anything idiot!" Ah, he's probably stressed by his younger siblings. Though they mean well, they can be a bit of a bother. 

"Sure, sounds nice." I could see the satisfied grin out of the corner of my eye, he really thinks he has this in the bag doesn't he? It's fruitless though, I don't share his feelings. Not a single bit. 

After leaving our payment on the counter next to our two empty dishes, we exited and headed away from the bustling streets towards the roaring ocean. We turned off of the sidewalk and headed onto the wooden planks of one of the longest fishing piers that was above the deep water. At first I thought he was sitting down to plop into the water. But instead he just sat there, watching the sun set over the horizon. I guess I should sit by him as well.

"Remember when we used to try to fish here?" I nodded and watched a boat chugg along the gentle waves. 

"Using hot dogs as bait." He chuckled as he stretched a bit.

"Yeah, I miss those days." He brought his hand down onto mine, he probably thought it was just a harmless gesture. But to me, it felt like a fire creeping up my left arm. I want Senpai to hold my hand, not him. "Everything was easy back then."

And lifeless. "Yeah." 

"I wish it never ended, I wish we could stay like this forever." 

Time to play innocent, "What do you mean?" His hand tightened around mine and his usual scowl replaced his calm expression. 

"N-nothing! I meant nothing by it! Geez! Q-quit reading too far into my words! I-idiot!" I chuckled at his little tantrum. He squeezed my hand before loosening his grip, "Ayano... What...what do you plan on doing? You know... after high school?" 

I shrugged, closing my eyes feeling the warmth of the suns rays. "I don't know yet. What about you?" 

"Kind of why I asked you. Hoped you would have had an idea." So he's hopeless too. 

"Guess we're both hopeless." I'm hopelessly in love with my Senpai. And he's hopelessly going to watch from the sidelines as I break his heart. 

My statement however was taken another way. "Yeah... We are, aren't we." His grin suddenly faltered, "I-I'm getting kind of thirsty, I'm going to get a soda. Want anything?" I shook my head as he let go of my hand and stood up. "'Kay... Be right back." I listened to his footsteps as he walked away. I sighed as I looked down at the water. 

I almost feel kind of bad for him... I'm going to hurt a guy who's never been a complete jerk to me. He's annoying. But not a jerk like Osorō. Why can't this be easier? It'd be simple if we had just met, but we've known each other for ages... 

Why is this so hard? I don't like him... I don't.

There's his footsteps, he's coming back. Wait! Why does he sound lighter? "Keep out of my leader's way!Slut!" Before I could turn around to see my attacker, I was kicked into the waves below. 

Before I hit the water I could hear my attacker retreating and friend rushing out here. "Ayano!"

That's when I hit the blue concrete below, before sinking into it. I couldn't get any momentum to push me back up! My lungs ached for oxygen! I can't die like this! I have to protect Senpai! I want to live! I want...I want to say I'm sorry... my muscles ached... my head was pounding... I just kept sinking in the cold water...

Everything's numb... just like before... I can't feel anything...

"Ayano!" I shoved the lime streaked haired girl out of my way as I dove after my best friend! She can't swim! I have to get her back up here before she drowns! I haven't told her yet! I can't let her die! Not like this! Not after such a wonderful day! 

I forced myself down towards her flailing form as she struggled to make it back up to break the surface. Her face was set into a panic! Hang in there! I'm coming! But it seems I'm a tad late! No! Her movements were becoming sluggish as she struggled for air!  She was limp by the time I reached her, I wrapped my arm around her and propelled us back up to the surface. She didn't struggle.

She didn't do anything! I have to get some air into her! Ayano! Don't die! Please! 

We broke the surface and I gasped for air, she didn't... "Come on Ayano! Breathe dammit!" I have to get to shore! I have to do something! CPR! I got to get the water out of her lungs! I can't get up the ladder onto the pier with her in my arms! And it's suicide to try and go to shore, the waves will pulverize us into the rocks! 

She's going to die and it's going to be my fault! 

I have to get up the ladder! I have to help her! But I'll drop her..! No! I have to make it! I have to get her out of the water! "Hang on Ayano!" My voice was hoarse, my limbs were tired, but nothing mattered as long as my friend needed me! As long as she needed me... I'd do anything.

I grabbed  the bottom rung and pulled us closer. It's pretty high up... Crap! Low tide! I have to pull us up! No sweat! I got this. I held onto the wrung the best I could, with the smooth wood and moisture, and cradled her limp body against me. I pulled us up with one hand. As long as I can wrap my feet around it we'll be fine.

"Come on! Come on!" I shouted in a panic, feeling my arm strain against both of our weight. I just need to get up there! I swung my left leg up and barely stuck my stupid shoe through the hold. "Yes!" I pushed against it to stand and started climbing the moment we reached the top I laid her down and began compressions. I have to get it out! I have to help her breathe! But that means...

Mouth to mouth...

Oh god... I have to-! "Kwauf!" Water gushed out of her mouth as she began struggling to get air in her lungs.

"Thank God!" I scooped her back into my arms and held her as close as possible. "You scared me to death!" I felt tears sting at the corners of my eyelids. "I thought you were going to die! Don't scare me like that ever again!"

"I'm sorry, Osano..." She sounds so weak... So tired... 

"Come on... Let's go home..." She didn't put up a fight as I held her close while standing. Either she or I are going to get a cold tonight... We are both soaking wet and it's chilly out tonight. Why on earth did she decide to wear a t-shirt with shorts. She's adorable in it, I won't admit it out loud... 

I love her... I don't know why, but I am. She's always been there with me. And I for her. I only realized it recently, last year I think... I was so afraid of rejection, I started pushing her away. But as soon as she was out of mind, I would need her again... 

I always need her...

I almost started to scream in delight when she said she would come out here with me. I was going to ask her... If maybe... We could never change, and... stay together...

I guess I'll wait till Friday... Heck, that whole myth might be true for all I know. If so... I'll be the happiest guy alive. 

When we got to her house, I nearly dropped her trying to open the door. Either she had caught a fever, or she was sleeping way too soundly. I smiled at her relaxed facial expression. She's been showing a lot more emotion recently, I can't but help feel like I triggered something. 

Maybe I'm wrong but it's a nice thought.

My newest problem... Is getting her out of her wet clothing. Oh gosh! That sounds bad! "Ayano..? Hey, wake up..." 

"Mm?" Her little doll eyes opened groggily to look up at me.

"You need to get changed into something dry..." She nodded weakly as I set her on her bed, "I'll be in the kitchen, okay?" Another tired yawn was my response. I sighed as I exited. She's going to need water, she's probably dehydrated... I'll have to shove her phone into some rice, get her clothes washed, tell my mother what's happening... 

Maybe I should do that now...

I was lucky that I left mine here this morning by accident. No water damage. I waited about half a ring before she picked up, "Where the hell are you." 

"Now hey, before you get mad lemme tell you what's going on!"  I rolled my eyes in disbelief before continuing. "Ayano was pushed into the ocean earlier today, by some jerk. I'm trying to take care of her right now. Mom...she nearly drowned..." The crackle of her gasp echoed into the receiver.

"My god! As soon as she's asleep you come home okay?"

"Yes mom."  The other end clicked, I guess it is getting pretty late... The kids are probably asleep. Guess I better hurry. I knocked lightly on Ayano's bedroom door, "Ayano?" No response, I opened the door quietly as I went to retrieve her clothes. She was curled up on her side of the bed, the blankets were kicked away. Walking over I gently tucked it back over her, that's when I noticed how tense she was.

"Nn..." Her closed eyes were clenched shut, is she... having a nightmare?

I gently shook her trying to help her out, as soon as my hand touched her shoulder she visibly relaxed. But it seems I have woken her up... "Sorry Ayano... Go back to sleep."

Before I could move her hand reached up and grabbed my hand, "don't leave me senpai..." S-S-SENPAI!!?!? "I'm scared..." She's...scared? I don't think I've ever seen her cry, let alone be terrified by anything...

"Don't worry... I won't leave." I'll be here for you, whenever you need me. 

She smiled, oh how her little smile made my heart race. But not as fast when, "Good..." She took hold of the colar of my shirt to force me down to kiss her..! She kissed me..! She kissed me! But as soon as she did her action went limp again as she fell back to sleep. I feel like my heart is going to escape my chest and my face is going to burn the house down! 

I got to get out of here! 

After I put her phone into some rice and laid her wallet on the table, quickly deposited her wet clothing into her hamper, I went home, locking her door behind me. My face was still burning up as I got to my house and took a shower to get the salt out of my hair. I even struggled to sleep, the thought that she had kissed me, even though she was half-asleep, instead of me kissing her kept me too excited to fall into slumber.