Have you ever woken up on one of those days that makes you feel like shit? Or that, you wouldn't leave your bed even if the world was ending? Well, today was the day I feel like this, and believe me, if it wasn't for the fact that today was a school day, and that my mom would preach at me for not getting to school on time, I wouldn't lay a toe on my cold, wooden floor of my bedroom.

But alas, today was just not my day.

"Good morning, Tokyo-Oniisan! Okasan had asked me to get you up, so I did!" Yelled my cheery, younger sister Aiko. She was only a child, and children generally didn't use their inside voices that much, but even knowing this did not lighten my mood.

Groaning, I rolled to the other side of my bed, facing the wall. I tried to go back to sleep, and prayed that my mother was kind enough to understand I just did not feel well. Well, as well as most people would be going through their first day in High School.

Again, today...was not my day.

Aiko must have known that I did not heed her any attention, because I can now hear my door creak, and before I knew it, a ball of energy landed on my bed, making me grunt. She giggled.

"Wake up, Oniisan! Mom wants us up so we can get to school on time, so get up!" She said, still bouncing on my bed with a big grin on her face, emerald eyes shining down on me like the sun. I groaned loudly in protest, but the little devil was not having it, and it was only a matter of time until my mom comes up and-

"Tokyo?" Inwardly, I groaned before peaking up to see my mom staring down at me, a frown across her face. I sighed.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm getting up." I mumbled, making my sister giggle as she finally left me alone. As much as I love my sister to bits and pieces, her energy was just too much for me to handle. My mom sighed.

"You know I'm only doing this because I care, right?" She asked, looking at me with those big, doe brown eyes that just screams You're a horrible son for making me feel this way.

Right.

"Yes mom, I know." I said as I got up from my bed and made my way out the door, my mom following.

"And that I do love you, right?"

"Yes mom."

"And know that I'll always be there when you need me, right?"

"Yes mother."

"And that you can always talk to me, right?"

"Yes."

"And no matter-"

"Mom!" I yelled, looking at her in expiration and amusement. The women had the gall to start blushing at her own obvious overly worrying.

"J-just be safe, okay dear?"

"I will, now, if I can just get into the shower..." She laughed before going downstairs I'm assuming to make breakfast, before we have to go our separate ways. As I headed down to the shower, I peaked inside my little sister's room, and saw her getting dressed in a sparkly pink shirt, a dark blue jean skirt, with matching open-toe sandles, and a sparkly pink headband to complete the outfit. Shaking my head, I began to smile before heading to my destination. Once the water became warmer, I stepped in and sighed.

Today...was going to be one hell of a day, I just know it. Don't ask me how I know these things, I just do, and well, I'm not even sure who I should be blaming it for. I didn't like this. Like not knowing, I always  know things, that's just who I am. With yet another sigh escaping me, I started to wash up and turned off the shower once I'm done. Then, I looked into the mirror.

Skinny, kind of tallish, pale, raven color hair to go with my violet color eyes, have no muscle mass and just...average. Maybe even below average.

Great, and now I'm lowering my self-esteem even more! I thought as I brushed my teeth and left the bathroom. I don't even have facial hair, yet. The voice in my head whined, but that was a good thing, I thought. Unlike some guys at seventeen years old, I do not look like an old man, so that was a bonus if I ever saw one.

Reaching to my room, I began to get dressed when there was a sudden knock on my door.

"Oniisan! Okasan and I are leaving! She says to hurry up before the bus to your school comes!" That's right. I'm taking the bus. Because, you know, independence and all that junk teenagers seem to squirt off to their parents? Oh yeah, I'm so boss.

Ha, I think I just placed myself in the loser section, oh goodie.

"Alright, have fun in first grade, imoto!" I said and heard her giggle.

"I will! You have fun too, okay?" She asked and I laughed softly under my breath. I don't think I will be having too much fun at my school, Aiko-chan. I thought, smiling bitterly.

"I will, just make sure nobody messes with you, or else!" I joked and my mom gasped.

"Tokyo Asahina!" She said as my sister started to laugh.

"Don't worry, I know my big brother will always protect me!" She said, causing me to smile a true smile.

"Darn straight, now get going you two. You got me up so we can be early, I won't stand for it if you guys are late." With that, the two left, with my mom promising me she will be back to see if I was really gone. With a sigh, I turned to look at myself in the mirror and grimaced.

The school I was going to is an all-uniform school, while my sister could wear whatever she please.

Sometimes, I wish I was a kid again.

With yet another sigh - could I be more pathetic? - I grabbed my bags and head out the door, skipping breakfast. I knew my mom wouldn't be pleased, she had always told us that breakfast was most important meal of the day, and well, she would never let us leave the table without it. I remember this one time, my mom had actually sat down and stared at us like a hawk until the last scrap of our food was gone. Man, my mom was weird sometimes. I love her and all, but sheesh, she's been riding our ass since-

"Tokyo-kun!" A voice screamed, causing me to jump in the air five feet, and nearly break my glasses in the process. I turned around to give whoever did that - it's not like I know many people here, besides Yuki-san - a piece of my mind when I realize it was indeed, my friend, Yuki.

Yuki, the girl who has been my friend since we were diapers. Yuki, the girl who had literally followed me on a plane when she'd heard I was moving from Japan to America. Yuki, with her crazy lavender hair flying all over the place, ran up and hugged me until I popped. For a small girl, she's sure as hell strong. Which is pathetic since I couldn't even lift up a paperclip without injurying myself somehow.

"Tokyo-kun, I've missed you! Where you have been all summer?" She asked as she sat me down and we began walking to the bus stop. I shrugged my shoulders.

"I've been busy." I said and she gave me a look. A look...that said she didn't believe me. I smiled as innocently as I could as she narrowed her ocean blue eyes at me.

"That's all? What's been keeping you so busy that you couldn't come and see me, your best friend?" She asked, pouting a little. I chuckled.

"Work, my mom, my sister, and of course, my work." I said. Yukie groaned as she began to whine.

"Are you still working at that stupid fast food joint? That pay's hardly good, why are you still doing it?" She asked. I shrugged my shoulders again.

"Does it matter? Money is money, and we can't afford to be picky. So, how's life treating you? Got a boyfriend yet?" I asked and she blushed. This caused my to raise an eyebrow in interest. Yuki never blushes. Ever.

"Well...I met this cute American boy during summer break. He goes by the name of Steven. I think, once you two meet, you'll really like him." Yuki said with a shy smile on her face. I blinked. I have never seen this side of Yuki before. It was...weird, considering that Yuki was the loud, partying type of gal, but she was also full of surprises. This could count as one of those surprises.

"Well, I'll be glad to meet the boy who turned my best friend from being hyper to being calm." I joked and she pouted, punching me in the arm as I laughed.

"Hey!" She whined. "As long as you don't try to take him away from me, Tokyo-kun." She said. Yes, I was gay, a homosexual, a faggot, whatever name people these days comes up with. Personally, I didn't care what people thought of me, but I rather not begin this year with bullies. At all.

"If this guy is willing to leave you for me, I'll punch him." Even though, it may end up hurting me than it would hurt him. But it's the thought that counts. Yuki giggled as she rubbed her fist in my hair, while holding me in a choke hold.

"So, ready to face our new school, Emerald High, together?" She asked and I scowled at the mention of the accursed school.

"No, I don't want to go at all. Something bad is going to happen, I just know it!" I whined, and Yuki punched me in the arm.

"Hey, what kind of attitude is that? It's going to be fine, you'll see." She said, and just as the bus arrived, I gulped down the feeling of nervousness and nausea.

Fine? We'll see about that.

 

2: Chapter Two

This school was nothing I had imagine it to be.

When the bus arrived at its stop, Yuki and I were the first - more like shoved - off the bus and stared at the building.

Across the street, was Emerald High. The courtyard of the school was large, even bigger than my old school, and hundreds and hundreds of students were walking around, some going into the equally large building. There was not an inch of ground anywhere, it was so crowded.

"Wow." Was the only thing I could say, pushing up my glasses slightly, and gulped.

"Yeah, I didn't know it was going to be this big." Yuki said in awe, before grinning as she turned to me. I gave her a look. "Welp, it time's a wasting! Let's go!" She said as she dragged me down the hill we were standing on.

"W-wait! Y-yuki, you're causing a scene!" I yelled as most of the students looked over at us, or rather, me. They all looked amused that a girl half my size was literally dragging me down the courtyard. Inwardly, I sighed.

"Wow, this is so awesome! I wonder where's the front enterance..." The lavender haired girl said to herself as she finally stopped moving and dragging me around. Getting up on my feet, I glared at her before looking around, noting all the curious looks we were getting. I couldn't blame them, as we kind of stood out in a sea of normal looking hair.

"Um, excuse me?" A voice said, and both of us looked to the right to see a petite girl, smaller than Yuki and I, with long brown hair twisted into pigtails. She had brown eyes and a chubby, round face. Her skin tone was chocolate brown, in contracts to her eyes, and a chubby body. "If you're looking for the front door, it's right over there." She spoke in a soft voice, pointing straight ahead of us. We looked over to see two tall, black doors in the background of the students that were standing around, not even bothering to go in.

"Arigato! I mean, thanks! Hey, what's your name?" Yuki, always being friendly to everyone, asked. The girl's eyes went wide as she started to blush.

"M-my name is Rose. Rose Anderson." She said before looking at us. "Who are you?"

"Well miss Rose, it's nice to meet you! I'm Yuki Kaneko, and this is my friend, Tokyo Asahina!" Yuki said and the girl, Rose, looked at me.

"Tokyo?"

"It's a long story."

"Oh." Then she began to walk away.

"Wait, don't go! We're new to the school and you seem to know your way around, so could you please help us find the main office?" Yuki begged, looking at the younger with puppy dog eyes. This seem to startle Rose a little bit, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Yuki, as nice as she is, has the same amount of energy that Aiko has.

"Sure, if you want me to."

"Oh thank you, thank you, thank yooooou! Arigato!" Yuki screamed, making everyone around us look at us. I groaned in embarrassment, and Yuki blushed at the attention.

"Right this way." She said and we followed her to the main office, all the while, getting stares and hush whispers. I was, quite frankly, annoyed with the behavior. Maybe it wasn't our hair that caused us to stand out, but our nationality? Why are some Americans surprise that two Japanese people are going to their school, let alone be in their country? I find Americans' behavior baffling, sometimes.

When we were inside the building, my jaw dropped. The inside was much bigger than what the outside had lead on. My mom had said it was going to be a big school, but she never mention how big.

Soon we came to a stop and the office, believe it or not, was smaller than the rest of the school. Rose looked at us.

"Well, this is it. Welcome to Emerald High, by the way, and it was nice meeting you two." She said as she began walking away from us, again.

"She seems nice." I mumbled. Yuki nodded in agreement.

"I can't wait to see her again! She's soooo kawaii!" Yuki squealed.

"Yuki, what has your mom told you about using those type of words? Nobody understands what you're saying, except me." I told her with a sigh as we went in the office. Yuki sighed at being scowled at while a lady dressed in a red suit with auburn color hair which was tied in a small tight bun came up and smiled at us.

"Why hello children? Are you lost?" She asked us.

"Actually, we're the new students. Yuki Kaneko and Tokyo Asahina?" I said. Her eyes, a beautiful shade of violet, like my eyes, widen as her smile did too.

"Kyo? Is that you? My, have you grown!" The women said as she hugged me. I was confuse as was Yuki when she turned to her. "Yuki-chan! Konnichiwa! Oh, I haven't seen you guys since I've first moved here!" That's when something click to me.

My aunt, Asami, who I fondly call aunt Sami, was the first in my family to move to America after she and my uncle, as now one of her ex, had divorced and she had begun to explore the world.

I would have never guess she'd lived in America, after being on the road for so long.

"Sami? Is that you?" I asked, and she nodded. At the recognition, Yuki's eyes sparkled as well. Aunt Sami loved us dearly, almost as much as my own mother did.

"Sami!" Yuki squeaked as she jumped into the lady's arms, making aunt Sami laugh. "Oh, I've missed you so much! Tokyo was wondering if you was ever coming back to Japan!" She said and Aunt Sami smiled.

"I would have loved to, but seeing your sleazy excuse for an uncle really wasn't something I was looking for." She said and we giggled.

"It's okay Sami, we understand." I said and she smiled.

"Well, let's just get your schedules, and send you guys off to class, alright? School's starting soon, and I don't want my boss to come in here and see me slacking off." At this, I raised an eyebrow. My auntie? Slacking off? Never should be in the same sentence. My aunt was a hard worker, she would never slack off.

Unless it came to me and Yuki, of course.

She turned to her desk as she began to type into the computer. Yuki, ever so curious, decided to peep around the desk, but Sami caught her before she could see anything. Yuki whined, typical.

"Can't allow kids back here, you know the rules." She said.

"Actually, we don't." I responded, and she gave me a look, which caused me to grin. It was true, though, America was different from Japan, and we wouldn't know what was right and what was wrong. Though, we've only been living here for about a year, I still wasn't use to the system they had develop. I don't I ever will, though.

"Here you guys are. Enjoy your day, and I hope I never have to get a visit from you, aside from, you know, an actual visit." She said, causing me to blink in confusion. She rolled her eyes. "Just go, before I get Mr. Monster." At that, my eyes went wide as I grabbed Yuki's - though, she was laughing at me, I can tell - hand and ran out of the main office.

Still, she was laughing at me.

"Shut up, Yuki. It's not that funny." I grumbled, a little whinning in my voice. She stared at me for a good five seconds before busting out laughing again. I blushed.

"I-I still c-can't believe I-I remember that!" She gasped out, still laughing. I sulked the best I can.

"Whatever, what class do you have first?" I asked her. She looked at her list and groaned.

"English V." She said before looking at me. "You?"

"Drama." I said, also looking at my list. Yuki groan again.

"First day, and we're already separated!" She whined. I shrugged my shoulders at this, and looked at my schedule again.

"It's okay, Yuki. Just put on your brave face until we get into Computer." I said. It was the only class we had together. Yuki whimpered.

"Fine. How in the world am I going to survive without you, Tokyo-kun?" She asked as we began to walk down the hall. Students were beginning to fill the halls and those who had heard our conversation raise an eyebrow at Yuki. This caused me to growl as some of those eyebrows were suggestive.

"You will, now get to class already, while I try to figure out what the hell is Drama, and why is it a class?" Yuki laughed at that before walking away from me, asking people where English V was. A part of me knew I should ask too, but my pride wasn't going to allow me to do so.

With a sigh, I began to wonder the halls, knowing for a fact this was probably the worst idea I ever had.

Yay, first day of high school.

 

3: Chapter Three

After getting lost for the millionth time, I finally gave up on trying to find the damn class on my own and asked someone for directions. Eventually, we were standing right in front of two light brown doors.

"Thank you." I said. The boy who'd lead me here nodded before walking away. People seem to be doing that a lot lately, I thought. Sighing and getting over myself, I decided to open the door before I was even more late than I am now.

The door creaked open, causing people who were already there to stop what they were doing and stared at me. There was man on the stage, which I was going to guess this was the auditorium, who was wearing a black beanie on his head, had a mustache that curled at the end, and was looking at me with dark black eyes, sharped with annoyance. He was also wearing black. I'm guessing he likes black.

"And who are you?" He asked, his voice thick with a French accent. Huh. Guess I wasn't the only foreign person around here.

"I'm Tokyo Ashina." I said, making a few girls giggle, why, I don't know. The man, whom I'm guessing was the teacher, blinked before his mouth dropped open.

"Oh, you must be the new kid! Well don't just stand there, come, sit down. You have a lot of catching up to do." He said. Inwardly, I scoffed. I'm new here, professor, cut me some slack.

"Oh, okay." I said as I sat down near a girl with blond curls. She looked over at me for a bit before looking back at the teacher.

"Well, since we have a new student joining us, this will make the play continue!" He chirped, making a few students, mainly the males, groan, but none seem to blame me for their misfortune.

"Um, may I ask what play are we doing?" I asked. The teacher, who I still haven't gotten the name yet, grin.

"Romeo and Juliet." Now I can see why the guys aren't happy. I bit my lip, keeping my thoughts in. He clapped his hands. "Now, where is my Romeo and Juliet?"

"I'm right here, professor." The girl beside me said, standing up, making her curls bounce. I could just tell by her attitude that she's bossy and mean. Typical.

"Excellent! Would you go on stage? Meanwhile, where's my Romeo?" He asked, looking around as the girl made her way - all the while, pushing my knee to the side - to the side. Nobody said anything, and I was wondering who the heck was the poor sucker that was Romeo. The teacher sighed.

"Well, it looks like I need a substitute." He said as he looked around. Most of the guys were raising their hands up, but I wasn't. Like hell I'll kiss that girl. That's when his eyes landed on me and I knew I was in trouble. "Aha! Tokyo, would you-"

Before he was able to finish that sentence, a boy came rushing - lie, he was practically floating - in, looking as though he would kill someone right now, and he probably would.

Damn, this boy was hot.

He had long black hair that was tied into a ponytail, bangs hovering over his eyes, which were ice blue, tone, and could probably tower over me if I was standing next to him. I didn't even need to guess, I know there was body underneath that uniform. Lean, but muscular, just how I like 'em.

But, knowing my luck, he probably isn't gay.

"Ah, Isamu, you are here." The teacher said. Strange, there was another Japanese at this school? I can't wait to tell Yuki, bet she'll be thrilled. However, that name sounds familiar...hmm...

"Ah, gomenasai sensei, but you see, I have overslept and well, my house is far away from school so I-"

"It is okay, my friend. I know and understand the housing situation. However, do not let this be a common mistake, understood?" The french teacher said. The boy shrugged his shoulders as sheepishly as he could, for someone who look like they could take on an army and still win.

"Heh. Hai, sensei." He said. The teacher smiled.

"Now, get up on the stage. I was about to make the new boy the new Romeo." He said. The boy, apparently named Isamu, raised an eyebrow.

"New boy?" He asked.

"Ah yes, new boy! Stand up!" What, did he forget my name already? Guess it's fair since he never told me his. I stood up like I was told and faced the handsome creature before me when he suddenly tensed, and that easy-going look he had in his eyes disappeared. Instead, there was a look of familiarity and challenges, a cocky look. There was also a hint of lust, but it was small. I blinked, wondering why he was looking at me like that, and quietly wondered if my face was red as it felt. "Isamu, this is-"

"Tokyo Asahina. I know." He said, voice deep and smooth, making me shiver. How did he know my name? The teach blinked in confusion.

"You two know each other?" He asked dumbly. He smirked, giving me a once over before looking back at the teacher.

"We do, but...apparently he must have forgotten all about me, so it doesn't matter." I could tell the teacher was not use to this side of Isamu, because he suddenly looked nervous and unsure of the situation.

"Well...alright. Well, since you are here, could you please go stand by Julia? We're about to start." With a shrug of his shoulders and a smirk towards me, Isamu made his way to the stage. Soon, class began to start and everyone who knew their place was on stage. I, on the other hand, was the odd man out, because I'm new and don't have a part yet.

"Tokyo! You will be Tybalt! I didn't have anyone for that part, so you will do." The teacher, who is named Acelet Bassette III - everyone just calls him Ace -, said, walking up to me with a stack of paper in his hands. "Remember your lines! And remember; practice, practice, practice!" He said as class was coming to an end and everyone was walking out. I looked over at the paper and groaned.

"I have, like, only two or three lines and they are all in the first scene!" I moaned out. "Kuso." I mumbled.

"Well, well, if it isn't city boy." A voice - Isamu - said. But why? I haven't heard that name since...

....

Oh hell no.

"Isamu Uesugi." I gritted out, glaring at the obviously older male that stood before me. Remember when I said Isamu was hot? I take that back. He's ugly, disgusting, and SO lucky he isn't gay - at least, that's what I tell myself.

"So you do remember! When did you move to America, city boy?" He asked as he began to walk in pace with me. I closed my eyes and count to ten, hoping my irritation would go away.

Hoping Isamu would go away.

"That's none of your business." I said, knowing he was right beside me. Why, I don't know. Even if I didn't hate Isamu, per say, I still didn't like him. He was my rival since middle school, and everything I did, he did it ten times better than me.

I was not jealous, damn it!

"Heh. You haven't changed a bit."

"And neither have you!" I yelled, glaring at him. Isamu smirked, ice blue eyes glittering in evil glee.

"Still consider me a rival, little Kyo-chan?" At the nickname, I blushed.

"Baka yala." I said.

"Wow, such mouth! I didn't even do anything, and you hate me." Isamu snickered, making me glare at him even more.

"Leave me alone, baka." I said as we began walking up the steps. "Why are you following me?"

"What's your next class?" He asked, ignoring my own. I narrowed my eyes in irritation and ignored him. Once on the second floor, I turned left and hope he didn't follow me. Unfortunately, he was. "What's your next class?"

"English, damn you!" I shouted, snapping my glare at him.

"V?"

"Yes, what else do they have here?" I asked sarcastically.

"That's my class too, and you're going the wrong way." He said, smirking in triumph. I could feel my temper getting the best of me, so I decided to let it slide. I was desperate to get rid of him, and now that I have two classes with him? My life sucks.

"Fine. Lead the way, baka yuroo." I said. He grinned sharply.

"Well, at least I wasn't going the wrong way, now, was I? Baka-ne." He said and it caught me off by surprise. In all of the times we've stood off, he had never swear before. My shock must've had appeared on my face, because he was now looking at me with soft, blue eyes.

"Sorry. Just follow me." He said as he turned in the other direction. I stood there for a minute before following Isamu. We didn't say anything, and by the look on his face, I could tell I had royally fucked up.

Right. I hate my life.

 

4: Chapter Four

You know, English was the hardest damn language I ever had to learn, and that's saying a lot. Okay, not really, but the point is, English is hard.

Why the hell did Americans expect us foreigners to learn it so quickly?

I bit my lip as I began to practice my grammar, but not without making many mistakes that would have left my dad red in the face.

Seriously, fuck English.

"Excellent, Isamu, just what I was expecting from you." Said my teacher, Mrs. Puff, as she looked at the boy who I'm beginning to despise with proud eyes. Students around smiled and congratulated him on his perfect English while I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

Yeah, give him more attention, why don't you?

As if hearing this, Isamu turned around and smirked at me, making me stick my finger at him.

"Tokyo! Rude behavior!" Cried Mrs. Puff, who'd narrowed her eyes at me. I bowed my head as I heard Isamu snicker.

"Gomenasai." I mumbled. The blonde women nodded her head, as though she'd done her job by scowling at me.

"Right. Now, on to adjectives..." And that was how class went for the day. Sometimes, I would blank out, barely focusing as my mind traveled to Isamu.

Why am I thinking about the bastard, I don't know, but to be completely honest, the prick has changed since I'd last saw him.

For starters, he hasn't tried to come up with a competition he knows I would completely lose at. Or even be dominated at the same time. Plus, there was the fact that Isamu was basically looking for a fight when it had always been me who'd searched out Isamu and challenge him. Now, I feel like this year, I should avoid him at all cost, and here he was, picking fights with me.

With a sigh, I continue to do my work until the bell ring again, and I was suddenly out in the hall filled with people. I was looking at which class I had next when I was suddenly shoved out the way, nearly making me trip.

"You're blocking the doorway." I snarled and gave Isamu a look that I'd hoped was intimidating to him, though, he stood a good five foot tall over me. Apparently, I failed to do so as Isamu didn't look scared at all and smirked. "Well? Move it."

"Shut up, you baka! I was moving!" I shouted as I step to the side to let people through. Isamu followed me and looked over my shoulder, much to my annoyance.

"Chemistry, then Computer, then Lunch. Well, you get a lucky break as I don't have computer." Finally. "But I do have Chemistry. Follow me." I couldn't help it; I groaned and bashed my head against a locker.

Why me?

When we reached Chemistry, I wasn't surprise to find Isamu had already taken his seat in the front. There was girl beside him, Julia, I believe, who gave me the stink eye, before turning her attentions to Isamu.

I really did not like this girl. I haven't done anything to her, and she's already trying to pick fights, as if one wasn't enough.

Shrugging my shoulders, I went to find a seat in the far back of the class, and away from Isamu and Julia who were making kissy faces.

I snorted down my disgust, as I'm assuming Julia was Isamu's girlfriend. Figures.

"Hello." I blinked before turning around to find a brown hair boy with grey eyes that were hiding behind the frame of his round glasses staring at me. He was an inch shorter than me and had a small smile on his face.

"Hi." I responded.

"I'm Andrew, what's your name?" He whispered, and something told me that this kid was shy. That, or that he sits at this table alone.

"Tokyo Asahina." I said as I reached out my hand to shake his. He looked confused by it, but did it anyway. He was being downright adorable now.

"So you're the new kid everyone was talking about. It's nice to finally meet you." Andrew said, smiling as a small blush appeared on his face. I'm pretty sure my face lit up too as I smiled back.

"So, word's getting around, huh? I'd figured it wouldn't take long." After all, it seems like nothing could be kept secret at this school.

"Didn't you have a friend with you?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. I nodded.

"Yeah, but she's in a completely different class." I said. Andrew hummed for a little while before turning his attentions to the front of the room, and paused.

"Um, is Isamu your friend too?" I laughed at the idea.

"Old school rivals. Why do you ask?"

"He's glaring at us." At that, my head snapped up so fast, I almost gave myself whiplash. True enough, Isamu was glaring darkly at me and Andrew, or rather, directly at Andrew than it was me. Sensing this, Isamu turned to look at me, blushed a bit - an odd thing for him to do -, and turned away. I blinked in confusion at that and wonder what it'd meant when I realize I shouldn't, and despise him all over again.

"Good morning boys and girls! Sorry I was late. You see, there was an accident-"

"Liar!"

"Whatever."

"We don't care dude."

"Just get the job done already!"

I blinked in confusion at the comments and wondered briefly if I was missing something when Andrew nudge me on the shoulder a little.

"Don't worry about it. Our teacher always come late and it's getting to the point where we'd stopped believing everything he says. He's a fun teacher though." He said, causing me to stare at him.

"He comes late?"

"Yep."

"Does he do it every day?"

"Yes."

"And he's still allowed here?"

"Yes."

I shook my head in wonder. How, exactly, does he get away with this? Why do these people let him get away with it? Back in Japan, if you were to come late to any class, you were punished. Not come at all and the punishment would be even worse.

So, how in the world do Americans get away with this?

I decided to save this question on a rainy day, and focused on the subject that was being taught to me, though, even if I didn't, I wouldn't worry about it. This, of all lessons, was my favorite lesson - science, all branches really. I loved this lesson because it was the most fun and the highest grade I ever gotten was an A or A-.

Another reason why this was my favorite lesson, is because Isamu completely sucked at Chemistry. The one thing I'm good at, Isamu failed utterly, so that was a bonus. I love having advantages.

Class was fine and everything went smoothly with Andrew and I being partners. He was incredibly smart for his age - sixteen, that's why he'd looked the youngest in the class - and was very fun to talk to, despite his shy nature.

And throughout class, I could feel Isamu's eyes on me, staring deep within my head, and a part of me was worried. Isamu had never acted like this towards me, at least, I don't think he did. We were rivals, and though, we didn't completely hate each other, we still didn't tolerate each other either.

So why the hell was he staring at me for?

Suddenly, a loud 'BOOM' was heard and I looked up to see it had been Isamu and Julia's fail experiment. Apparently, neither of the two were good at science, and both of them - mainly Julia - was covered in purple goop. The class laughed while I snickered quietly into my hand. Isamu shot a death glare at me, ice blue eyes suddenly becoming shards, and I stopped laughing. For whatever reason, he looks pissed, more so than he did when he'd first enter my life in first period.

"You two, go clean up, I'll handle it from here." Mr. Willow said as the two walked out of the classroom to get clean up. Mr. Willow sighed as he got the paper towels while the rest of us went back to work.

As I turned back to my project, I couldn't help but think about the look Isamu gave me and shuddered a little. Andrew looked at me with concern, but I gave him a small smile to reassure him.

Now, if only I knew what the hell is going on between Isamu and I.

 

 

 

 

5: Chapter Five

I couldn't wait for Computer. After two classes of dealing with Isamu, I think I was ready to find Yuki and cry in her arms.

For bonus points, Andrew had this class too, and I couldn't wait to introduce him to Yuki.

"Tokyo-kun! There you are! Look who I'd found!" Yuki yelled, pulling down the girl we were first introduce to.

"Rose?" I blinked. Rose smiled shyly at me.

"Hello, Tokyo-san. I'm surpise you still remember me." She said as I sat down near her and Yuki, Andrew following. "Hello Andy." Rose giggled, making Andrew blush. I raised an eyebrow at this.

"Andy?"

"It's a nickname she gave me." Andrew said, blushing even more. I smirked as I bent low to his ear and whispered,

"You like her, don't you?" I snickered and his eyes went wide.

"N-no! We're friends and well, I'm not like that." Andrew whispered back, looking down in his lap. I raised an eyebrow.

"You're..."

"Gay? Yes." He said so quietly, I thought he was ashamed of it. "Please don't make fun of me for it." He said, and I knew right there and then, people have been making this boy's life a living hell.

"Have people giving you a hard time?" I had to asked. Andrew nodded, but the small smile on his face began to dim, and the shine that was in his eyes began to dwindle a little.

"Yes, but...Mike has always helped me." He said. I blinked.

"Mike?"

"My boyfriend. Maybe I'll introduce him to you during lunch, that is if you want to sit by us." He said.

"I'll be honored, and don't worry, your secret is safe with me." I said with a confident smile on my face.

"Aaaaand, because Tokyo-kun is gay too, right Tokyo-kun?" Yuki said and I began to blush as people around us looked at me.

"Yuki! Don't tell the whole world!" I hissed, glaring at her. She pouted before turning her attention to Rose and began talking to her about a subject I don't know nor care to find out about. Moments later, the teacher came in. He had short, choppy, black hair and bright green eyes that seem to sparkle when the sun was beaming on them. He was tall, of course, and had a good body. A great body, by the looks of it.

Forgive me, but I think I just develop a crush on a teacher.

"Good morning class. Or, should I say, good afternoon?" He joked, making the girls giggle and boys smirk. I, on the other hand, sighed a little. He was so perfect.

Too bad he was older than me, by five years, it looks like.

Soon, our teacher, Mr. Howard, or Tony has he's called - though, it's weird to call a teacher by their first name, but hey, it's our little secret - began giving the assignment to us, and soon the class was filled with typing noises.

Despite the otherwise quiet atmosphere, Tony began to talk to us about his day, and us laughing at any jokes he had made. I felt a smile light up my face, and I knew Yuki saw it, because she was nudging me with her elbow.

"Nuh-uh-ah. Off limits, remember? Five years older than you, and he's already married. Plus, I doubt your mom would be please to find out her only son is dating an older guy." She snickered, and I glared at her, blushing.

Yeah, I knew he was married, but that didn't stop me from wishing and daydreaming like a fangirl.

"I know, I know." I groaned, rolling my eyes as Andrew chuckled.

"Falling for the teacher's charm? Don't worry, you're not the only one. Most of the girls, and some boys, do." He said.

"You too? How would your boyfriend feel about that?" I teased, making the brown haired boy blush.

"I once had a crush on him, but it was obviously a one time thing. As for Mike, what he doesn't know, won't hurt him." Andrew said, smiling again. I laughed lightly, and I'd noticed Tony was looking at me, making me blush and got back to work. This caused him to chuckle, and I felt my face turn deep red.

This crush on the teacher thing will be the death of me.

Soon, class was over - much to my disappointment - and I began to follow Rose, Yuki, and Andrew to the cafeteria. Out of my corner eye, I spotted Isamu and he smirked at me, causing me to growl.

"Tokyo-san? What's wrong?" Rose asked. I looked back at my friends, I guess, and smiled at them.

"I just met someone from my past, is all." I said.

"You mean, Isamu?" Andrew asked, making me nod. Yuki gasped.

"Isamu?! Why didn't you tell me Isamu-kun was here?!" She yelled, glaring at me. I forgot Yuki had the biggest crush on Isamu back in Japan, much to my anger. To make matters worse, when she told him, he rejected her, making her upset and basically locked herself in her room. For that, I swear I would get Isamu back. Nobody upsets my friend and gets away with it. Nobody.

"Please don't tell me you still have a crush on him." I groaned, already knowing the fallout. Yuki shook her head.

"No, but...we're friends." She whispered, and my mouth dropped.

"FRIENDS?! ISAMU? YUKI!" I yelled out, making people stare at us. Yuki had the gall to look sheepish.

"It was back in Japan, a few months ago after being rejected by him. He's really not a bad guy once you know him, Tokyo-kun. In fact, he's a little like you." Yuki said, smiling a little. I glared at her.

"What's that suppose to mean? I'm not a bigot, ingorant, and arrogant asshole." I said.

"He's not even religious!" Yuki exclaimed, glaring at me. She does have a point. Maybe bigot wasn't the right for him, then.

Meanwhile, we've manage to find the lunchroom and boy was it crowded.

"You know you can get lunch whenever you feel like it, right?" Rose asked and we nodded. "Good, then I'm going to my table." She said as she began to walk away from us. Seriously, that's like the third time she did that. Either, she didn't like us very much, or she has a habit for walking away from people.

"Come on, let me introduce you to Mike." Andrew said as he began pulling me in the opposite direction of Rose, who had sat down near Julia, and her ever so present boyfriend, Isamu. Looking up from his lunch, Isamu eyes met mines and he smirked at me, and I stuck my finger at him again. This caused him to raise an eyebrow and mouth the word-

When?

....

....

........

I have nothing to say about that. Ignoring him, I followed Andrew until we stopped at a table with a person on it. The person had dirty blond hair, which was curled, but it looked like it had fallen from sweat, and now laid flat in front of his face. He was toned and tan, had blue-green eyes, and a little fuzz on his face - a mustache, I assmued - and by god, was he muscular. I wondered how Andrew manage to snag that.

"Like somethin' you see, mate?" The stranger, whom I'm guessing was Mike, as Andrew was now snuggling underneath him, asked. I blushed.

"A-ah, gomen. I didn't mean to stare..." I said, looking at my feet. He chuckled.

"S'lright, I'm sure you've never met an Australian like me, have ya?" He asked. Well, that would explain the tan, though, I'm sure not ever Australian has one.

"I've never met anyone outside my nationality." I said, sitting down next to the aussie. He raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"I'm Japanese."

"Ah. New kid?" He asked. I nodded.

"I'm Tokyo Asahina, you?" I said, though, I could already guess his name.

"Michael Anderson, but Ah perfer Mike." Anderson? Wait a minute-

"You...don't happen to know Rose Anderson, do you?" I asked.

"Of course Ah do, she's mah little sista, why?" He asked, looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders.

"No reason. It's odd, though, she looks nothing like you." I said, before I had realize what I said. "No offense." Mike chuckled.

"None taken. The little sheila got her looks from our mum, that she does. Ah am not surprise. Our mum was a beaut, and Ah got mah looks from mah dad." He said. Just then, Yuki appeared.

"There you are. Here's your lunch." She said, handing over the extra tray she'd manage to sneak pass. Did I forget to mention Yuki was a ninja sometimes? Mike raised an eyebrow.

"And who are you, exactly?"

"I'm Yuki Kaneko, and I'm best friends with Tokyo-kun here!" She said as she hugged me. Mike blinked.

"Kun?"

"She's Japanese, like me. And she likes using suffixes under peoples' name." I said. Mike smiled.

"Well then, nice to meet ya, miss Yuki. Mah name's Michael Anderson, but call me Mike." He said. That's when Andrew yawned cutely. He looked over at his boyfriend. "Ya sleeply, babe?" Andrew nodded.

"Wake me up when it's time to go please." He said as he began to close his eyes while Mike held him close against him.

"He's so cute." Yuki cooed. Mike chuckled and nodded.

"Ah couldn't agree more."

"Could you tell me how did you two meet?" I asked, looking at the aussie. Mike went to open his mouth when suddenly, a shadow fell over us.

"Well, well. Looks like our little assuie friend here is a fag." A boy, no older than me perhaps, sneered as his friends began laughing at us. Mike and I glared.

"If ya know what's best for ya, mate, Ah suggest you back off." Mike warned him, but the boy ignored him as he looked at me.

"Look, it's a Japanese freak! Is it true? Do you people get off on tentacle porn?" He asked, making me red in the face, but not for the reasons he thinks.

Are you kidding me? Stereotypes, now?

"So it's true. Should've known. All you Japanese people are freaks." He sneered in disgust.

"And you must be the all-around American asshole. No job, sits on your ass all day, and let other people - mainly Mexicans - do all the work. Yeah, stereotypes is a two way street." I spat out, and boy, did this guy look pissed.

"I don't know who you think are talking to, Japanese freak, but make that assumption again, and I'll kick your ass." He said, glaring at me with raging brown eyes. I smirked.

"You couldn't do shit, fat ass." I said. As expected, Stereotype Boy was about to throw a punch. Before it happened, though, and before I could dodge it using my reflexes I've been working on during Kung-Fu - this probably doesn't help with the stereotype -, a hand shot out and grabbed the fist that been inches away from my face. I blinked before looking up to see it hand Isamu.

I would have complained about it, if it wasn't for the fact that Isamu looked completely pissed off. Now I'm wondering when did Isamu's temper become so short. What did America do to him?

"If you value your life, Jason, I wouldn't start a fight." He snarled, and this caused me to shiver. His eyes were like shards, body tensed, and I could tell he was ready to pounce if this Jason guy had the guts to hit him.

Jason looked at though he was about to say something, but with the giving aura Isamu had, he instead took off running.

I blinked again at the current situation. I looked up at Isamu and he was staring at me with so much hostility, but none of it was for me. Then I saw a possesive and lust look and this caused me to go red again, embarrassed.

"Um, thanks, mate." Mike spoke, confusion in his voice. Isamu looked over at Mike, nod once, before looking at me, still with that ever love-possessiveness glance in his eyes before walking away.

"Wow," Yuki breathed. "I have never seen Isamu-kun like that. He looked like he was ready to beat the shit out of the Jason guy from hell and back." I'm surpise to hear her curse, as she never did, as she and my mom said it wasn't lady-like, but this situation caused for it.

Just what in the world was going on in Isamu's head?

 

6: Chapter Six

The whole day, Isamu has been on my mind. Don't ask me why, because I myself don't even know, but...Isamu has changed.

I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened at lunch and what had made Isamu go off like that. A part of me felt grateful - happy, even - that it'd happened, before I realize Isamu was my rival and that I should dislike the jerk for stepping into my battle.

The problem is...there's not much dislike on my part.

I soon made it to my last period class, Gym, and realized that not only Mike was there, but also Isamu. It was just my luck I had three classes with the jerk, when my mind wasn't even focusing on that.

Instead, it was focusing how great Isamu looked with a tight, white T-shirt that hugged his abdomen nicely, very nicely, and blue shorts that showed off his beautiful coco color legs, but also hugged around his ass.

Mmm....

"Hey new boy! Get dress will ya? Class is about to start!" Yelled the teacher, and I began running towards the changing room after getting my uniform. Once I came out, I felt completely ridiculous compared to the rest of the class.

Most of them looked as though they worked out on a daily biases, some were a little chubby on the side, and then there was me. The skinny kid who has no muscle mass what so ever, and while, I wasn't the only one who'd looked like they've never eaten a good healthy meal, it still put me on edge how intimidating my classmates looked.

"Alright, today, we're doing the 100 mile track. Get to it!" The coach yelled. Blowing his whistle, all of us got in line and it's just my luck that Isamu was right beside me.

"Tokyo-chan." He said and I glared at him.

"Shut it, I'm angry at you." I snapped as the coach blew the whistle again, and all of us were running. It wasn't such a surprise to see me in third, and Isamu in first, though, Mike was giving him a run for his money. I wasn't the fastest, but I also wasn't the slowest either. Making sure my glasses - I forgot to take them off, silly me - didn't fall, I ended up picking up the pace and caught up with Mike.

"Hey." He greeted me.

"Hi." I said before running ahead of him. "Bye."

"Oi! Get back here yer little anklebitta!" Mike called out, and I laughed at the insult. He must take running competitively, almost as much as Isamu and I do with any sport we were up against. Well, looks like I found a new competitor.

Soon, I began catching up with Isamu, and he smirked at me while I glared at him.

"Think you can beat me?" He asked.

"Don't think I can, I know I can." I responded with a smirk of my own. Isamu chuckled as he ran passed me.

"Keep dreaming, Kyo-chan." He said as he began to distance himself away from me. I couldn't allow that, so I ran as fast as I could to keep up with the brat. It didn't matter anyhow, because even if I was going as fast as I can, Isamu was still ahead of me, and to make matters worse, he was taunting me. "Come on, Kyo-chan! You said you can beat me, well, prove it!"

"Shut up, baka!" I yelled out as I continued to run after him. I was really starting to tire, but I just couldn't stop. I wanted to beat Isamu at his own game, I had to.

Before I knew it, the whistle was blown, and I had manage to trip over my own shoe because I was running so fast. Isamu, as always, had stepped across the white line the moment the whistle had been blown, and many of the students went up to congratulate him. I bit my lip as I laid on the ground, exhausted and tired, and most of all, hungry. Mike came up to me.

"Ya alright, mate?" He asked as he lifted me up. I nodded mutely. "Wow, you run fasta than anyone Ah had ever seen. What's ya secret, kid?"

"Practice." I said, looking over at Isamu, who looked back at me and winked, making me glare at him. Mike chuckled.

"What's with the sourpuss face? You two in a lova's spat or something?" He asked. I turned around, eyes wide, as I splutter out;

"N-no! No we are not!" Mike raised an eyebrow.

"Ya sure? Seems ta me like ya do." He teased, and I was blushing a full red.

"We are not in a lover's spat. We're just rivals is all." I said, though, somewhere in my mind, there was doubt. Mike shook his head.

"Right. Anything you say. Come on, it's time to go, and by the looks of it, you're still hungry, aren't cha?" He asked as we made it to the changing locker. Once we were out, we decided to head home. Well, I did anyway. "There's a little restaurant that Ah would like to go. Dainty little place, that is. If you're hungry, Ah would like to take you and your friend there."

"Sure, anything to escape my mother's wrath." I said, and Mike chuckled. When we made it out to the courtyard, we spotted Rose, Yuki, and Andrew waiting for us.

"There you guys are! What took you so long?" Yuki asked. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Sorry, lost track of time." I said.

"We were talking about going down to Chilipeppers. Want to come?" Mike asked as he threw his arm around Andrew.

"Chilipeppers?" Yuki blinked.

"It's the name of the restaurant we're going to. Ah had invited Tokyo, because your friend seemed hungry after all that running he did." Mike said. Yuki looked at me with an raise eyebrow.

"Running?"

"After some little bugga, what's his name? Isamu?" Yuki eyes went wide as she turned around to glare at me. I smiled sheepishly.

"Are you kidding me?! Running after Isamu?! What the heck, Tokyo!" I now knew she was pissed, since she dropped the 'kun' suffix.

"Whoa, whoa. Calm down, sheila, what's the matter? The boy's just fine." Mike said. Yuki glared at him.

"Tokyo has asthma!" She shouted, making Mike eyes went wide as he looked at me.

"Asthma? Mate, she's joking right? Ah saw ya run, ya look perfectly healthy to me." He said. I smiled sadly, letting him know that Yuki was telling the truth. "Crikey. Why didn't you say anything?" He asked.

"It wasn't a big deal." I said, and Mike's eyes turned into flames.

"Wasn't a- Mate, ya could've died! Asthma is very serious! How bad is it?" He asked, turning to Yuki.

"Only when he's running, endlessly." Yuki stated, glaring at me. "At top speed, he'll pass out, at the most. How far was he running?"

"He was running after Isamu..." Mike muttered, and Yuki hissed.

"Do you know what happened the last time you tried to catch Isamu?" She asked me, and I nodded slowly. "Do you want another repeat performance?" I shook my head. "Well then, stop pushing yourself into a freaking coma! Damn it Tokyo-baka! Anata orakana baka! Naza anata wa sore o okonaudeshou ka? Anata wa mae ni zensoku hossa o okoshita toki ni watashi ga atta ka kowagatte shirimasendeshita? Baka!" She shouted, and I coward back.

"Yuki, I know you're upset, but please calm down." I said. Yuki huffed as she folded her arms and glared at me.

"Chodo anata no orokana kyoso o torinozoku to anata wa Isamu-kun de motte iru, kono nansensu o teishi." She said. I sighed.

"Alright, alright. Watashi ga sa re, anata wa watashitoisshoni okotte sa rete teishi shite kudasaideshou ka? Kore wa, nihongo de hanashite iru koto ga hazukashi no yona monoda." I said. Yuki smiled at me.

"Alright, now let's go get something to eat. Tokyo-kun isn't the only one who's starving." Yuki said, and with that, we began walking away from the school, chatting and telling each other stories.