44 In His Grasp

The next day came around, and I walked to school with Akira once again. Of course, he asked me how yesterday went with the Ice King. I brushed it off as exhausting, and, as usual, Akira wasn't satisfied but didn't push further.

I feel like he's learned? He no longer pulls out the "BFF" card for more information and lets things go more easily. Hmmm.

Anyway, when I walked into the classroom, I was welcomed by two piercing stares stabbing me. One quick look around, and I found out the sources easily.

Once my eyes met Tatsuya's, he lowered his eyes like he wasn't just staring at me.

When I looked towards Ryuu, he nodded a silent greeting. I smiled a little and nodded back.

"Oh? You're really quite popular, Haru." Akira whispered from beside me with a smirk.

"I don't want to hear that from you." I glared at him.

While I had two people to, uh, greet me, Akira was met with many peers wishing him a fine morning. Even on our walk here, so many people would talk to him! Some weren't even students!

"Eh? Why not?" Akira ignorantly asked as we took our seats.

"...You do realize how sarcastic that sounds coming from you, Mr. Popular, right?" I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Ohhhh, I get you now." Akira didn't even bother to deny the title as he nodded in understanding. I rolled my eyes.

"Good morning, Haru!" Yuu just entered the room and spotted me fast.

"...Good morning." I reluctantly returned the pleasantry.

"Good morning!" Akira butted in with a smile.

"Hey, we can practice today, right?" Yuu walked straight to my desk and put his hands onto it and leaned forward, clearly ignoring Akira.

"Oh, have you settled things with the dance and cheer teams?" I sweat dropped as I leaned back.

"Basically! We just have a few things we need to work out, but we have plenty of time! So, we can, right?" Yuu's eyes were sparkling.

Uh, is there anyway to get out of this? I know it's bound to happen, but I still want to delay the inevitable.

"I also brought some cookies we could have during breaks." Yuu had leaned forward more and whispered to me behind his hand. I'm guessing so Akira couldn't see what he was saying.

"What kind?" I asked seriously, forgetting how close our faces were.

"Sugar cookies and chunky chocolate chip cookies." Yuu's smile was sly. "I won't give them to you unless we practice. They're a reward."

Damn! Well, it was inevitable, right? Getting some treats from it would ease the suffering.

"Alright." I sighed.

"Yay!" Yuu backed off as he cheered.

"We'll do it during the after school hour of prep. I want to do something before." I notified him before I didn't get the chance to.

"Okay! Don't forget!" Yuu looked to be in cloud nine and left without a problem.

"...What just happened?" Akira asked, baffled.

"I was bribed." I solemnly answered.

Then homeroom started, which was then followed by classes. And what comes after? Yes, correct. Lunch.

"Do you think?" Akira asked warily.

"I hope not." I refused to look back.

"Should we escape before—"

"Haruka."

Yep. I expected as much.

"Again?" I asked as I slowly looked up at Ryuu. He nodded.

"We can go to the office together right after." Ryuu added.

Oof, right. Today's a Tuesday, and that means tutoring.

"Yeah, guess you're right. Let get my things then." I nodded and started gathering everything.

I really hope things don't go down like yesterday. I don't think I can handle that much contact again! Oh! If we're not alone, it should be fine!

"Could Akira join us?" I meekly asked and glanced at Akira, who looked surprised to be brought up.

"Why?" Ryuu didn't hide his hostility at all.

"He's my friend, too! I like eating lunch with him." I looked up at Ryuu with pleading, glittering eyes.

It... worked? He went rigid when I did.

Ryuu glared at Akira for a second. Poor Akira didn't see this coming, so all he could do was sit there with a forced smile while trying to seem harmless.

Ryuu looked back at me, and I used Yuu's upturned eyes technique. Ryuu swallowed hard before looking away.

"Fine."

"Really?" I was taken aback. 

I can't believe he actually gave in? Damn! I can't believe I actually feel grateful to Yuu!

Ryuu nodded again before grabbing my stuff.

"Let's go." He walked on ahead.

I looked at Akira, who looked to be just as flabbergasted as I was. I quickly snapped him out of it, and we rushed after Ryuu. However, as I walked out the door, something pulled me back.

"Woah!" I stumbled back into someone's chest.

"Neh, Haru, don't forget you still owe me." Yuu whispered into my ear.

I quickly pulled my hand from his grip and shot away from him before turning around. Yuu smiled innocently.

"Oops, sorry. I guess I grabbed you too suddenly, eheh." Yuu acted apologetic.

"What do you mean I still owe you?" I asked cautiously.

"Eh? You forgot?" Yuu feigned hurt. "Remember~ You said you'd get something for me from the vending machine." Yuu pouted. "Just because I went to your house doesn't mean that can be forgotten."

"O-Oh, right." I slowly nodded.

"Haru?" Akira walked back in. "What's—oh." Akira's smile turned stiff.

"That's all. See you later, Haru~" Yuu waved as he headed back to his seat where some classmates were waiting.

...I take back anything I said about being grateful to Yuu.

"Everything good?" Akira asked as he guided me out the door.

"Uh, yeah." I nodded.

"Oi." Akira backed away the second the silent threat was aimed towards him. "Let's go." Ryuu walked ahead.

I'm surprised Yuu didn't try wiggling his way in? Why didn't he?

"Hey, are you sure this is a good idea?" Akira whispered as we followed behind Ryuu. "Me with you two?"

Right, let's focus on the present situation.

"No, but I'd rather not be alone with him." I quietly admitted.

"Why? Did something happen last time?" Akira asked, looking excited for some gossip.

"..." I blushed as I remembered. "I don't want to tell you." I glared at Ryuu's back.

"Oh~" Akira smirked, and I could tell he was spinning various ideas of what could've happened in his head. I elbowed him. "Ow!" Akira lowly yelped. When Ryuu looked back, we immediately separated and smiled like nothing was happening. 

"Haruka." Ryuu called and gestured for me to come closer.

"Yes?" I asked obliviously as I went next to him. 

"Mm." Ryuu grunted and said nothing else.

Hm?

Oh! Oh! He was jealous, huh? lol

...Oh, he was jealous, huh.

I couldn't help the blush that rose again.

Darn otome characters for being charming!

"Pft." I snapped out of it when I heard Akira behind us. I glared over my shoulder to see Akira covering his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

What's so funny!?

"Ahem." Akira pretended to clear his throat, so he didn't seem like he was just laughing at me.

We soon arrived to the rooftop. I hope lunch passes by quicker with no accidents.

"Eh? I thought the roof was closed off." Akira commented when he stepped through the door.

"I thought so, too." I added and glanced at Ryuu for his reaction.

Nothing. Just his normal blank, but intimidating, face.

Ryuu then grabbed my wrist and dragged my to the one shaded area here that was against the wall. He sat down and tugged me to sit right beside him. I did so, and Akira follow by sitting on my other side.

"Wow, it's really nice up here. I wouldn't mind coming here everyday." Akira casually commented.

"I know, right!" I strongly agreed. "It has a really nice atmosphere and a great view! It's refreshing."

"Pft, you really like, huh?" Akira looked amused.

"Y-Yeah, so?" I pouted, feeling attacked.

"Haruka, you should eat." Ryuu reminded me.

"I-I will!" Now I was feeling doubly attacked! 

"Why are getting so offended? What, did you forget to eat yesterday?" Akira offhandedly joked.

"..."

"Eh? Really? Haha!" Akira proceeded to pointedly laugh at me.

"I-I have a good reason I didn't!" I automatically defended myself.

"Yeah? What?" Akira asked, clearly ready for another funny response.

"Uh." I glanced at Ryuu. He seemed oblivious to what I was referring to and raised an eyebrow at me. I looked down and blushed.

What? Was it not a big deal to him? Even though his-his thing grazed me!? And didn't he almost kiss me, too!? Or does he really not realize what I was about to blurt out?

"Hello? Haru?" Akira waved his hand in front of me. 

"It's n-nothing." I stuttered before shoving some food in my mouth.

It went quiet for a bit as we ate silently. I jumped when Ryuu suddenly brushed some of my hair behind my ear.

"Eh!?" I dropped my chopsticks and immediately covered my ear, which had to be bright red now.

"I thought your hair must be in the way." Ryuu explained and leaned forward. "You should cut it or move it."

I bit my lip when Ryuu's gray eyes stared through my bangs and directly into my eyes.

"I-I think it's fine." I snapped my attention back down to my lunch.

"You know, one day you should put your bangs back. I want see that!" Akira nodded to himself beside me.

"Nah. It's not like I'm much to look at." I shook my head as I picked up my chopsticks again.

I dropped them again when Ryuu abruptly placed his hand on my thigh.

What the hell, man!? Why there!? No, wait, why are you touching me at all!!!

"That's not true." Ryuu sincerely told me.

!!!!!

MC, why do you have to be attractive? Couldn't you have been ugly? We would've been so much safer.

Ugh, more importantly, I'm not gonna be able to rest from blushing today, am I? Can your head explode from blushing too much? I hope not because at this rate, I'm going to find out!

"T-Thanks, I g-guess." I couldn't help but bring one hand up to cover my face in embarrassment.

Ryuu didn't remove his hand after I spoke. In fact, he even started absently rubbing circles on my thigh with his thumb.

Shit, this dude is a sucker for contact, isn't he?