Breathe...

Kanae had always hated misbehaving students.

Well, to be fair, she used to not give a shit about them as it’s obviously none of her business. Yeah, none of her business—until she became part of the student council. That is when she also realized that obedience and disobedience, although opposing ideas can lead to indifferent results as she technically suffered almost the same consequences alongside those troublemaking students when all she did was abide to school rules and their council’s by-laws.

Kanae ‘really’ hates misbehaving students.

And yet, there she was, at the back of one of their school buildings as she sneaks out with her best friend and their school’s infamous troublemakers. She knows that her old self is undoubtedly shaking her head out of disappointment if she could see her right now. But letting this rare opportunity pass might even be a bigger disappointment on her part so tried so much to ignore her conscience for the day.

The moment the school bell rang, Kanae immediately took her backpack and dashed towards the back of their school building. Taking advantage while most students are utterly distracted as they hastily made their way to the school cafeteria and some were very much occupied while having their lunch already.

She was the first one to arrive at their ‘meeting place’ and she was surprised there was already a ladder leaning on the tall, old brick wall of their school fence. Damn, those guys, they have surely mastered the art of sneaking out aren’t they? If only they could be as passionate when it comes to studying.

She was slightly panting after rushing her way through the back of the building. But her heart unexpectedly stops and is suddenly startled when someone grabs her shoulder. Did someone notice her sneaking out and followed her? Clearly, if it was Ritsu or anyone from Keiji’s circle they would’ve said something already.

She turned her head and thankfully, she was able to breathe again after finding out who it was.

“It’s just yo—” and Kanae felt her heart skip a beat again when she was cut off as Keiji covers her mouth with his palm.

Kanae’s eyes widened in panic. Did Keiji just set him up? Is everything just a play to earn her trust, lure her and that Keiji has other shady plans ahead? Countless of alarming thoughts came flashing before her.

And in an instant, Keiji took Kanae’s arm with his other free hand and pulled her closer to the wall of the building.

Kanae contemplated whether to bite him, scream, and fight back but before she made up her mind, Keiji spoke, “shhh…” he said in a low voice as he moved his lips closer to Kanae’s ear, making her shiver in response.

“Don’t move, don’t make noise,” he added in a gentle whisper. Kanae almost never listened to him and screamed her lungs out. But Keiji's voice was not commanding nor frightening; it’s calm, and unexpectedly reassuring despite the situation they were in. Kanae complied, as if she was put under a trance and slowly relaxed.

It only took a split second before she understood what Keiji meant as they eventually heard voices of male students, who happen to be disposing trash on the nearby garbage bin. Oh god, good thing she didn’t let her adrenaline take over because who knows what those guys might think or do if they discover her and Keiji alone at the back of the building. Surely, any alibi that the two will have to come up with will turn out unbelievable, it would cause more trouble than being caught skipping classes. Just when Kanae thought being caught cutting classes is the worst thing that could ever happen today.

It’s only when the voices start to fade when Kanae realizes the position they were in. Keiji’s palm was still covering her mouth, his other hand gripping her arm while her back was slightly pressing against his chest. She can feel his chest slowly rise and fall at ease in sync with his breath that brushes against Kanae’s hair and the nape of her neck. Keiji’s hold was firm which somehow managed to keep Kanae steady although he almost scared her to death a few moments ago and that her knees are still shaking in aftershock.

She stirs a little and Keiji immediately lets her go.

The sudden absence of Keiji’s warmth felt odd yet Kanae tried to not dwell much on it.

“Sorry, seems like I scared you.”

‘Cause you really did,’ Kanae thought as she could literally hear her heart pounding which is still beating slightly faster than usual but fortunately slower compared to what she felt a while ago. Rather than saying that out loud she just shook her head, “it’s fine, you’ve saved us from potential trouble anyway.”

Just when Kanae thought she’s free from Keiji’s touch, he unexpectedly walks closer, towering above her as he catches her off guard, “you’re shaking,” he said as he placed both of his hands on Kanae’s shoulder as though he was trying to keep her steady. He looks upon her with those sincere, ethereal eyes, as if it would make her less nervous when in fact, Keiji’s gestures might probably end up making things worse.

Kanae doesn’t know what to say, she only chewed on her lower lip.

“Kanae,” Keiji said so earnestly, “breathe…”

And in response, she sucked in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“We’re not going to murder someone or what, we’re just simply skipping classes. So don’t sweat it, ‘kay?”

Kanae nods reassuringly and Keiji eventually lets go of her shoulders allowing her to relax more and release the tension.

Seemingly recovered, she finally spoke, “Where are the others?”

“I’m here,” a familiar voice called out who turned out to be Hiro. She smiled at Kanae and said as he walks towards the two, “I see, Kanae-chan is here already, always the punctual one even at times like this, eh?” The blonde teased as he raised his eyebrows a couple of times, and eventually knotted them as he asked, “Where’s Ritsu-chan?”

“She’s probably having a hard time sneaking out,” Kanae answered as she’s well aware that Ritsu had always been surrounded by people. Standing out is really troublesome when she thinks about it. “But her acting skills put actresses to shame so I bet she can make it.”

Keiji gave a small smirk as a response which Kanae never failed to miss although barely noticeable while Hiro chuckled in return, “that’s nice to hear then, our lovesick friend would surely sulk without her.”

‘And I would definitely come with you guys without her’ Kanae said at the back of her mind.

“Speaking of, where’s Ryuu?”

“We decided to split up and go here one by one to avoid attracting attention, I’m sure he’ll be coming anytime soon.” Hiro explained with a wink.

Kanae nodded and it was also then when she noticed Keiji was carrying a huge backpack which she finds sort of strange but never attempted to pry much and ask about it as she might just end up annoying him.

Eventually, Ryuu and Ritsu came and Kanae thought this is the real deal, that they are indeed doing it now, and that there’s no turning back.