20XX - Atushi and Sumire

It wasn't supposed to happen. She had such a plain personality, annoying void that irritated him. They used to be rivals, they both hurt each other. They both scared each other and yet fate brought them back together. Fate always made them meet again, in the end. Her love just wasn't one sided. This time he returned it.

....

Year XXX

After a great hour of lunch. He walked into his next lesson to see that Sumire had the class as him again. She sat by the window again, looking out of it, looking bored. Atushi scanned the seats beside her and noticed it was empty. In fact, the other students were sitting on the other side of the room.

There are other seats there, why did she choose to sit so far away? He still didn't understand her very well. After that day their relationship had changed, but she still occasionally treated him coldly.

Today seemed to be one of those occasions. They aren't exactly friends, but at the very least they acknowledge each other's presence. He knew she noticed him when he entered the room, but the girl didn't greet him.

"Hey Sumire," Atushi immediately said. She glanced at me and looked back outside. Sigh, should have known. But still, recently she seems to look out of the window a lot.

Did something happen?

'I still don't know much about her personal life.'

"Did you know it's rude to ignore people," Atushi said, sitting beside her. None of his friends were in this class, and he wasn't fond of the idea of sitting alone. Moreover, he knew she wouldn't dislike his company.

"Did you know it's rude to annoy people," she replied, still looking outside.

"Oh, am I annoying you?" Atushi said with a foolish grin on his face.

"Yes,"

"How?"

Sumire didn't reply, and the grin on his face became wider. It's so funny messing with her, because he knows exactly how she will react.

"Okay class, partner up and start,"

He looked up at the teacher, who he failed to notice when he came into the classroom. Or maybe he was already in here and he just failed at noticing he was there. But more importantly he missed what they had to do.

He looked around. Everyone had a partner. His brunette hair rival started taking out a textbook, and he immediately had an idea..

"Gey partner, so, what are we looking up!" Atushi put his arm around her neck, getting some glares from some of the guys.

Atushi couldn't miss how hostile their glares were. Sheesh, she actually has fans in this class? That's unexpected. Despite her reputation, it seems she is popular with the guys. Of course she is, Sumire is one of the prettiest girls in the school.

"How about 'How to fix a broken arm at school'" Sumire said,

"Huh? Why would we-" Atushi paused when he the lookin her eyes and he quickly took his arm back.

But no sooner did he do so, did Sumire shove a textbook in front of his face.

"Here."

"Uh, what's this for?" Atushi said, puzzled.

"It's what we are studying, Einstein." Sumire said sarcastically.

Atushi couldn't help but watch her as she read. She was strange, that's for sure. He knew it already, there were all sorts of rumors about her. Initially she was one of the people he marked on his list to stay away from. But after that incident where he saw her getting bullied. Atushi decided that he would continue speaking to her.

Recently he has been busy, so he hasn't been able to speak to her much. Regardless, he kept an eye out on her and made note of any changes in her behaviour.

"Stop staring at me or I'll throw you out this window," Sumire threatened.

"Like you could." Atushi challenged with a laugh. She probably was serious but she was skinny enough that others who heard that wouldn't take it seriously, him included.

"Leave me be." Sumire mumbled.

He frowned at her words. "What's wrong with you? I'm actually trying to talk to you. If you hadn't noticed, no one talks to you in this class"he almost yelled, but maintained his composure

"So? Do you think I care so much what people think?"

Atushi stared at her speechless. Indeed, Sumire has the reputation for being a loner. But, he thought it was simply because she was awkward with people. Could it be, she actually doesn't care about what others say about her and how they see her?

"Sumire. Can you and Jiro help me out?" Their teacher called out.

She nodded and stood up. He watched as she and Jiro left. Atushi noticed how she immediately engaged in conversation with the boy. He frowns, so she isn't in a bad mood? He feels stupid for worrying about her. She speaks to Jiro, but not him. A flash caught his eye, it was the girl's phone which she left on her chair. She had been texting someone.

To: Asahi

From: Sumire

Subject; I guess I do...

Even when I said I hated him, he still loved me. Even when I hurt him, he didn't stop me. Even when he knew I would give away all the things he gave me, he would still give me more. Even when I said I wouldn't fall for him.. I guess I lied?

Who...who is she talking about? A guy has actually fallen for her. There would be no way. He didn't know why, but he didn't like that thought at all. His scowl was deepening, she liked someone? Else.. Not him. That won't be possible.

'I was under the impression that I was the one she liked, but perhaps I made a mistake. If there is truly somebody else, then I need to step up my game.'

He wanted to wait for a while until he got to know her better to confirm whether he truly liked her. But, if there is someone different. He needs to make a move, any type of move.

No one else would like herright? With Sumire's personality, he was convinced that no other guy would like her and that he was the strange one who did. Her phone vibrated again. He opens the message.

Can we talk? I know I said all that crap before.

It was stupid. You're stupid.

For caring too much.

*unedited*