Natsumi looked up at Ryuu as they ate lunch outside together. He was reading another one of his books and there was a little frown between his brows as he concentrated. She smiled as she remembered their conversation on the hill. The thought that Ryuu may someday become a doctor filled her with a strange sense of pride. To her, it seemed more filling to focus on helping others than increasing your own selfish desires. So, she was secretly rooting for Ryuu, even if no one else would.
"Hey Sumi?" He asked and glanced up, breaking her out of her thoughts. She blinked and he chuckled as he saw her come back to reality.
"Stop day dreaming for a second freak. I was wondering if you were ready for Field Day?" He asked and Nastumi instantly groaned and slumped forward, thumping her forehead into her open math book.
"No. I was hoping to sit this year out. But Mr. Mashima said that he could really use my skills." She grumbled and Ryuu laughed, patting her head as he teased her.
"And by skills I'm assuming he means your tendency to run everywhere you go."
She looked up and shot him a glare, but didn't deny it because that was basically what her homeroom teacher had said as well.
"So I'm competing in the girl's hundred yard dash and the borrowing race." She huffed and Ryuu grinned, closing his book as he smiled down at her.
"Then I guess I'll have to root for a different class this year." He said and Natsumi smiled as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. She sat up straight again and leaned forward on the table, balancing her chin in her hand.
"What about you super star? Are you competing in anything?" She asked and he shrugged.
"Relay race and boy's hundred yard dash." He said and she winked,
"I'll make sure you can hear me cheering for you above all your fangirls." She teased and he groaned, rolling his eyes. But then his smile returned and he leaned closer to her with that slanted grin he usually flashed when he teased her.
"Your voice is the only one I listen for anyways Sumi." He whispered, his eyes sparkling with mirth as her cheeks turned a bright red. She huffed and bopped him lightly on the head.
"Don't be an idiot Ryuu." She chided and he chuckled, rubbing the spot on his head as he leaned back again. Natsumi laughed along with him and the two began to collect their things as the bell rang, signalling lunch was over. They walked together in the hall, Natsumi teasing him along the way.
"So are you still up for studying today or do you need to train?" She laughed as he shoved her playfully. He grinned down at her as he enjoyed the sound of her laughter. She glanced over and something caught her eye that made her choke back her laugh. He frowned and glanced in the direction she was and noticed a group of girls openly glaring at Sumi. His eyes hardened and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to his side.
Natsumi squeaked and looked up at him to see him grinning down at her. He lifted his hand and let it fall on her head, ruffling her hair and loosening her bow. He leaned closer and chuckled,
"Shouldn't you be the one training? I don't think you're allowed to barrel through your opponents." He said and she glared up at him, puffing out her cheeks in irritation as she instantly began to shout at him in her defense. He grinned as she went on her tirade about how she wasn't that clumsy. But he had done his job in distracting her from the idiots around them. He let his hand slide back to her shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. He laughed as she glared angrily at him.
"You know you love me Sumi." He laughed and she turned her head away, putting her nose in the air.
"Go bother one of your fangirls." She bit out and he laughed harder, happy to see her returning to his Sumi.
"Aren't you one of them Sumi?" He teased and she snorted, making him laugh again. Her anger melted into a smile and she laughed too as she shook her head at him.
"Keep dreaming moron. I'll see you after class." She added, shoving him away as she ran into her class. He waited until she had completely disappeared into the room before turning to face the way they had come and shoot a glare at the group of 'fangirls' that were following them. The girls instantly blushed and took off, trying to pretend that they hadn't been spying on the pair. He sighed and shook his head, casting one last glance at the class Sumi had walked into before heading off towards his own.
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Natsumi laced up her sneakers as she sat on one of the benches. She looked up at the track and smiled. Even though she didn't like to compete, she had always enjoyed Field Day. It was almost like a free day to forget about everything else that was stressful at school. She laughed and glanced around, looking for him. She spotted his class, but didn't see his head of orange hair anywhere. She frowned, continuing to look for him when a pair of hands reached from behind her and covered her eyes.
"Guess who?" He chuckled low and she rolled her eyes behind his hands.
"A giant moron with a huge ego?" She said and he laughed as he removed his hands. He hopped over the bench and sat next to her, giving her a sharp look.
"The huge ego part was unnecessary though." He said and she giggled, leaning back and tilting her head with a wide smile.
"Are you trying to deny it?"
"Not really...but it was still unnecessary Sumi." He said flicking her forehead and laughing as she lost her balance and fell backwards. She glared at him as she picked herself up, smacking away his offered hand which only made him laugh harder. She growled and lunged for him, but he jumped up and avoided her easily. She pouted at him and he grinned as he held up a thumbs up.
"I came over to wish you luck Sumi. The girl's dash is first right?" He said and she blinked, her glare being replaced with her smile once more as she nodded. This time she took his hand as he helped her step over the bench. She smiled brightly up at him and fiddled with the ends of her ponytail, twirling it nervously.
"Everyone is going to be watching me..." She whispered and he rolled his eyes. He grinned down at her and patted her head so that she looked up at him.
"Don't over think this Sumi. It's just Field Day. It's more for fun than anything else." He said and she nodded, smiling once more. He chuckled and poked her nose,
"But if you don't get first I'm going to fire you." He teased and laughed as her tiny fist connected with his chest. He reached up and caught her next strikes by holding her wrists captive. He laughed at her struggles and her sudden shouts were drawing attention to them, but he was happy to see that it didn't seem to bother her this time. He waited and when she stopped fighting he lowered her wrists but didn't release them just yet.
He watched as her cheeks brightened and it made him smile softly, not sure why it pleased him so much to tease her. Probably because it was just too easy and one of his new favorite pass times. He slowly released his grip on her hands, watching in case she tried to attack him again. She rubbed one of her wrists and snorted as she turned her profile on him, muttering under her breath.
"You're so impossible you moron."
He chuckled and reached up to grab her chin, turning her face back up to him. He grinned as her cheeks only brightened more and her eyes widened, she really was too easy to tease. He bent closer until they were at eye level and whispered,
"Maybe. But just remember that I'm your impossible moron Sumi. Even if you come in last you couldn't hope to get rid of me that easily...Tell you what though. You come in first and I'll buy you more of those chocolate strawberries. Good luck freak." He said the last part when he straightened and patted her head, walking away. He cast one more glance over his shoulder at her and grinned as she was looking out at the field with a strange determination. His Sumi was easily motivated, but he was growing fonder of her strange personality with each passing. He shook his head and rejoined his group, ignoring the girls that were staring at him longingly.
When the announcement for the girl's dash came he looked out towards the track and spotted Sumi stretching. He smiled as he could practically hear her chanting about those strawberries from where he stood. There was a tug on his gym shirt and he looked down to see a girl from his class smiling up at him.
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"Make sure you watch closely Ryuu-sama. I'm going to win this for you!" She giggled and ran off waving back to him. He sighed and shook his head as his eyes instantly returned to Sumi, watching her get into position and wait for the start. He chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest.
"She doesn't stand a chance...not with Sumi's obsession on the line." He chuckled and waited as the gun went off and the girls leapt up, beginning the race.
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Natsumi was bent over gasping for breath, her ponytail hanging over the side and covering her face. She heard footsteps nearing her and glanced over to see Ryuu smiling down at her. She smiled and held up a victory sign, but couldn't talk as she was still catching her breath. He held out a water bottle to her and she took it with gratitude and tipped it back so that the cold water slid down her throat and cooled her quickly. Some drizzled out the side of her mouth and she sighed in bliss as she smiled at Ryuu and wiped the water with the back of her hand.
"Very ladylike Sumi." He grinned and she stuck her tongue out at him. He chuckled and looked back at her competitors to see most of them on the floor ten paces behind them panting. He laughed and looked back over to Sumi.
"I bet if there was a basket of strawberries at the finish line you could run the Olympics." He laughed and she joined him, blushing at the truth behind his words. She rubbed the back of her head and giggled,
"I guess I got a bit over excited and forgot where the finish line was." She blushed and he laughed as he shook his head.
"You have a serious problem. Maybe I shouldn't buy them for you."
"Too late! You can't take back your offer or I won't speak to you for a week." She said, clasping her hands behind her back and turning from him. He chuckled and leaned his elbow on her head, making her pout. He grinned down at her as he said,
"Wouldn't that make our sessions a bit difficult? Don't tell me that Miss Perfect also knows sign language?"
She narrowed her eyes at him and reached up to pinch his arm. He yelped and pulled it back grumbling as he rubbed the spot. Natsumi laughed as she watched his scrunched up face. She knew it didn't actually hurt him, but Ryuu had mentioned once that he hated being pinched so she used it as punishment or payback.
"Brat." He hissed when he noticed her laughing at his discomfort. She giggled behind her hand and shrugged as she smiled up at him. He couldn't hold his glare for long and soon he was smiling back and shaking his head. The announcement went up for the next event and Ryuu looked around before grabbing her hand and dragging her away.
"Come on Sumi. We should get off the field and go sit while we wait." He said as he lead her to the bleachers. She nodded and followed easily, but when she tried to pull her hand away his grip only tightened. She sighed and decided not to question it, since she actually liked the way his warm hand felt against hers. She made the mistake of looking around as she followed Ryuu, wanting to see the next race. She caught the death glares and heard the whispers as Ryuu held her hand. She turned away from them and forced herself not to shrink back. It wasn't easy, but as she looked up at Ryuu and the easy way he carried himself, she found the strength to ignore everyone.
The two sat at the top, partly so they could see over everyone's head and partly because Ryuu didn't want to be surrounded by 'drooling morons'. He wanted Sumi to himself without having to constantly glare at anyone who made a stupid comment or snickered at the girl by his side.
"So~" Natsumi started looking up at him with her large eyes and he raised a brow in question. She tilted her head and grinned up at him,
"About those strawberries?" She laughed as he rolled his eyes, but noticed the way his lips twitched.
"Yeah weirdo. I said I'd get them if you won. And since you beat everyone by ten seconds I'd say you won." He said, and although he made it sound like a scold for her 'addiction' she also heard the pride in his words. She giggled and focused back on the events below. The two made bets on who would win until it was time for Ryuu to head down.
"Good luck Ryuu. I'll be rooting for you." She said with a wave and a smile. He turned and grinned down at her.
"Hey, what do I get if I win?" He asked and she thought about it before shrugging.
"Whatever you want I suppose." She said and his grin doubled as he turned away. Natsumi wondered after the look he had given her, but didn't dwell on it as she watched him take his position. She looked around and noticed that as soon as Ryuu walked onto the field the girls in the school perked up and several were holding up signs. She chuckled and shook her head in exasperation as she looked back over to watch Ryuu run.
She shouted along with nearly everyone there and wasn't too surprised when Ryuu crossed the finish line first. She cheered louder as Ryuu's eyes looked up and met hers, lifting his hand in a victory pose that she reciprocated, ignoring the glares directed at her. His class did pretty well in the relay race too, coming in second and only because they made the mistake of having Ryuu run first. He had given them a huge lead, but the others had wasted it.
Now it was time for Natsumi's next event, after this she could relax. She had always enjoyed watching the craziness of the borrowing race, but never thought she would participate. She had stepped in when the original runner from their class twisted her ankle while playing tennis. So she took her position and set her eyes on the table, hoping she got something easy. The gun went off and she darted straight for it, she beat the other runners and had first pick. She quickly grabbed the paper and unfolded it. She froze, this wasn't good.
A Hot Guy.
Her mouth fell open as she began to look around. By this time the others had caught up to her and grabbed their own papers before darting off to find their item. She bit her lip and turned towards the bleachers. She cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled,
"Ryuu! Get down here, I need you!"
Ryuu raised a brow, but stood up and walked down the bleachers. All eyes were on him as he walked up to Natsumi. She was bright red and avoiding his eyes. He looked down at her confused, but his grin was back in place.
"Why Sumi this is so sudden. I didn't know you felt so strongly about me." He teased and she growled, her hand latching onto his wrist and dragging him behind her.
"Shut it you idiot! I just couldn't think of someone else who would run with me." She muttered. He laughed and she shrieked as he swept his other arm under her knees and lifted her up bridal style. Shouts rang out from the crowd, some cheering while others were in utter rage. Ryuu grinned down at her red face and flashed that grin of his that made her body tingle strangely.
"Well then, just let this idiot win you the race." He said before taking off in a sprint with her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, even though she didn't think he would drop her. He was laughing as they passed other girls carrying their items, most distracted by the sight of the pair running. They crossed the finish line first and by this time Natsumi was laughing along with Ryuu.
"I think it's unfair that I didn't actually run the race though." She giggled and he grinned at her, still not setting her down.
"I say we won. Rules or not we definitely..." He trailed off and it caused Natsumi to glance at him curiously. He was just staring down at her strangely, his eyes had darkened to a deep crimson and she tilted her head at him. His eyes were shifting down and she swore they landed on her lips before moving back to her eyes. She gave a nervous laugh and squirmed in his hold, suddenly aware of the fact that people were staring at them.
"Uh Ryuu...You can put me down now." She said with a small shove against his chest. His grip tightened and he mumbled something incoherent, but she felt her heart skip as it sounded an awful lot like 'What if I don't want to...'
But he blinked and his face returned to the brighter side she had grown so used to. His eyes sparked with mirth and that grin snuck up on his face.
"Don't you da-Ah!" She screamed as his arms dropped before grabbing her again, giving her that brief moment of free-fall. She glared at him as he threw back his head and laughed.
"Ryuu! You're such a moron!" She shouted and struggled more in his hold. He had a hard time keeping his grip on her as she squirmed and grabbed a fistful of his hair.
"Ow! Okay Sumi I'm sorry! I'll put you down." He laughed and slowly slid her to the ground, having to stay bent as she still had a grip on his hair. She glared at him as her humiliation doubled with all the eyes currently on them. He was still chuckling, his shoulders shaking as he held in his laughter. She sighed and released her hold on him so that he could straighten again. He rubbed his head, ruffling his hair as he did. She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in anger.
"Aw come on Sumi, don't be like that." He chuckled, but she only put her nose in the air and ignored him.
"Sumi? Sumi? Really?" He said the laughter falling out of his voice as his tone sharpened, still she didn't respond. She heard him sigh and could just imagine that he was rubbing the back of his neck. So she was surprised as his arms wrapped around her once more, lifting her by her waist and carrying her off the field.
"Ryuu! Put me-"
"I'm going to buy you lunch." He said and she stopped struggling and glanced up at him. When she did, he sat her on the ground, grabbing her hand and pulling her behind him once more.
"Why?" She asked and he snorted, turning his face to the side. Even so Natsumi saw the pink in his cheeks as he muttered,
"So you'll stop being mad at me...I don't like it..."
Natsumi felt her own cheeks heat, but a bright smile lit up her face as she giggled. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. She had a moment of spontaneous courage and didn't realize what she was doing. But Ryuu's eyes widened, his heart jumping as her tiny hand shifted and her slim fingers laced through his as she hopped ahead and took the lead.
"Why didn't you say so!? You are officially forgiven Ryuu because I'm starving!" She laughed and he shook his head as he looked down at their intertwined hands with a soft smile.
"Geez you freak. Why do you have to be so difficult about everything?" He whispered and she giggled in response, casting him her warm smile over her shoulder. The same smile that made everything around them fade in comparison, at least as far as he was concerned.
"You must be rubbing off on me."