Because I Met You

Chapter 13: The First Test

The first group is up. We all wait in the training grounds of the Academy until our group's number is called. We're sitting in order according to our group's number. Gaara and Yukari are so far from where I am... I wish I was in the same group as them.

"Hey..."

I look beside me to the person who softly called out. Ikki is looking at me, and seems to be hesitating in continuing whatever he has to say to me.

"What is it, Ikki?"

"Umm... Well... I was wondering why you're not afraid of Gaara. I mean, no one really dares to approach him, but you... You seem pretty close to him."

"Is it really that strange?"

I take a serious tone and look him in the eyes.

"What I don't understand is why people are afraid of him, without even trying to get to know him."

Ikki remains a little speechless after what I said. But, am I not right? If people give Gaara a chance, I'm sure no one will ever be afraid of him.

"Maybe you are right..."

Ikki says after a moment of silence. I smile at him.

"All the adults keep talking about how he's a bloodthirsty monster... who will kill anyone who gets close to him, but... He hasn't killed you."

"Because what they say is not true. They say that because they're afraid of anything that's different and more powerful than them."

Ikki scratches his head, looking like he's deep in thought. I don't mean it in a bad way, but this guy is very slow about everything. From the way he talks, to the way he thinks, to the way he acts. It's like I'm watching someone in slow motion. It's calming, though.

"That's true... Do you think... I could learn to... not be afraid of him?"

"I'm sure you can! I'll help you. Just like how Yukari now is getting used to Gaara. She was a little afraid at first, too. Now, they've become pretty good friends. I don't see why that can't happen to you too."

Ikki's mouth hangs open for a bit. It then transforms into a smile.

"Will they ever shut up..."

A low mumble, clearly addressed to us comes from the other side. Mari really never misses a chance to annoy me. It's become almost boring... I don't even feel like replying. Might as well just ignore her.

"So Ikki, let's all go home together today after school. Like that you'll get to know Gaara and Yukari, too."

Ikki looks at me, and slowly nods.

"Group 2! You guys are up next!"

"Oh! That's Gaara and Yukari's team!"

I get up on my knees to see better. Gaara's group gets to the starting point. Gaara looks at me, and I smile and wave at him. He smiles back, and turns his attention to the front. I'm a little worried about Yukari. She seems pretty worried herself. Sensei gives the signal to start. They all start running, and, as I feared, Yukari starts falling behind. Will she be able to make it under the time limit? Gaara looks behind him. He's probably worried about Yukari too.

Gaara ends up second, within fifteen seconds. Yukari is still way too far to make it in five seconds or less! I wish I could help her somehow... I just hope she won't exceed thirty seconds. If she does, then there's no chance for her to pass the physical exam. All of her group is already done, and there's only four seconds left to thirty. I close my eyes, praying that she'll make it.

"28 seconds! Yukari, you failed this test, but at least you still have a chance to pass the physical exam. Next group!"

She did it! I know she'll be able to make it with the other tests. She's only bad at running. When their group finished, they go back to their place. Alright, now all that's left is to wait for my group's turn.

"Hey Ikki, you're good at running, right?"

He looks at me and tilts his head.

"I... wouldn't say... good. I guess... I'm alright."

"Well then, let's both make sure we make it."

He nods.

"When it comes... to you... I think you'll be... first."

"To be honest, I think so, too!"

I giggle and he giggles along. I hear someone scoff. Mari, no doubt...

"Alright, Group 6, you guys are up."

Ah! It's our turn already! I get up and follow the others to the starting point. I look over at Gaara and Yukari. They're not looking over here, though. They look like they're busy talking to each other. I guess it's because of Yukari being in danger of failing. Why do I feel weird? It's like I'm a little upset that they don't give me attention. I shouldn't think like that! They know that I'm going to make it for sure, that's why they're not paying me attention. The bigger problem now is Yukari being in danger of failing! I should focus on doing my best in this test. Still... I can't help but keep glancing over at them. They seem to be perfectly fine without me... What am I thinking? Gaara and Yukari are not like that!

"On your marks, get set, go!"

The signal! I run as soon as sensei says go. Let's get this test over with as fast as possible. The sooner we finish the physical exam, the sooner I'll be able to be with Gaara and Yukari.

"That's a new record, Kiu! You made it in nine seconds! And you don't even seem that tired."

I smile at sensei, and look at Ikki who's almost here, too. Koji is right behind him. Mari is a little further behind. Ikki makes it in fourteen seconds, and Koji makes it in fifteen. Mari, on the other hand escapes being in danger of failing by making it in nineteen seconds.

I look over at Gaara and Yukari, and, this time, Gaara is looking back at me. I smile give him two thumbs up. He smiles back. Yukari also smiles at me, and claps. They seem proud of me. What was I thinking, believing for one second that they didn't care about me... I feel ashamed of ever thinking that. They're the best friends anyone could ever hope for.