Sk8 the Infinity; Young Days

Ten: Truth be Told

Getting to school, I couldn't stop thinking about what Kojiro said to Papa. About how he would protect me with his life. That's a serious promise. I got to school to see the boys doing another skate show before school.

Kojiro waved. "Caio Bella!"

"Caio bello."

"You really think so?"

I laughed at him. "Traditionally."

"Traditionally? That's not very nice."

Rozuka laughed. "What does bello mean?"

"Well, Bella means beautiful, so I called him handsome. And he is, traditionally, handsome. It's a compliment."

"A nice one. What's got you so happy?"

"Papa asked me about last night and I admitted that I'm trying out skateboarding because you like it, and he's let me design one of my own. A brand new technology I get to test out."

"Something to help you defeat Adam?"

"I have to. If I don't stop Adam, he'll end up hurting you or Sakurayashiki."

"We can handle that. You're still new. You don't have the skills to..."

"Please. This is the one and only thing I can do for you."

"Tell me the reason why then. I just want to know why."

"Ti penso ogni giorno."

Sakurayashiki shook his head and crossed his arms. "What did she say? Go on, translate your borish Gorilla."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Remember what I told you on the bus. And don't tell me I never did anything for you. I'm risking a lot to make sure you don't die. Adam will not stop until he has what he wants. I'm protecting you and Kaoru."

"Baciami."

My face instantly went red and I hit him. "No! Don't say that! You brute! You absolute man whore! How dare you!"

"You started it!"

"I just said I think about you!"

"Every day!"

"So?! To go from thinking about you to what you said... just don't! Do not forget I am engaged!"

"You said you didn't want to be!"

"I don't want to be!" I sighed, arms wrapping around myself. "I don't want to be, Kojiro, but it's too dangerous for me to end it. Ainosuke won't hesitate to get what he wants, and he wants a partner who can skate. Someone who is on his level."

"So you're trying to get to his level?"

"I'm trying to protect you, Kojiro. I care about you and I don't want anything bad to happen to you. So I'm doing everything I can to keep you safe."

"I'm trying to keep you safe. Remember, that's what we agreed on."

I showed him my hands. "I keep doing this because I want to keep you safe. Just let me do this. It's the one thing I can do..."

"Baciami." He smiled. "Please, Luca."

Girls came rushing over and grabbing him. "Come on, Nanjo! Show us some more tricks!"

"Looks like your fans are calling for you. I'm sure you'll have plenty of dates coming up. I'll be just fine dealing with Ainosuke."

"You shouldn't do it alone."