Love Yourself

"Yeah, yeah... you say that every year. And you're right most of the time, but I don't like this year's theme," Videl's voice joined in. They were both standing next to her locker, not far from Gohan's.

"Ah, come on!" Gohan imagined Erasa rolling her eyes, "You should be honored! It's your dad's achievements that's being celebrated."

"Imagine, a school costume party were everyone is dressed as my dad; wow, best night ever!" Videl said sarcastically, and slammed the door of her locker shut.

Gohan noticed the two walking in his direction, and quickly grabbed the things he needed so he could follow them to his lecture. He wasn't good friends with them yet, but they seemed to tolerate his presence outside lecture hours and were friendly, in contrast to some of his other fellow classmates. And because of Videl's reputation, being the daughter of 'the World Savior', he wasn't pestered in her presence.

"I mean, the theme is much b-," Erasa stopped mid-sentence as she noticed him, "Hiya, Gohan!"

"Hey Erasa. Hey Videl," he gave them a friendly smile alongside his greeting.

He couldn't help but to eye the raven-haired girl he secretly had feelings for. He had never really thought much about girls before entering Orange Star High, but ever since he had met Videl, his teenage hormones started to take over. He hated feeling so helpless, but somehow it was also intriguing. It made him curious.

"Are ya going to the party this Friday?" Erasa asked, while the three teens continued walking towards class.

"I think I missed the memo," Gohan said a bit confused. This was the first time he'd heard about it.

" What?! How? It's what everybody's been talking about for weeks!" Erasa was gob-smacked. "I mean, you seriously haven't heard about the school costume party? It's the event of the year."

Gohan sighed, "Well, besides you guys, nobody really talks to me. I mostly eat alone." They entered their class and continued to walk to their seats, "So, fill me in."

Erasa gave him a sympathetic look; as for Videl, she replied, "Every year there's this big school party. It always has a theme and it's quite fun as everyone is really into dressing up." She again sighed deeply, "But this year, to celebrate seven years of peace, the theme is 'The Cell Games' , and I'm not looking forward to a room full of people dressed up as my dad."

She sat down next to Sharpener, who immediately caught on their conversation. "Why? Afraid everyone would give you house arrest when they catch you red-handed looking at boys?" He sniggered.

"Shut up," Videl glared daggers at him. "And there wouldn't be any boys to look at as they are all my 'dads' anyway..."

"Point taken," Sharpener huffed and sat back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head.

"So you coming or what?" Erasa turned her attention back to Gohan, who was unpacking his satchel.

"Hm, no sorry, I personally won't look forward to an evening filled with Mr. Satans and Perfect Cells either." Chills went down his spine only thinking of it.

"Come on!" Erasa pleaded, "Every self-respecting person would come to that party!"

"Luckily I don't have any of that," Gohan mockingly said, but knew it was kinda true.

"Pretty please?" Erasa tried, but was cut off by Videl.

" 'Rase stop, if the guy doesn't want to come, then he doesn't," Videl gave her a knowing look.

"Party pooper," Erasa whispered, while the teacher began to introduce today's topic.

After the morning classes were over, Erasa had invited Gohan to join them during the break. It was probably because she felt sorry for the guy but he gladly accepted. Even though having a moment for himself had its perks, as he wasn't used to having so many people around him, it began to feel lonely. And after the realization of missing this 'big event' everybody seemingly were talking about, he understood that social contacts might be an important source of information for a teen and attending them would help him avoid becoming an outcast.