Yu-Gi-Oh GX Love Story

~Sixteen~

Maya's POV:

I sprinted into class and sat down just as the bell rang. Phew.

"Okay, class, today we are learning about an old Egyptian pharoah who was never defeated!" Banner said.

"Well, it's a good thing he's not around today or that undefeated record would go adios!" Jaden exclaimed.

"Sure it would, slacker," Chazz snickered. "And then you'd probably take down Yugi and Kaiba too!"

Jaden turned around, face lit up. "Really? I had no idea you believed in me so much, Chazz!"

I rolled my eyes as Chazz screamed, "IT'S SARCASM- GOT THAT?"

"Sure," Jaden chuckled. "But if you wanted to change your name, you could do a whole lot better than 'Sarcasm'."

"Why you-" Chazz lunged forward and caught Jaden in a headlock.

"Guys, stop!" Amber shouted, suppressing a smile. Unfortunately, when we made eye contact, we both burst out laughing.

"This is getting interesting," Ashly said. "Please, continue!"

"Of course they can continue, Ashly," Professor Banner replied. He glanced at Amber and me (we were still giggling). "In fact, you may all continue- in detention!"

"What?" Amber exclaimed.

-timeskip!!-

"Man, fifth time this week!" Syrus exclaimed.

"Just blame 'Sarcasm' here," Jaden muttered.

"OKAY, JOKE'S OLD!" Chazz screamed, crushing Jaden in a hammerlock.

Amber and I quickly pulled them apart, rolling our eyes.

-timeskippy time-

"Show that pharaoh who's boss here!" I called from the sidelines.

Well, Jaden did. He sure did. He even won!

"Clearly, we underestimated him again," Amber muttered.

When we got back, Jaden told the story to Ashly and Zane, over exaggerating the moves he'd made and how amazing he was. Well, to Zane it was over exaggerating. To me, it was just Jaden.

In the Slifer dorm, Jaden and I walked outside, leaning over the railing. "Good job today," I said quietly.

Jaden nodded, putting his arm around me. "I hope you get your chance to duel soon," he added, laying his head on mine. He'd gotten taller over the past couple of months. So tall that I had to stand on a slight tiptoe to kiss him. Which I did.

After a couple minutes, Jaden pulled back, holding my hand. Suddenly, he glanced out over the ocean, not meeting my eyes. "Maya," he started.

I kissed him again, not wanting him to talk. He pushed me back. "Maya, please. I realized something after the duel between Zane and Camula. He almost lost Ashly, the one person I'm sure he cares about. I don't want you to get hurt, and the Shadow Riders will target you if they know we're.....together."

"Jaden Yuki, are you-" I started.

"I love you, Maya," he added quietly, pulling me into a hug. "And I want you to be safe. But it's my risk to defend the school from the shadow riders, and if you get hurt for them to get to me-" he gulped "-I'd never forgive myself."

"Jaden-"

The brunette I'd fallen for turned away. "Until this is over, please, stay away."

He walked away, leaving me on the deck. I sank to the floor, a couple of tears dripping down my cheeks. Jaden breaking up with me to protect me? It was insane.

Ring ring. I picked up my phone, answering it. "H-Hello?"

"Maya? Are you crying? What's wrong?" my brother's voice came through.

"Duke!" I exclaimed. "Yes, I mean no, I mean-"

"Spit it out."

I told him what had just happened, and he thought and then replied, "If he thinks he has to protect you, you're too good for him. I say you need to move on. He'll come to his senses, but it'll be too late. Trust me, I'd know!"

Nodding, I stood up and wiped the tears. "All right, big brother. From this moment forward, Jaden Yuki is a boy of my past."

"Good girl. Now go get some rest."

I hung up and headed into my dorm, ignoring the apologetic puppy eyes Jaden was pulling on me. I huddled up in my bed, trying not to show how much my heart was aching.