Poppy and Lotus [COMPLETE]

•❀Six❀•

"Yamamoto-San! What is the meaning of this! Oh, my! Put her down!" The teacher calls after us and the class practically explodes, but Ren doesn't even turn around to look in their direction.

"What are you doing, you crazy brat!" I shout, slamming my fist into his back. Ren keeps walking down the halls of our school, and he doesn't stop until we get outside. When I'm finally placed back on my feet, I wobble backwards and rest against a tree for support, pressing myself as close to the tree as possible. Ren keeps walking toward me until we're just a head apart in distance. His hand comes up and slaps against the tree next to my head, making me jump.

I can't tell his emotion by the look in his eyes, as close as he may be. His thick, furrowed brows usually would indicate some kind of upset or anger, but when I look into his clear, exotic blue eyes, they're warm and tender...his tight, soft lips are pressed into a thin line..as if he were worried.

I can feel his breath on my skin as he breathes heavily from his quick walk. I run my fingers along the tree bark, pressing the texture as deep into my skin as possible, something to keep me rooted without drowning in my nervousness. My face feels so hot I know I'm as red as the bowknot of my uniform on my chest. Speaking of chest..it felt like it was about to split open! My heart was hammering against my ribcage with anticipation. His expression was so unreadable...anything he said next would be just as much of a surprise as it was for him to snatch me up during our presentation!

"What..what in the world do you want from me? Are you going to hit me, or something?" I start to ramble, giving away my thoughts and revealing to him my fears in the moment. Ren doesn't answer right away. After a few pounds of the heart, he finally sighs and shakes his head. I can't help but feel the need to relax from his response and sink a bit further into the tree.

"Well...what is it then?" I look up at our school from our position in the courtyard. The window I'd be looking out of right now during class was looking down at me. The entire class had gotten out of their chairs to plaster their faces agains the glass to stare down at us. Even the teacher was peeking!

"This is so embarrassing.." I shake my head and turn my gaze back a Ren. I'm shocked when I realize he looks even angrier!

"What's your problem!" I shout.

"Nothing! Dammit! I just don't know how to say it!"

"Just say whatever you're going to say so I can finish my --"

"PRESENTATION! I'll start there!" He takes his hand from next to my head and crosses his arms over his chest, narrowing his pretty blues at me. I'm taken slightly aback.

"Ayame Hinageshi! You embarrassed me in front of the class by revealing the real meaning of my name---"

"So what you're named after a flower? Is this what this is about--"

"Not completely! Almost. Sort of! Why would I want everyone to know I'm named after a flower! That's so girly!"

"Then blame your parents for it! Don't interrupt my presentation and bring me all the way out here for something so--"

"Ayame."

Not only did his use of my first name catch me of guard, but the way he placed his hands gently on either side of my head -- both hands, trapping me against the tree really made me jump. When I realized how close we were, I couldn't catch my breath for a second.