Background

-13-

『October 1st』

During PE, everyone's times are recorded for the hundred meter dash. Runners for the relay race are chosen by the fastest times. Six people from my class, both boys and girls, are going to do it. Kakeru is one of the fastest runners, so he's going to be the anchor. I need you to be in that race, if anything happens or if he messes up comfort him.

"Okay paying attention?" The coach took a step in front of us who had been sitting in a formation. He looked at his clipboard as he spoke. "Good. Time to announce the runners for the for the relay."

I glanced over at Kakeru who looked over at me, a smile on his face. I winked at him before turning towards the teacher, a blush on his face before paying attention as well.

"First up Naruse, you had the fastest time so you get to be the anchor." Azusa and Takako congratulated him as the teacher announced the rest of the runners. "As for the others for the boys we have Kota and Naga. For the girls we have Rito, [Last Name] and Tachibana."

I smiled slightly as the person next to me congratulated me. As soon as the meeting was over and we had a break I spent it with Maria. We were talking until I saw Kakeru and everyone. I told her to wait here as I ran up to them. Standing behind Kakeru I wrapped my arm around him making him jolt slightly.

"Ah we're gonna be in the race together!"

He looked down at me who was only slightly shorter than him. "Actually [Name], Suwa is going to run for me."

I removed my hands as I grew angry, I turned to Suwa. "You idiot!" Walking over to him I hit his arm as hard as I could. "Trying to control everything!"

He rubbed his arm as he yelled in protest. "I'm not, I swear!"

Because of Suwa, Kakeru stood up the next day and asked to talk to the gym teacher about being an anchor. When he confronted him about it in front of the class the dark haired boy told his teacher that he didn't want to be in the relay. Next thing you know, Takako asks to be in the relay, than Azusa. I didn't have a problem with it, they hadn't taken my spot. Next thing you know, Suwa and Hagita request to run in it saying that Kakeru should run with them. I had hoped the whole charade was over.

"Wait!"

Yet, I was sorely mistaken.

"I'm in to! I can run and I want to run, with Kakeru."

I slam my hands on the table, causing a scene bigger than the one currently going on. My teacher looked at me as I got out of my seat and walked out of the classroom.

"[Last Name]! The teacher yelled, as I slammed the door and walked down the steps.

I walked into the nearest bathroom where I began to yell, Naho knew this was wrong. The one thing I was excited about she had to take!

So when I got home I ranted to Suwa.

"She totally was outta line! It was risky to confessing to Kakeru yeah sure but this!" I yelled, pacing around my room as he sat on my bed. "The one thing I wanted she had to take! She so selfish!" I yelled as Suwa rolled his eyes. He motioned me to walk over and I flopped on my bed next to him.

"She's in love, [Name]. You can't forget that."

I sighed, looking at the necklace on his neck. "That doesn't mean she has to reck everyone else's life." I turned on my back and looked to the ceiling. "He would never break her heart, she's to fragile. And for that she may cost your life." I turned back to him. "I promise that won't happen."

"It's up to Kakeru, if he loved you he'll do whatever it takes to be with you."

I sighed. "Yeah."

After school the next day I was outside with Maria. She had been talking about babysitting her younger brother, telling me that I should come over. Kakeru walks through the door with his head hung low, I told her that I wouldn't be going to practice today so I would go with her.

I told her to give me a minute as I called out to Kakeru. "You okay?"

He turned with a thin smile on his face. He began to walk towards and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah I'm good. Are you going to be at practice?"

I shrugged "I wasn't planning on it." Maria told me she'd be waiting by the gate as I nodded. I then took a step and stood in front of the stairs. "Why you wanted me there?" I smirked wiggling my eyebrows.

He shook his head and I frowned. "It's fine."

"Is there something wrong?" I asked, he looks disappointed, yet instead of answering the question he walked over and stuck out his hand. I gave him a light smile and placed my hand in his and walked down the stairs. "So gentlemen like, is that for me to go to your practice?"

He still held my hand as he looked down at me. "Not really, I just wanted to see your reaction."

I frowned again, "right.." I take my hand from his grip and put it on my backpack strap. "I'm going home."

He stood in front of me with a questioning look. "Is it something I said?"

"Do you like Naho?" I asked staring at the boy. He stayed quiet, averting his gaze to the floor. I nodded and looked to the floor too. "Right, that's what I thought." I attempted to walk past him as he stopped me again.

"I don't know my feelings right now."

With a sigh my hands went to the back of my neck to take off the necklace. "When you do," I unhooked the gold necklace and took his hand to put the necklace in. "Give this to her." I spoke, walking off without another word.