Flowers for Kyoudai.

Double Take

I walked down the hallway, expecting to run into Kyoko. She's always just there when needed... And of course, as usual, she was.

"Oi, Kyoko! Whatcha say about helpin' a classmate in need?" I ran up to her, popping a question. She turned to me with her usual stone-cold, hard-to-read expression. "Who, might I ask, is in need? You seem just fine. And I don't know anyone else who needs my help." I was quiet for a second.

"I... I heard you're good at setting people up." I looked to the side, my face heating up fast. "Oh really? And who told you that?" I could tell she was smiling. "W-well, Togami and Makoto... Leon and Hiro... They all said you set 'em up! Even you and that Celestia chick!" I started nervous yelling again. "Calm down, Owada. I can get you and Kiyotaka together, easy. You just have to do as I say." She put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Hng- Fine. I'll do what ya say." I agreed and looked back at her. She was giving me a small but sweet smile. "Thank you." She led me to her dorm room where she laid out a plan. I listened, while wondering what Taka was doing.

>Taka POV<

Kyoko had long left the room, leaving me almost defenceless against Syo. No one else knew how to calm her down, other than Naegi's sister...
"S-Syo, please... I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but please, calm down..." I was letting my tears fall as I felt utterly useless. I thought you left those days behind, Taka. Being the one who took the blame and had such self-pity when you were the source of the problem.

...

She sat down as I had asked. She ruffled my hair and gave me a toothy smile. "It's fine! I just worry about ya, kid! I mean, you're one of the few guys I actually try to protect instead of murder! KYAHAHAHAHAHA!" She seemed to be less irritated with me, and I smiled slightly. "Aw, you don't find me attractive, Syo?" She did a double take at that comment. "I never said that! I think you're attractive, but you just ain't my type, got it?! Jeez, I've got a girlfriend, dude." By that time, everyone else was laughing with me. "I was just kidding, don't worry!"

We spent a while just talking until Chihiro's phone went off and he looked at it. Less than a minute later, he slipped silently out of the room. One by one, the other girls did the same. At last, Toko came back and sighed.
"W-why am I here, Taka? I just remember you announcing something about a disease and then passing out... S-she didn't hurt you, did she?" I shook my head and smiled at her. "Nope. But she did give me a stern talking-to. Anyways, where is everyone going? They get texts and leave..." Just then, Toko's phone went off and she left hurriedly. "Never mind, I guess."

I returned to my desk and started doing my half-done homework. I got stuck on a question for about ten minutes, and when I was going to give up, Aoi came in and pulled me away from my work. I had a blindfold put on me, and I, of course, didn't know where I was. I heard doors open and felt a rush of cold.

I was... Outside? But it's past curfew... Hm. Curious.

Someone sat me down on a bench and wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. I snuggled my face into it a bit and smiled. "Thank you, whoever you are..." I spoke quietly. "Yeah, no problem. 'S pretty cold out here." A deeper voice said, startlingly close.

"Uhm... Could you take this blindfold off, please?"

"Huh? Oh- Sure."

There was a rustling of fabric and a flash of light. I took a minute for my eyes to adjust, but there he was. Of course it was him. Of course. I began laughing quietly.

"What's so funny, Taka..?" Mondo seemed concerned.

"Well, mister Oowada, I didn't think you'd plan something like this... String lights, flowers, dazzling moonlight... I wasn't expecting it. But thank you." I stood up and wrapped my arms around him. "No problem, Taka... I thought I'd do somethin' special for ya. Ya know, for Valentine's day."
I did a double take. I completely forgot it was Valentine's day.
"Oh my gosh! I forgot! Wait, I need to get something from my dorm!" I let go of him and ran back into the school before he could say anything. I sped down the hall, making sure to not run. I got into my dorm and pulled my desk drawer open, taking out a small box. I sped all the way back to Mondo, out of breath.

"I... Got it..." I laughed slightly while I panted for breath.
"Got what?" He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, steadying me. "Well, this.." I pulled out the box and showed it off. "What is that? I mean, you're not gonna ask me to marry ya... Right..?" He looked genuinely confused. "Of course not. I was going to ask you out." I smiled at him and opened the box, showing the ring. It was a small moonstone ring, and it shimmered brightly in the light.

He was taken aback, to say the least. "I-I know it's not much, but uhm... Will you go out with me, Mondo?" I watched as he got teary. "Of course, Taka! This's more than I coulda ever asked for." My face lit up and I kissed his cheek.

Just then, Leon jumped out of the bushes. "Yes! Kyoko, it worked!" He pumped his fists in the air. "Uhm, what? Leon, why are you here..? Is there anyone else?" He ignored me and I looked at Mondo. "Did Kyoko help you plan this?" He nodded. "I suspected that... Nonetheless, I still appreciate it."

More people stood up out of the bushes and gave their congratulations. "Chihiro, is this why you left so early and so sneakily?" I asked. "Of course! Kyoko wanted help from the girls. Though I just hang out with them, I'm not actually a girl, as you know.." He laughed, lowering his voice for the last sentence. "You'll be able to tell people soon, Chi... I'm proud. You've worked so hard."
"Yeah, I have. But enough talking about me, it's you and Mondo's special night!" He pushed me back into the crowd, despite my protests.

That night was one of the best in my life.