You've Caught My Interest

Mikado's POV

He cried. He actually cried. I had expected him to fuss or perhaps throw a punch, who knew he was actually so... weak? I couldn't even muster up any words to say to him.

I simply watched as Kawa suddenly turns around and run away.

"Step aside, Mikado."

I flinched as soon as I heard that voice, I turn to see a scowl on the usually oh-so-gentle Shuu. I hadn't even made an effort to step away when he rudely pushed me aside. He tore off the article I had worked on, crumpling it into a ball and tossing it into the trash bin.

"Hey, that was my piece of hard work you know?" I hissed at him. He sent over a cold glance to me with narrowed eyes. Instead on scolding me any further, he looks at the crowd, "There's nothing else to see here. You guys can go now."

The crowd dispersed hurriedly, having a different topic to gossip about now; I'm guessing.

Oh, so he wanted to play the hero? Seems like that junior did not just catch my own interest alone. Alright then, if wants to play the hero, then I'll gladly play the villain. "What's up with you? Suddenly butting in my business? Do you happen to take a liking to that kid?"

He doesn't respond to me, I can't tell if I'm disappointed or not. Shrugging my shoulders, I walk away from him. As I get further and further, he suddenly spoke, "Don't mess around with people just because you're bored, MIkado."

I scoff, not even bothering to look his way. I reached into my pocket, my hands grasping my phone lightly. As if your words would stop me, Shuu.

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Kawa's POV

I'm done for! My school life is definitely going to go down the drain! Did I do something to offend that senior? Did I offend anybody!? I hurriedly wipe my tears, but they just keep coming. Damn it! I didn't think I'd be so delicate!

"Kawa!" I hear a familiar voice shout out to me. Looking back, it was Ryouta. He rushes up to me, as soon as he saw my face, he suddenly becomes flustered. He pats around his body, trying to find something, digging into one of his pockets, he hands over a pack of tissues.

"H-here... something to uh... wipe of your face," Ryouta says, awkwardly. I give him a bitter smile and accept the tissues, wiping my tears off my face. I take in a few breaths to calm myself down, Ryouta pats me on the back.

"Dude, I think I'm gonna get bullied," my voice sounded a little weak.

"No way! As long as I'm around, I'll make sure you don't get bullied!" He puffs out his chest, seeming confident of himself. "

I'll beat up anybody who tries to mess with ya!"

I chuckled a little at that, "Thanks, man."

I sigh a little, hopefully nothing bad happens but... I really don't want to have anything to do with that Mikado senior.

If only I knew how much fate hated me.

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[Next Week]

Surprisingly, no one talked about me. No pointing fingers, no gossip, no teasing-- nothing. As if it never happened. I'm really confused, but if it means my school life will be smooth sailing, then I'll accept anything!

In a good mood, I walked along the hallways, heading for the cafeteria (At least I hope I am) while chatting with Ryouta. What I didn't notice, was that some students were murmuring a little as I went by.

"Hey, isn't he the one that's gotten Mikado's interest?"

"Ohhh, you mean the whole, 'He's mine, don't touch him,' thing 3 days ago?"

"Yeah, but Mikado hasn't done anything yet, right?"

"Pretty sure he's gonna tie the kid to his side soon."

Making a left, I managed to get to the cafeteria. "Hey, Ryouta, I'm gonna go buy some bread. You want me to get yours?"

"Yeah, dude. Get me something salty. I'll go buy the drinks." Ryouta hands me some money and we split up to get our food. I went up, bought a few pieces of bread and walked over to an empty table. I sit down and noticed that my phone was vibrating.

I checked it. There were a couple of messages from an unsaved number. I opened them one by one.

"Hey, this is Mikado."

What the hell!? How'd he get my number?

"You haven't joined a club yet, right? How about you join my photography club?

There's no way I'm going to join the same club as him!

"Before you think of rejecting..."

He attached a picture, my eyes widened when I saw it.

"You were lucky someone decided to rescue you last time, but who knows, I might just put this up the school's discussion forum~"

My hands shook as I read the text. Blackmailing! This is blackmailing! I'm being blackmailed! I felt like bursting into tears again. Trembling, I finally sent a reply.

"...I'll join."

Vrrrrr....

I get a reply in less that 10 seconds! Scary!

"That's great! Club meeting is on Wednesday, 3 PM, at the Photography Clubroom! Don't be late!"

I sigh at the thought of having to face that senior again, and from now on too! I'm going to have a talk with Marie as soon as I get home during the next holiday!

"Yo, why do seem so gloomy all of a sudden?" Ryouta questioned, setting down one box of juice and one box of milk. My lips thinned for a moment as I turn to look at him.

"Uh... wanna join the photography club with me?"

"...What."