A Surprise Date

[26th December]

"He said Rikki quit rugby after school yesterday,"

"What!?" Nick hissed, brows furrowed in bewilderment.

"Why would he do that? He's the freaking captain of the team!"

Rikki played rugby?

I recalled the first day I arrived at Johnny's class and now that I think of it, the oval ball he held then made so much sense now. Plus all the classes he skipped (with permission) to qualify for his upcoming rugby tournament and how the boys didn't question his absence at times.

"The gym teacher must've been so infuriated since their competition was around the corner," a few shook their heads in disappointment.

"That's rather reckless of Rikki...were we not good role models for him?" Nick deeply frowned.

"Nick...I believe Rikki is just being defiant...or perhaps he has something going on at home. Either way, let's ask him about it during lunch, alright?" Jay patted Nick's back.

We waited for Rikki and our teacher to return.

After fifteen solid minutes, the two marched through the door and went their separate ways. Rikki made his way towards us by habit while the teacher to the front of the class. "Are you okay?" Ethan immediately comforted, gently running his fingers through Rikki's faded pink hair.

"Could be better," the youngest grumbled, shutting his eyes with a sigh.

-

I stepped into the changing room by myself. I was assigned to return the sports equipment to the storage cabin so I insisted the others went ahead. They were currently seated in the garden. It became our eating spot.

As I cracked open the door to the room, the few boys that remained inside glanced up before turning away. Some even let out constrained coughs and suppressed laughs. I raised a brow but decided not to question it.

I remained unsuspecting as I strolled towards my sports bag on a bench though I sensed eyes on my back.

"Hey, Johnny!" one of them greeted. I've never spoken to any of them before. Not that I know of.

"What is it?" I turned around to find him stifling a laugh with his friend next to him. Unamused, I composedly anticipated for him to speak which made him feel self-conscious and he ceased his laughter.

"Shouldn't you be using the girl's changing room instead?" he recommenced, causing my brows to furrow.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you're gay," he asserted.

"and that means you like boys...shouldn't we be bothered?" chuckles uttered all around the room. Though one boy, in particular, didn't even heed as he fixed his headphones and left the room.

"Hm," I lifted my sports uniform and gestured down with my gaze.

"Does this arouse you?" the boy promptly stiffened and cracked a laugh.

"No! W-why would I even be turned on by that?" he feigned repugnance.

"Coincidence. Neither do I with that scrawny figure of yours, but anyways-" I turned and rapidly changed into the normal attire.

"We have the same body, same organs and shit. Why should you even be apprehensive of being stared at?" I shoved the dirty clothes into the bag before zipping it.

"Technically-"

"You shouldn't flatter yourself like that too, as I've said before, I'm not attracted to any of you in here," I interrupted, tossing the bag over my shoulders before making my way to the door. I turned to them, my hands on the doorknob.

"I have a boyfriend, too. In case you forgot." I reminded.

"Well, that has never stopped a man-" I halted my steps.

"Oh?" raising a brow, I scanned him up and down before turning away.

I'd decided not to provoke him further left the changing room.

Johnny was acknowledged for his combat abilities so I could make comments like that. Even though I had no knowledge about fighting, at least Johnny made quite a reputation for himself beforehand.

"Took you long enough!" Dylan clicked his tongue before tossing me a foot-long Subway.

Already remarkably tardy for class, I had overlooked my packed lunch at home so I opted for a Subway when I spotted its lit signboard on the way to school. I also asked Dylan to help heat it while I concluded my cleaning duty.

"Sorry, some guys were being dumbasses in the changing room." they stopped taking bites to look at me.

"What do you mean?" Jay asked, his teeth gritted. I unwrapped the sandwich with a shrug.

"They said I should've used the girl's room instead-" with a loud slam on the table, Jay stomped his way back into the indoor premises with uncivil steps, his shoulders tense.

"Jay-" we were all startled to see Rikki racing to accompany Jay.

"...what?" we glanced at each other.

Nick and Dylan softly chuckled. "While they're gone..." they suddenly turned to me.

"Johnny, do you want to tell us why Rikki had been so upset lately? I think it's time for the rest to know."

"I-" I was speechless as Ethan and Silas shifted to me with confused faces.

"Uhm..." I bit my lip in uncertainty.

"Rikki confessed to me and I rejected him," Silas' eyes bulged out in extreme shock.

"Wait, what!?"

"Was this before or after you and Jay got together?" Ethan was on the edge of his seat with big doe eyes.

"On the day we got together. Remember when I followed him home for the drive?" I sighed.

The both of them leaned back in their seat. "Well, that's messed up." Silas took a deep breath.

"How did the two of you know?" Ethan questioned.

"We've talked to him a while ago," Nick reminded.

"I'm going to the water fountain," Dylan told us before leaving his seat.

"Was it even right to reject Rikki in Johnny's place?" Silas immediately asked with a hushed tone.

"I mean, Johnny could've had a crush on Rikki for all we know." I gave him a look.

"You think I'd do that?" Silas laughed, shaking his head.

"I did ask Johnny beforehand about Jay. As I had said before, I had confessed upon Johnny's own request." I dusted my hands after taking the last bite of my foot-long sandwich.

We quickly stopped talking when Dylan returned. He looked over us in surmise. "I swear y'all were just talking a second ago." before we could even justify ourselves, we were interrupted by raucous shrieks and protests coming from behind us.

"Oh, shit!" we turned around. I gasped at the sight.

Jay was hauling the boy who had spoken badly about me earlier by the collar of his uniform. He was screeching for Jay to let him go but Jay did not budge. Rikki was also dragging the friend...

by his ankle.

The friend was desperately trying to grasp onto the grassy field but to no avail. "Rikki?" Nick lifted a brow at the youngest.

"He tried to flee," Rikki deliberately tightened his grip on the friend's leg and he cried out in anguish. Jay forced the boy into a kneeling position in front of me and Rikki did the same, even fixing the friend's palms to be on his knees.

I glanced around with concern; students were peering out through the huge canteen windows in interest. Some of them even had their phones out!

"Now, apologize." it was a miracle how Jay knew who I was talking about without me mentioning. I assume this wasn't their first time. The boy and his friends exchanged glimpses. They remained silent with their gaze on the grass.

"Hey." Jay snapped, making them jump.

"W-we sorry..." the boy grunted and his friend followed along.

"For what?" Jay asked, displeased with their half-assed apology.

"For making offensive comments and being h-homophobic." Silas and Ethan let out suppressed laughs and it made the two kneeling boys even more ashamed.

"Babe," Jay turned to me. I almost choked on nothing at the nickname. He had never called me that in front of them before! Rikki turned away with thinned lips.

"Y-yeah?"

"Are you happy with their apology?" I glanced over at the boys.

"What if I said no?" I questioned. Jay then drew something out of his blazer's pocket.

"Then they'd have to sign this." he unfolded the paper before passing it to me.

"A waiver?" I raised a brow as I read the contents, Ethan leaning over my shoulder.

"They have to follow orders for a month?" I read out loud.

"Or else they'd be 'severely' punished," Ethan continued.

"I suppose you know what the punishment will be." Jay scowled at the boy and his friend.

"What is it?" I pried.

"Their parents happened to work in my dad's company, much to my convenience. A word or two and I can get them jobless." Ethan and I gasped.

"That is frightful!"

"Their accountability for not educating their child to be civil." Jay spat ruthlessly. I chewed on my lips. Sure, I was truly dissatisfied with their apology but this would interfere with the mission so,

"It's okay. I'm content with their apology. As long as they don't do it again or else, I'll have them sign this piece of paper." Jay was a tad bit unhappy but nodded at my response regardless.

"Alright." Jay returned to the two who were giving wary looks at him before they peered back down.

"Scram." at his command, the boy and his friend scurried off into the indoor premises, almost toppling over one another in the process. We snickered before going back to our own conversations.

"Rikki, we wanted to ask you something," Nick addressed, getting all of our attention.

"...what is it?" the boy was apprehensive as he hesitantly returned to his seat beside the twin.

"It's about gym class earlier." Rikki immediately hung his head low. He knew what was coming.

"Is it true that you quit rugby?" he nodded.

"Why?"

"I just...don't like playing anymore." for some reason, I noticed Rikki glancing at me through his pink bangs. Did I have something to do with this? Oh, goodness. We sighed.

"That can't be helped. But you do know that it was rather rash to leave the team when the tournament was approaching, right?" Rikki muttered an apology.

It was awkwardly silent after that.

"Oh! Before I forget-" we shifted to Ethan. I guess he finally remembered. He drew out the gift box from behind him and arranged it on the table.

"That's a huge box," Dylan stated matter-of-factly.

"It's my Christmas gift to you guys! As the oldest, I have to do it," they squealed in excitement and hurried Ethan to open it.

The present giving was wholesome. Everyone adored their gift. It even got Rikki to smile radiantly as he held up the pair of socks. Jay and I immediately put ours on to emphasize how much we valued Ethan's gift.

-

"Bye, Johnny!" the rest of them waved goodbye as they marched out of the classroom after class. I had to stay back for the test I skipped yesterday.

"Alright, here you go! Good luck!" Mr. Kim passed me the sheets of paper with a big grin and a motivating fist. I took a deep breath and turned over the paper.

An hour and fifteen minutes flew by and I've finally completed the test. "Checked?" I nodded at Mr. Kim's question confidently. He beamed and took the papers.

"You can go now! Goodbye!" I clutched my backpack and sped to the door.

My shoes were suddenly stuck on the sliding door's track and I almost slipped in my step. I gripped the door before bending down to adjust my shoes.

A figure suddenly loomed over me and I froze. "Hm?" I was delightfully surprised to find Jay staring down at me with a heart-warming grin on his face.

"You waited for me?" I stood up straight. However, the boy still mounted over me. He got bashful and looked away with a tint of red on his cheeks.

"I thought I could take you out on a date...since I couldn't on Christmas. I want to make up for it." I blinked at him.

"What? It's okay! You don't have to make up for anything. It's not your fault you had to attend the business party." my hand subconsciously flew to his blazer to smoothen it out. He didn't mind.

"Hm...can I still take you on that date?" he stared at me with a big smile. I nodded immediately, reaching out to pat his head.

"Yes, you can, mister Jay."

As if on cue, Mr. Kim stepped through the front classroom doors with his suitcase. He paused in his steps when he noticed us. Jay abruptly took a step back. He looked back and forth between Mr. Kim and me. Our teacher only smirked as he continued his way to us. "Have a good date,

couple of the year." Mr. Kim gave us small pats on the shoulder before strolling away. We stared at his disappearing figure, flustered at his statement.

-

"So, where are we going?" I asked as we walked out of the school grounds. Jay bit his lips.

"Okay, don't get mad at me but...

I'm bringing you to the second night of my parent's business party."

My eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. "Excuse me!? In our uniforms!?" I motioned to our current attire.

"Well, we are wearing suits so, it doesn't go against the boring dress code!" I groaned exasperatingly on the sidewalk, stomping my foot. Johnny's first impression will be ruined!!

"I didn't prepare anything either, don't worry. I'll wear the uniform with you."

"Jay, that's not the issue! I'm meeting your parents for the first time, in my uniform!" his mouth formed an 'o' shape.

"It's okay. They know you're the ace of our school. It would be an honor to have your presence in the room, anyway." I blushed at his words but covered it up with a loud huff.

"Whatever." my lips jutted out as I crossed my arms.

"Awe, come on. If it bothers you that much, we can stop by a tailor shop and rent something for the night." that sounded splendid. I was about to agree until he spoke again.

"But then we'll be half an hour late to the party," tardiness!? I'll skip that!

"It's okay then! Our uniforms look presentable enough, right? I mean it belonged to one of the most honorable schools!" I fixed a smile onto my lips. It was more like I was convincing myself.

Jay stared at me in dismay before letting out a chuckle. "Whatever you say, babe."

"Why are we at a bike shop?" I asked with a raised brow. I had just been following Jay wherever he turned.

"To get our ride, duh," Jay said matter-of-factly before going in for a handshake with one of the mechanics.

"Yo, is she ready for action?" I furrowed my brows as I shifted closer to Jay.

"More than ready to surf the highways! Hey, Ronaldo!" the mechanic whistled at one of his assistants. He rushed towards us.

"Yes, boss man!"

"Get Jay's bike out! Christian ought to be done with his polishing by now!" he commanded.

"Aye aye, big wheel!" I regarded as his assistant speeded off into the back.

"This your man?" the mechanic nudged his head at me. I swallowed nervously. He looked intimidating. His arms were enveloped in scars, fresh and old. He was working with metals all day, after all.

"Aye, aye." Jay gently tapped my waist and beckoned for me to introduce myself.

"I'm Johnny, sir."

"First time I've been called sir in a decade! Hah!" I assumed I did something wrong until he reassured me.

"See, I was a sergeant in an Army camp over twelve years ago. Phew, that was a long time!" he took a swig off his flask. Not long after, Ronaldo and another man appeared, gently stirring a matte bike into our view.

"Ah, there she is," Jay sighed in relief.

Jay owned a bike!? Just when I thought he couldn't get hotter-

"On the house!" the mechanic immediately declared. Jay hasn't even gotten his hands on the vehicle yet.

"This isn't a restaurant!" Jay chuckled before shaking his head.

"You know I can't do that. I'm in debt to you for keeping her safe." the mechanic hummed in opposition.

"No, amigo. Think of it as a Christmas gift. Now, go! Don't make your papa blow his head off!" he smacked Jay on his back and rushed us out of the store, mainly so Jay had no chance to even fish for his wallet in his backpack.

"Remember my trick, Jay. Hide it in the bush!" Jay grinned at him.

"Roger!" with that, we left the store with Jay pushing the bike onto the main road.

"Why do you have to hide it?" I asked, taking the helmet Jay passed me.

"My dad hates bikes," he simply responded and buckled his helmet.

"Why?" I accompanied him on the bike, lightly tugging on the material near his waist.

"Severe memories about it. But that's not important. What's important is that you better hold on tight." Jay revved the engine. I raised a brow.

"Why is that?"

I instinctively enveloped my arms around his waist when he unexpectedly began going at a great speed. "Are you sure you're not going to get fined!?" I screamed; my voice muffled by the helmet.

"I'm not past the speed limit!" Jay laughed and jokingly sped up.

"Quit doing that!"

"Do what!? This?" he sped up again and I slapped his shoulders. He only smirked at me. How could he even see the road!? Everything looked like a blur to me!

-

"Bahahaha!!" Jay chortled as he pointed at my tousled hair. Jokes aside, how did Jay manage to keep his hair so neat!?

Riding bikes sure gave me an adrenaline rush. Maybe that was why Jay liked riding bikes so much.

"Anyways, we're here." I had to blink a couple of times to get my vision to clear. Once it did, I gawked at the building. Right in front of us was a literal palace!

I thought I'd only see it in movies, but here we are thanks to Jay.

Jay suddenly reached out to pet my hair down. I stared at him wide-eyed as he ran his fingers through my hair. Subconsciously, I tip-toed and settled my lips on his.

Right where they should be.

He froze in his spot, taken aback. I quickly pulled away, feeling flustered all of a sudden. "I think my hair's okay now. Let's go." he simply nodded.

"It's not like we've never kissed before! Let's go!" I pulled on his coat and that got him to come back to reality.

"Okay, okay!"

The entrance hall was silent, safe for the clacking of our dress shoes on the marble floors.

What shocked me the most was the Renaissance mural on the dome ceiling.

"Here it is..." Jay whispered. The both of us stood by huge closed wooden doors.

I heard faint chatters and music coming from the other side.

It was like time stopped when the doors suddenly opened to unveil a banquet crowded with people adorning extravagant gowns and priceless watches. They immediately turned towards us without any announcement made. My breath caught in my throat.

"Let's go." Jay suddenly grabbed hold of my hand and led the way. Some guests gasped as they stared at our intertwined hands.

Definitely an eye-opener.

Jay subtly hid our joined hands behind him as we near his parents who were laughing heartily with other guests at a table lined with silk. Along with the companies, they turned to us in acknowledgment.

"Ah, Jay!" his dad promptly stood up and marched towards us with superior steps.

"I believe you remember my son, Jay." he faced the guests while they nodded with polite smiles. His dad turned to me.

"Oh, you brought a friend along!" Jay cleared his throat.

"He's not just a friend." his dad stared at him with a faltered smile. Jay moved slightly to reveal our hands. It was efficient as his dad's eyes immediately wandered down. He frowned deeply.

"He is my lover."