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Who His Other Friend Is
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Matsuo Yuuji, 18 years old.

High school senior...

And very happy that the day was over.

I closed my book with a thud, flexing my neck as I did. The day was more tiring than usual, but that was good in the sense that I was productive. Thankfully, there wasn't much homework to do. And, amazingly, Youko didn't have any special assignments for me. Of course, that didn't mean that I didn't have to report to the palace, but at least I had a break, somehow. And I had every intention of enjoying it by... I dunno. Lying around and appreciating the silence, I guess. Or maybe I could cook dinner so my mom wouldn't have to. Yeah, that sounded nice.

I stretched in my chair, thinking of how to spend my afternoon, when Takumi pulled up a chair beside me.

"Soooooooo?" he asked, smiling.

"Soooooooo what?"

"Soooooooo who did you ask to the dance?"

I blinked. "The wha?"

"The dance, Matsuo," Takumi said. "Y'know, that thing where people display their social skills as they make idiots of themselves on the dance floor, and make small talk around the table while sipping their drinks?"

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Shimizu Takumi. The master of weird definitions.

"Oh, right. The dance," I said as I began to gather my things. "When is it again?"

"Uh... Tomorrow."

"Oh."

There was silence — that is, if you ignored our classmates with us in the room — and I had to stop from what I was doing to look at Takumi. It wasn't like him to suddenly cut a conversation short like that. He was sitting there, staring at me as if I had grown a second head.

"What?" I asked.

"Dude. I said the dance is tomorrow."

"Yeah. So?"

"'So?' 'So?! ' I tell you that one of the highlights of the senior year is tomorrow, and you say 'So'?! And, oh yes. Before asking that superduper dumb question, you first say 'Oh'. 'Oh.' Matsuo, are you friggin' insane?!"

I paused. "I don't think so, no."

Takumi sighed, scratching his head in obvious irritation. Let it be known that I actually saw his point. That the dance was tomorrow, so I should have already asked a girl to be my date. By this time, though, I was sure that all the girls had been asked already. That, of course, would probably be a bad thing for me. But it wasn't actually a really big deal to me.

Not really, anyway.

"Yuuji, this is the best time for you to ask a girl out."

"Yeah, I know."

A pause.

"Doesn't it bother you that you've never liked girls?"

"Whoa, hold it right there," I said, slightly laughing. "It's not like I've never liked girls, okay? I just don't like them enough to try to date them."

Takumi raised an eyebrow. Sheesh. Was there a rule or something that says that male teenagers had to have girlfriends just because they're all hormonal?

"You have issues, y'know."

"Yes, Shimizu, I know."

As a matter of fact, I really did have issues. And I bet that Takumi would never understand them. I had commitment issues, for one. It wasn't that I didn't want to commit to a girl. My problem was that I couldn't commit to a girl. It was beyond my power, unluckily for me.

Long story.

Secondly, I had comparison issues. I didn't realize it at first, actually. Every time a girl came along, before I could even begin to think that maybe there was a possibility that I could like her, I always found myself unconsciously comparing her to one specific girl. The girls in question may be pretty, kind, intelligent, or talented and... well... over-all desirable, but, somehow, their appeal lowers at the mere reminder of her. They were nice, yeah, but they weren't special like her...

Her. The other friend that Takumi and I had.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wasn't in love with her or anything like that. We're friends, and it's a perfectly good set-up, and I'm totally content with that.

Really.

No, really, I'm serious.

Really.

Okay, fine, maybe I sometimes entertained the possibility that I liked her. Sometimes.

And it's just a small, miniscule possibility.

Tiny. Microscopic.

ARGH.

Yes, I was in denial. Is it that obvious? But come on. Even if I did like her (which I didn't) it wasn't actually important because, as I said, I had no intention of getting involved with a girl. If Youko got off of my case, well, that's a different story altogether. Maybe then, I'd get a move on. But, no. He wasn't. Therefore, there was no way I was going to get a happily ever after. Therefore, I did not like her. My logic is perfect. Don't dare to dispute me.

"So I assume you already have a date?" I asked as Takumi and I left the classroom.

He smirked. "As a matter of fact, I do."

"And that is...?"

"The lovely, friendly, and totally awesome..."

Yeeeeeeees?

"...Hiroguchi Fuu."

I nearly tripped right there in the middle of the hallway in surprise.

WHAAAAAT?!

He asked her?!

Okay, so I knew that someone was going to ask her — or had already asked her — but realizing that theory could be reality was just... just...

ARGH!

And it was Takumi, of all people! My best friend, of all people!

Why that... that—...!!!

Takumi laughed, patting me on the back. "I was kidding."

...He was?

"What kind of friend do you think I am?" he continued. "Why would I ask her if I knew you had the hots for her?"

That shook me awake from my shock. I scoffed as I turned to continue walking.

"Excuse me, but I don't have the hots for her. We're just—"

"Just friends, yes, yes," Takumi interrupted. "So why was your face one of shock beyond all comprehension when I told you that she's my date?"

"She's not your date."

"Doesn't change the fact that you reacted that way."

"Doesn't change the fact that she's not your date."

Takumi laughed again before slightly turning serious. "But, really, Matsuo, wouldn't you prefer that I be her date? I mean, anybody else could've asked her. At least if she was with me, then I'd take care of her, y'know? What with her being our friend and all."

He had a point.

"But, yeah. I actually have a date and it's not dear Fuu. But I did talk to her and told her that if she didn't have a date by tomorrow, I'll keep an eye on her, too. I don't want the girl to be all lonely and stuff, after all..."

"How nice of you," I said, half meaning it and half being sarcastic. Sure, he wanted to keep Fuu company, but wasn't she going to be like a third wheel or something? Just because she didn't have a date didn't mean he had to—

...Say, what?!

"Wait a sec," I said. "So you mean she doesn't have a date yet?"

"As of lunchtime today, no."

Perfect. Now I'm at a dilemma. If she didn't have a date, that meant that I could still ask her. But if I asked her to the dance, that would violate my 'don't entertain the thought of dating a girl because you can't commit, anyway' rule.

But I wanted to ask her.

But I didn't.

Arrrrrrrr... I hate this.

"And speak of the angel, there she is."

I lifted my dejected gaze from the floor when I heard Takumi's alert. Sure enough, I saw the topic of our discussion standing down the hall, looking at the bulletin board. The girl Takumi called an angel. The other friend Takumia dn I had. Hiroguchi Fuu.

To me, though, I wouldn't exactly call her an angel. It wasn't that she was a nice girl — she actually was a nice girl, just to set the records straight. It was more of... well... Let's put it this way: When I hear the word "angel", I think of a ethereal person floating around with shining golden hair and white shining wings and a kind smile and soft voice and all that.

Fuu was none of that.

She was for real. She had spunk. She was pretty. She was down to earth. She had a strong character. She had a real smile, one that she doesn't give unless she meant it. She had real mind brimming with real opinions, ones she kept to herself unless they could help in a situation. She was the embodiment of balance of voice and silence. Of beauty and brains. Of seriousness and laughter...

She was Fuu.

And she was looking at me.

"Yuuji?"

I blinked out of my daze, only then realizing that I had walked up to her — and was standing dumbly in front of her — and I didn't even notice it.

"Uh... Hi?" I said, smiling to hide my embarrassment. She raised an eyebrow. In an attempt to steer attention away from myself, I turned to Takumi...

... only to find an empty space beside me.

"He left already," Fuu supplied. "He said good-bye, didn't you hear him?"

Err...no. Maybe it's because I was too busy staring at you?

"Oh," was all I managed to say. How intelligent of me.

"Are you all right?"

"Yup. Never better."

Her eyebrows furrowed, but she nodded slowly. I could tell she wasn't exactly convinced.

"So... watcha looking at?" I asked, directing her attention to the announcement board, and away from myself.

"Our exam results got out today," she said, a bright smile gracing her face. "Look, you're in 13th place!"

"Cool."

"Just 'cool'?" she asked. "Isn't it 'Cool!' or 'Awesome!'?"

I only blinked.

"Don't you think that's cause for celebration, Yuuji?"

"Um... Not really."

"Hmf. Typical. Most people simply wish to pass, you know, and here you are in 13th place as if it's not big deal. You should appreciate life more."

"Hey, I do!" I objected. "Some kids take academics too seriously, y'know? I just care about the people I love more than I do my studies."

Fuu said nothing for a second to glance back at the exam results. "Do you care about your mom, Yuuji?"

I blinked. "Of course I do!"

"Well, don't you think she'd be proud when she finds out that you're doing well in school?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Fuu smiled; not in triumph that she proved a point, but... she just smiled. I smiled back. Ha. Trust Fuu to point out the most important things at the most perfect times. Sometimes her insight just amazes me. Oh, wait. Scratch that. Her insight never failed to amaze me.

"I have to go pick Maya up," Fuu said, glancing at her watch. "She should be out of school by now."

I nodded, and we made our way out of the school grounds. We walked in silence for a few moments, quietly enjoying our time together. Or, at least I was enjoying our time together. I don't know about her, though. She just kept her gaze straight in front of her, but there were a several times that I caught her glancing at her left foot. At one point, I glanced at it with her just to see what she was looking at, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe a bubblegum was stuck under her shoe or something? Well, that was... terribly unromantic...

Not that our walk should be romantic or anything...

"Hey," she spoke up, breaking the silence. "Remember the last time you walked home with Maya and me from school?"

"Uh... I think so, yeah. It was a few weeks ago, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, something like that. Who was that boy we met at Maya's school gate?"

"Boy?" I asked. "What boy?" I tried not to sound lame and forgetful, but it was hard because the way the wind blew through her hair was pretty distracting. I mean, seriously. I had a pretty girl beside me, her soft brown locks brushing her cheeks... and neck...

Dammit, how could I not be distracted?!

"Y'know, that maroon-haired kid that passed by. He attends Maya's school. I passed by him when I went to meet Maya, but you stopped right there at the gate. And then you glared at him."

"...I did?"

I was trying to concentrate on what she was saying. I swear.

"Yes, you did," she said, before glancing down at her shoe again. "And I think he did, too. You two pretty much glared at each other for a few seconds." At this point, Fuu took a split-second to sort of wriggle her foot. "I just called you to get your attention."

"Oh."

Sorry for another ever-intelligent answer, but I was too busy wishing that the wind would stop blowing just so I would stop stealing glances at her like this. If I didn't stop behaving like lovesick puppy soon, I would kill myself.

Not that I actually won't die, anyway, but that's not the point.

Good thing she was distracted by her foot to notice... What was up with her foot, anyway?

"So who was the kid?"

"Just a brat," I said rather dismissively. I didn't really want to talk about that kid right now.

Fuu said nothing. She glanced down at her shoe again, shaking it a bit as she did so.

"Are you all right?" I finally asked. "You keep wriggling your foot."

"There's this pebble in my shoe." she grumbled, finally stopping from walking. "Hey, can you hold on for a sec?"

Hey, can I push you against the wall and kiss you breathless?

ARGH! Must. Stop. Staring!!!

Absolutely oblivious to my less-than-wholesome train of thought, she lifted her bothered foot, holding on my arm for balance. If I had decided it, I could have easily pushed her against the wall, really. Ah, but little Maya was waiting for us, and I can't have her wondering what Yuuji-kun did to Fuu-chan. And I really shouldn't be getting involved with a girl right now. Most especially Fuu.

After a few moments, Fuu righted herself, finally relieved of the annoying pebble. We continued walking. And, thankfully, we reached Maya's middle school without any problems. By that time, students were filing out of the school, and it was hard to spot a specific girl out of the throng.

"Fuu-chan! Yuuji-kun!!!"

I turned to the excited voice just in time to catch the red-haired girl that flung herself at me.

"Hey, Maya," I greeted her, giving her a quick hug before setting her down on the ground.

Hiroguchi Maya. Fuu's younger sister. Middle school freshman. She was a cute little girl, animated beyond comprehension, and she always made me laugh. Actually, she and Takumi got along great, bringing joy and fun and sparkles into the world with their hilarious antics. Maya was almost as much a sister to him (and me) as she was to Fuu. She beamed brightly, taking both my hands in hers. I've known her since she was four, so I was pretty sure I was going to get a detailed account of her day right there at the school gate.

"Hey, Yuuji-kun!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah?"

"Can you kiss me?"

I blinked.

Can I what her?!

"Say again?"

"Can you kiss me?" she repeated. "On the cheek."

Oh.

"It's just that my classmates are watching from the main entrance, and it'd be really cool if they saw you kiss me, most especially since you're in high school."

That...made no sense to me whatsoever.

"See, I'm a junior high student, right?" she explained. "Won't it look so cool if I, a junior high student, had a high school student of a boyfriend?"

"Uh... I...guess so," I said, trying to comprehend what was going on. "And that boyfriend would be me?"

"Yup!"

"But they know I'm your sister's friend!"

"Yes, but they think that I have a crush on you."

"...Do you?"

"No, but it'd still look cool if you kissed me."

I finally found the luxury to laugh in relief and, at the same time, in amusement.

Man. Maya was just so friggin' cute.

With a smile on my lips, I bent down and placed a quick little kiss on her right cheek. Even though I was a guy, having Fuu (and Maya) as a friend for a long time gave me enough material to be familiar with the aesthetics of girly romance. Using that knowledge, I made sure that the way I lifted Maya's chin with my fingers would make her classmates squeal with delight.

"Okay?" I asked as I stood straight again.

Maya beamed. "'kay!" she exclaimed, linking her arm in mine. "Let's go home!"

I laughed again as the smaller girl led the way. To her left, Fuu shook her head slightly.

"You shouldn't be encouraging her, Yuuji," she said, being every bit of the responsible older sister that she was.

"Oh, come on, it's not like she has a crush on me."

Fuu said nothing, but it was obvious that she wanted to cross her arms and harrumph. I laughed, saying the first thing that came to mind.

"Whoa, are you jealous?"

"No."

Drat.

"Reeeeaaaaally?" I asked. In the back of my mind, I realized that I was almost sounding like Takumi. But as I realized that, an idea suddenly popped into my head. A crazy idea... An idea so crazy that it might actually work. Okay, I was definitely sounding like Takumi.

"Yes, really." Fuu was saying, setting my plan into action.

"So you don't care who I'm with?"

"No."

"Even if it's you?"

Fuu's eyebrows furrowed for a split-second. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I'm asking you to go to the dance with me."

"..What? How did that—"

"Hey, you asked what that meant, so I told you what that meant," I said, feeling quite smug that I was able to use Fuu's logic against her. "So what'll it be? Would you mind if I was with you?"

"Sheesh, you could've just asked like other people do it."

Sheesh, you could've just answered 'yes'.

"Like other people do it, huh? Like how?"

"Just ask."

"How?"

She rolled her eyes, sighing in exasperation. "Will you go to the dance with me?"

HA!

"Why, yes, Fuu, I will. I'm flattered you asked me."

She stopped for a moment, her eyebrows furrowing once more, before (again) rolling her eyes.

"You, Matsuo Yuuji, are hopeless."

"Yes, Hiroguchi Fuu, I know."
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From the Author: Yeyness! I'd appreciate it if you guys tell me what you think of Fuu. Thanks, thanks! Special thanks to Spa Inspired and to the 18 people (I think) reading this fic! Thanks so much!