“Saiku! Stop that.” Mura shouted.

Saiku frowned and retracted his playful embrace.

“Ah ha ha… you’re no fun.”

Mura angrily brushed his brown hair back. The two friends walked down a path that led to a large building. Saiku waved at a passing group of students. They all grinned at him, but then blushed at Mura’s presence. He was one of the most attractive students at Kage High. He was a junior (age 17) and his outgoing friend beside him was a sophomore. Though there was a two year age difference, they had been good friends since childhood. They were always seen walking or hanging out with each other. Mura and Saiku soon reached the building’s doors and went inside.

The sound of girls giggling and gossiping struck the hallways as they entered. Mura was the object of many of the student’s young hearts, men and women alike. He was a top student, beautiful, and polite to everyone. When he fist arrived at Kage High, he was asked out almost constantly.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any spare time to dedicate to anyone. I hope you understand."

Mura never dated as he said that it’d interfere with his studies. These things didn’t stop the imaginitive minds of the love stricken teens, however.

Saiku was still close to Mura’s side. He also got a lot of looks. He was just as attractive as Mura. If a student was asked who was better looking, they’d be standing there without an answer. No one asked them out though. At least not anymore after what happened last year. A timid young lady approached Saiku during passing period and mustered up enough courage to ask him out. Gently but firmly, he rejected her.

“I’m sorry. But, you see, I’m waiting for someone.” he said with a weak smile.

The girl grew red as she sensed a crowd growing around her. She turned swiftly and rushed down the hallway holding in her sobs with her small hand. Even though a few people saw the scene, the word spread like wildfire.

“Nobody is to ask Saiku-kun out. He is waiting for the best time. He already loves someone but he is not to be rushed. When he is ready he will ask.” as the popular girls stated.

In many of the student’s heads, it was themselves. They would pass in the halls smiling or waving and then Saiku would kindly return the gesture. The poor kids would return to the dorms, flop onto their beds, and scream:

“It’s me! I knew it was!”

For awhile, Mura was amused.

“You’re waiting for someone? Just ask her out before some other guy does.” Mura asked one day.

Saiku shook his head violently, as a child does when he doesn’t get what he wants. His black spikey hair was messed further.

“I will not. They aren’t ready. Not yet, at least.”

Now, however, Mura was far from amused. He was actually pretty shocked. Saiku had finally asked someone without conversing with him first, which is what good friends do before they take certain actions. By now, both boys were standing outside Mura’s first period class. Psychology class. Mura turned to face his friend.

“I’ll see you fifth, then?” he asked.

Saiku rubbed his chin.

“Of course. We aren’t eating in though, right? I can’t stand the school’s sorry excuse for food anymore.”

Mura eyed the clock on the wall. The bell was going to ring in about twenty seconds.

“Fine, quickly then. Where do you suggest? A buffet?”

Although he was being sarcastic; there would not be nearly enough time to drive to a restaurant, sit, eat, and then drive back to school in time; Saiku smiled widely and laughed eagerly.

“Sweet! I can’t wait!”

Mura sighed and turned around to enter the room but something caught him. Mura’s eyes darted across the hall to see if anyone was there; watching. No, Mura was not amused at all. Never thought that Saiku would shock him this much. Mura froze in Saiku’s hug from behind; his head resting on Mura’s shoulder.

“Leaving with no goodbye?” he breathed on Mura’s neck.

They stood there like that for a few moments until finally Mura broke the silence.

“J… just… Goodbye, alright!” he whispered harshly, still afraid that someone would see.

Mura remembered that day he had spoken to his friend:

“What do you mean ‘they’ aren‘t ready?” he asked.

Saiku looked at the floor, smiled, and then looked back up.

“Did I say ‘they’?”

Mura laughed, “Yes… what are you planning on? Multiple partners? I don’t think the girls in school will go for that.”

Saiku rubbed his pants down, making it neat.

“I suppose I didn’t want you to know the gender.”

Mura looked at his friend for a second.

“Oh… do you mean you’re not… interested in… girls?” he asked in a normal tone.

Saiku again looked at the floor.

“Hey, don’t worry about it! I don’t care and if you want to keep it a secret, I won’t tell anyone. I just hope that you don't think that this will change us, though. You know, our friendship.” Mura said quickly.

Saiku breathed in deep and stretched out his arms.

“Thanks… but… you know what? You’re right. I’ll ask before it’s too late.” Saiku said.

“Good for you.” Mura said as he watched his friend walk off.

Not once did he think that Saiku was gay and he’d known him for fourteen years.

“Good for him…” he said to himself as he grabbed up his books.

“Yeah…” he said, realizing that his friend was going to start dating.

They both had been single for years and Mura felt somewhat jealous. His friend was going to start dating before him... and he was the younger one. He turned in frustration only to find his friend standing awkwardly in front of him.

“Saiku?”

“Yeah, would you like to, maybe, go out with me?” Saiku asked while looking Mura straight in the eyes.

Mura shook his head to escape the memory. He was back in front of his class, still being held by Saiku.

"What a rude goodbye, Mura.” he said.

“Let go. I said it, didn’t I?” Mura said, annoyed.

Saiku breathed a light chuckle as he walked off, waving.

They bell rang, so Mura fixed the wrinkles in his shirt and stepped in.

“You’re late… Strange of you.” his teacher said as Mura took a seat in the back of the class.

“In any case, let’s get started.” Mura sighed.

The teacher lightly smiled.

“That’s my line, Mr. Student.”

Mura waved the stupid comment off and the teacher began the lesson. Mura looked out the window. It had started to drizzle but lightning could be seen far behind the clouds. Yes, very shocked, he thought.

Though, Mura said no to Saiku, that they should just remain as friends, Saiku has been pursuing him ever since.