"…Yuuki-kun I-"

Gasping for breath Yuuki Rito awoke from his sleep. Eyes wide open he felt his body feeling hot, and sweat drenched through his clothes to the bed sheet. He shook his head trying to clear his thought but the memory of that night and that dream kept repeating over and over in his head making him go awry.

He kept seeing her.

Her plump breasts, sweat trickling down her skin courtesy of the warm bath she just had in his house. His white shirt clinging to her wet skin, he still had no idea how the jersey he had left for her had turned into that but thank God that it did. Her reddened cheeks giving color to her face, and her gentle eyes looking at him so closely. And her body, oh God her perfect body. He almost didn't believe how he managed to hold himself from taking her right then and there.

Yuuki-kun..

*PAN!*

He slapped his face. Ever since that night he felt something change in the way he looked at her, usually he has no problem whatsoever when talking to Kotegawa at school. But now it just feels like whenever their eyes met he got so flustered that he has to look away, or else he would've started imagining things that would merit more than a slap from her.

"Ritoo! How long are you gonna sleep? Breakfast's ready!"

Looking at the clock he realized that he has spent too much time in his bed. Answering his sister he proceeds to change into his winter uniform, but not until he has calmed down what's beneath his boxer first..

…

Hearing her brother's reply Yuuki Mikan decided not to go upstairs and instead returned to the kitchen to finish stirring the miso soup they'll be having for breakfast. While she watched the brown liquid spinning around swallowing the bits and pieces of onion leaves, she again sighed at her brother's recent behaviors.

Late again today huh?

Rito being late is actually not a rare thing. In fact before the whole thing with Lala happened he's already the lazy person that he is now. What bothered her is how different the reason for his being late. A couple days ago when Rito is late (again) she went upstairs to check on him, but instead of her brother sleeping figure what she saw from the slightly opened door is her brother grabbing his head while staring at nothing for a few minutes. She thought it was a puberty thing when she spotted the rising sheet on her brother's waist, but it doesn't seem to be the case. What she does know is that this has become more frequent ever since she caught him in his room with a girl wearing nothing but his shirt, or at least that what it looked like. She remembered her as the class president that showed interest towards her brother, though it seems that the person himself doesn't realize it despite all the obvious hints (I mean come on, cat-shaped home-made chocolate? On valentine day? Dammit Rito).

Staring at the brown liquid that's just about to bubble, Mikan lowered the fire and started preparing the plates. Just as she was done her brother entered the kitchen quietly.

"Hey there sleepyhead, late as usual?"

What she got was a muffled grunt for a reply. Sensing the awkwardness Mikan returned to the pot and scooped out a bowlful of Miso for her brother. The breakfast today is a simple one. Rice, grilled fish and miso soup with a small stir fried potato as a side dish. It's not much but it's a healthy one, and home-made nonetheless. Putting the tray in front of him, Mikan continued to notice her brother weird antics even more. Picking up the rice, tearing the fish, chewing them, drinking the soup, bite the potato, rinse and repeat. The monotonous motion looked eerie and not like the happy-go-lucky Rito she knew would do. Turning off the stove the younger Yuuki grew worried. She never had any experience in the subject but she had a feeling that her brother is probably, most likely, on the off chance that she is right, in love. Blushing, she coughed involuntarily. Granted she's only an elementary student, however due to their living arrangements and her brother's oh so many female 'acquaintances' she couldn't help but notice things like this. But it's different this time. She might not know about love, but she knew her brother. When he was in love with Haruna back then he never acted like this. Sure he gets all weird but never being this distant from everyone, even her. Is it because it's different? Or maybe with Haruna it was never seriou-

"I'm finished.."

The chair squeaked when he stood. Again she looked at the food, and again she saw that he barely ate it. She's worried, very worried. She doesn't know what's happening with him and she wished she does. From time to time she always thinks of herself as the mature one between the two of them but she knew that when it comes to serious matter she is still a kid. Following him to the front door she started fidgeting, scared to talk.

"Ne Onii-chan.." she said, talking in her little sister tone. Surprised at the old nickname, Rito looked up from tying his shoes. "You know you can always talk to me right?" the last part came out as a squeak, and she looked down at her feet. How embarrassing. Here she is, talking to her beloved brother, and she got scared just asking him a question. Seeing her like that, the older Yuuki stood up and patted her head gently, all while giving her a reassuring smile.

"Of course I do. You can also talk to me okay?" so he said, and she smiled weakly. Living together for years she knew when her brother is faking a smile just to reassure her, and what she saw was clearly one. Picking up the umbrella besides him, Rito stepped out and closed the door, leaving her alone in the hallway.

…

Sainan High.

Not the most well-known school yet not the most unknown either. All in all it's a normal school. Attended by the normal high school student Yuuki Rito. He got in at a normal time, greeted the normal school guard, and entered through the normal gate.

It's a normal, peaceful morning.

How rare.

Putting his shoes in the locker, Rito took out the standard slippers and put it on. As he slipped his umbrella on the rack his eyes met another honey-colored ones in the hallway.

It's her.

It's Kotegawa.

Standing with her rule sanctioned uniform, Kotegawa Yui was carrying a stack of papers with her. No doubt she's bringing them to their classroom. Her 2cm-above-the-knees skirt fluttered, showing a glimpse of her milky thighs. Yellow colored blazer with the size just right to flaunt her body curve. As usual she never wore any make-up yet he wondered how her lips always look so shiny, was it a lip balm? And why is he staring at her lips in the first place?

"M-morning…Kotegawa"

"A-ah, morning…Yuuki-kun"

It's awkward. Why is it awkward? He has greeted her many times before this and it was never awkward. He hates this. Why did it become like this. Before, they can chat with each other and laugh about silly things together and now he can't even look at her. He should say something. Anything, like-

"Then, see you at class" she walked away. No doubt having more important things to do than dealing with a blubbering idiot.

"W-wait!" he shouted. Too loudly at that. Feeling bad about scaring her Rito walked up to her and offered to help. "That is.. Err..let me help you with that. It must be heavy right? And since we're in the same class I figure I should help. I- if that's okay with you?" He stuttered. Way to go idiot. Now she must be feeling even more uncomfortable. Just go before she hate-

"Sure, thank you as always.. Yuuki-kun.." She giggled, and he could feel something skipped in his chest. She gave the stack of papers to him and he could feel their hands touching and did she just stroke his hand? Or maybe he's reading too much into this. Either way he better remember to be careful of her smile from now on. It's bad for the heart.

On the way to the class they talked to each other, mostly her while he listened. It's always about her stupid brother or something about cats and how their fur in the winter grow making them even fluffier. Although he doesn't understand any of it he's just glad that they're finally talking again, and he could feel something lighter within his body. It would be nice if they could stay like this a bit longer but sadly they have arrived at the class. She opened the door for him and he managed to utter a "thank you" without stuttering to which she responded with a smile. There it is again, only this time it's his stomach that felt fuzzy. He didn't know how to stop it, only that he knew it's not a bad feeling. Then he started to feel hungry. He regretted leaving that fish Mikan gave him unfinished, boy that would have tasted so good.

"Riiiittoooooooo!~~"

Suddenly he could feel himself strangled, and a waft of strawberry assaulted his nose. He looked behind him and saw pink hair blocking his view, no doubt belonging to a certain princess he knows.

"La-Lala.. You're.. choking me.."

"Waaaaaa sorryyy~~ Are you okay Rito?" the Devilukian princess quickly released her hug and asked with voice full of concern.

"Yeah I'm fine. Just… try not to jump at me like that." Fixing his crooked tie Rito made a weak smile, in which the Deviluke princess returned with a brighter one. Then he could feel his arm being pulled and hugged warmly, feeling two soft sensations on his elbow and the strawberry smell resting on his shoulder. With an innocent smile and a little laugh from Lala, Rito can't help but sigh contently to what has become a daily occurrence for him.

"..Ah"

It was a small voice, barely a whisper and yet he heard it. He looked and saw the same honey-colored eyes from this morning looked at him with less glimmer from before. No, it wasn't at him. It was… his arm? He stood there, not knowing what to do. Then the owner of the eyes moved her arm to her chest, by its movement it doesn't seem she herself is conscious of it. Eventually she moved to her seat with a small run, as if wanting to reach there as soon as possible.

"Hey Rito? What's wrong?" the voice beside him said, breaking him out of his trance.

"..Nothing. It was nothing." As soon as he said that the bell rang, signaling the beginning of homeroom. Rito put the papers on the teacher's desk and made his way to his seat. Listening to the teacher made his morning call.

It seems he wasn't hungry after all.

…

"..And so I can't go home with you. Sorry for the sudden news." Lala whimpered, with a sad look on her face. Behind her stood her two sisters with their wings out and ready, waiting for their older sibling.

"Well it's an important royal stuff right? I understand completely, I'll be fine on my own. Be careful on your way back okay?" Hearing the kind reply the princess shouted thank you and leaped to hug him. Rito laughed weakly and waved to the three Devilukians and saw them fly away until their figure can no longer be seen. The sky was pouring heavily and yet it seems Lala has used some kind of device to repel water away from their body. He just hoped it won't malfunction somewhere along the way.

Well I guess Peke's there should something happen.

Knowing he could depend on the little guy Rito made his way to the locker to get his shoes. He's just glad that he made the correct decision in bringing an umbrella for today. The weather did seem ominous this morning. Tying his sneakers Rito proceeds to the front door only to saw a girl standing there. It seems she forgot to bring an umbrella.

"..Kotegawa?"

"Eeek!?" she squeaked in reply. Maybe that tap on the shoulder was too surprising. "Yu-Yuuki-kun? What is it?"

"Sorry, it's just.. Well, what are you doing here? The bell rung half an hour ago. Aren't you going home?" he asked with a confused look. It's a rare thing to see her staying at school besides for the committee meeting and such. Kotegawa Yui is certainly not the type to roam the school after hours.

"Oh I was just.. I mean I.." and then he saw it. Her hands clutched her bag straps tightly. The small kitten keychain dangling back and forth, and he noticed there's no umbrella in sight. He looked at her face, and there's a tenseness behind it. He knew what he would normally say at a situation like this but his throat just got stuck and the words won't come out. They stood there for a while, exchanging nervous looks between each other; and suddenly he realized that he hasn't said anything for a minute and she turned her glance towards her feet. He felt something pressing on his chest, something he never felt before but he's sure he doesn't like it.

"..Then, wanna go home together?" he offered.

"Eh?"

He stepped out and opened his umbrella amidst the pouring rain.

The streets are much quieter than usual save for the drizzling rain and the sound of their feet stepping on a puddle. The smell of fresh dirt and grass entered her nose and she sighed contently even though the cold atmosphere makes her shiver all the way through her blazer. Occasionally she spied an eye towards the young man on her right and she saw him looking forward with a stern gaze while carrying his umbrella. She tried to quicken her steps so as to not burden him but she noticed that it was him that has slowed down his steps to match hers. She blushed at the thought, and she tried to tell him it's okay to go faster but she didn't. She felt something warm in her chest and for a second she wished that she lived further just to enjoy this moment longer. The two didn't speak to each other throughout the walk, both seeming to understand the kind of atmosphere they're in and just embraced the silence. It was peaceful, serene, and altogether just perfect.

If only it can be like this forever.

"Hey look at that."

Yui turned her head to him and saw what he was pointing at. It was the park with the igloo that they both once used to shelter from the rain.

"I can't believe it was a long time ago. Remember when we hide in there from the principal?"

"Eh? Y-yeah, I remember..a little."

In truth she remembered all of it.

What she was wearing. How she felt her hair looked weird that day. What she had for lunch. The warmth of his hand when he pulled hers. How she kept staring at him. Him turning red from seeing her underwear through her transparent uniform.

How she let him to.

It all comes back to her in the form of a blush that she hoped Yuuki wouldn't see. It's weird. Why is it always like this whenever she's alone with him? When he's around, her chests tightens and butterflies flutter inside her. Yui Kotegawa hates it but only because she loved the feeling so much. She had never experienced this sensation in her life. All her life it's always about rules and moral conducts that she felt the need to be enforced due to how the people around her acts. It started with her distastes of her brother's attitude. He's sloppy, rude, and gross. He never made up his bed, eats his food while talking, and constantly bragged about girls from his class, different girl each week. Her parents always told him that it's just 'how boys are' and if that's true then Yui Kotegawa has decided that she hates this creature called boys. They cause nothing but trouble and expects the women to clean it up and she hates them, she hates every single one of them.

But then she met Yuuki Rito.

In him she sees kindness, more than she has ever seen in a person. Sure he's shameless and constantly gropes every breasts and asses he encountered but over time she knew that he has never done that intentionally. Between them she saw his heroic moments and how loyal he is to his friends. No matter what the circumstances he doesn't hesitate to stood up for what he believes and swoops in to save someone in trouble, no matter who they are.

Even if it's not her.

"Kotegawa!?"

She spun around and saw him looking at her with concern. She doesn't know why until she felt something wet dripping on her cheek.

"What's wrong!? Are you okay!? Hold on let me get my handkerchief."

He passed the umbrella to her and she stood there letting him offer his kindness to her again. It's always like this. He never asked why. He never cared why. All he sees is someone in trouble and then he jumps in to save them no matter who they are to him. Her chest tightens again but there are also something there, something prickly and hurtful. When he offered his handkerchief her mouth suddenly moves on its own.

"Why?"

"Kotegawa?"

"Why, are you always so kind to me? I hurt you. I shouted at you. Yet you always smiled at me. Always cared about me. But it's not that right? It's not me."

"Kotegawa? What are you-"

"It's never about me right? It's about people. You do this to all of them. I'm just." Her body trembled, and she can feel the tears streaming down harder. "I'm just one of them, aren't I?"

Then she ran. Ran. Ran. Ran. Away from him. It hurts. It hurts to be near him. To be on the receiving end of that look and knowing it's not for her. She's just one of many. An insignificant number.

The sound of rain blocked out her sobbing along the way.

A/N: Surprise! I'm not dead! Hahaha well it's been a really, really, long time since I wrote the first chapter and what do you know it's the most popular story in my collection after all this time. I kept receiving notifications about new favorites and review regarding the story and I gotta tell you guys it warms my heart to know there are people who likes my writing, imperfect as they are. So here it is! Chapter 2 of the RitoxKotegawa fanfic. Honestly I read every one of your review and I can see how there are many mistakes I made in terms of grammar or the story flow in general and I promise I am learning, one letter at a time. Also I noticed a review saying I need to take them on dates so that it gets bright and cheery but I'm sorry! If you read my other stories you'd know that I can only write in this dark, somber way of the story (eugh). I can't say I'll do it buuutt I have been thinking on making them happy after all the crap I put them through here. So then, thanks again for the reviews and I hope you like the newest chapter. I promise the next one will be faster to update (I hope).

Cheers!