Disclaimer:I do not own Gundam Wing, Photo Kano or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.

Chapter 5 – Feelings Unveiled

Sleep had been elusive to her for the past three days. The dark rings surrounding her amber hued eyes were a visible testament to this. Haruka lazily brushed her teeth while indifferently looking at herself in front of her bathroom's mirror. She had already taken her breakfast and it was her final morning ritual before leaving for school. The pretty tennis ace of Kouga High felt lethargic as she gargled water before flushing out the residue from her mouth. She had been feeling such for the past three days. Haruka was sure it had nothing to do with her inherent health condition. However, she was beginning to suspect that it was somehow connected to the episode she witnessed three days prior – during after school activities with the tennis club.

Much as the lovely chestnut haired young woman would like to deny it and possibly, admit only to herself, she had been feeling down in the dumps after seeing Heero was talking pleasantly with Rina instead of watching her tennis practice. Of course, she had been quick to dismiss the idea that there may be something more beneath it. Though she would time and again wonder what her relationship or rather… her feelings for the stoic ex-Preventer agent might truly be.

'He's been always inside my mind… oh, Haruka… what's been happening to you?'

The person in question had also somehow detected her… unusual behavior and concernedly asked her if there was something wrong or bothering her. She hastily denied and attributed her lack of vigor to her mood and it was nothing serious to get worried about. Though the brown haired boy relented, she was sure he was still keenly observing her and only dropped the issue out of deep respect.

'Now… Ice Cream vendor-kun is worried and watching me closely… thinking I might get another medical episode anytime soon…'

Haruka deeply sighed and picked up her school bag before quickly saying good bye to her parents. The chestnut brown haired young woman had just closed their service gate when she noticed that Heero was all alone waiting for her. Plus, he was standing beside something which caused her amber irises to widen in surprise.

"You seem to be dragging yourself to the campus for the past couple of days… I thought that if you walk less it would probably lessen the strain, especially when you also need to practice tennis after school hours." Heero offered, she noticed however that there was a faint shade of red above his cheeks.

'You… you… I…' Her thoughts trailed while her eyes twitched in anticipation.

"If… if its fine with you, Haruka… come on." The brown haired boy beckoned, smiling lightly at her.

The lovely tennis ace nodded and smiled in return before walking towards Heero.

The light, cool breeze draped her skin, gently blowing her chestnut brown hair. Haruka smiled sheepishly while embracing Heero from behind. The morning sun mildly touched her face, true it was summer… yet everything felt perfectly balanced. It was a seamless blend of warmth and cold as the rays of sunlight and the early morning gale continued to sweep past her. She had been back riding on Heero's bike for the last ten minutes and the experience… was surreal and greatly appeasing for her. She meekly stole another glance at Heero and could not help but heave a long yet suppressed sigh.

'My heart's been beating uncontrollably since we started traveling on this bike…'

She knew there was a small timid smile that peeked at the corner of her lips.

How could she stop herself? She was… she was with Heero Yuy… she was with the young man that was… who was…

'Why do you always make my heart… beat so fast?'

'Why does my heart race with… mixed feelings when I think of you?'

'Why is my heart like this… each time I'm with you?'

These three were glaring questions that seem to resound not only within her heart but also inside her mind. It was causing her to lose sleep especially during weekends. The taciturn boy was steadily filling up her thoughts and growing into something she can't put a name on within her chest.

She stole another glance at him, her amber hued eyes lingering their gaze at his face, at his mass of brown hair…

His thin lips… and most of all… those cobalt blue eyes that always held a piercing stare… Haruka was always mesmerized every time she recalls an opportune moment she catches her reflection caught within his striking pupils.

She wanted to always be inside… always within his peripheral. She doesn't understand why… but all she knows was that… she needed him to see her.

She wanted him… she needed him to notice her differently…

Within the deepest crevices of her soul… lies the truth she all but desperately desired to conceal.

'L-Look… at… me… Heero…'

The thought spilled out inside her mind… but it was also an innate confession borne out from somewhere deep within her chest.

But she was not yet ready to admit or let alone realize it.

Haruka breathe in deeply before sighing contentedly, her cheeks felt hot yet she knew it was not caused by the early morning sun. She was blushing, true… but most importantly, she was happy.

The chestnut brown haired young lady was happy and enthralled at the encompassing scene while Heero continued to pedal his bike. True, the instance occurring right now was cliché, it was something that she has read on countless mangas and watched on various movies… but to actually experience it with someone she considers… unique… special… was truly pleasing.

Instinctively, both of her hands tightened around the brown haired young man when Heero rode over a small hump. Yet even though some time had already passed and they were passing on a relatively smooth surface she still unconsciously held tightly to him. Her head rested on his back… she was comfortable and at peace… it was like returning to a place she was all too familiar with. It seemed to her that… being with Heero was the only place where she could cast aside her worries and anxieties.

Everything felt so perfect… felt so right.

Yet such moments never last forever… it is the fleeting time that makes such instances special.

"We're… we're here… Haruka." Heero gently uttered, never looking back at her as he made a slow stop before using his left foot to balance the bicycle.

"I… I… T-thank y-you…" Haruka softly mumbled after she alighted from the bike.

"Y-you… g-go ahead, Haruka… I have to park the bike by the stands." The brown haired boy ushered.

"O-ok… S-see you in class… Heero." She tentatively responded, waving her hand at him.

The amber eyed young woman heard him gently grunt before going her way.

Every step she took… seemed to echo the resounding beats inside her heart.

'H-Heero…'

Duo smiled smugly while silently observing Heero and Haruka from the campus entrance. He shook his head sideways after being reminded of the fact that the stoic brown haired boy took heed of his advice and left earlier than usual to drive Haruka to their school with the bicycle they recently procured. What really surprised the braided haired former pilot of Gundam Deathscythe was the fact that he arrived even earlier than the pair despite walking all the way from their apartment.

'Heero must have taken his sweet time to... Maximize every moment with Haruka while on that bike ride... Heero... You devil... You sly fox!'

He figured to tease the Perfect Soldier later during lunch break because right now there was a more important personal matter that require his attention. He smiled mischievously while his purple eyes expectantly roamed the vicinity in search of the person that he wanted so badly to play another prank on.

'Where are you sempai...? Come out and be the tough as nails stickler that you are... You should be manning the gates and keeping everyone in place.' He mused while keenly searching for her.

The "her" that Duo was looking for was none other than Aki Muroto, 3rd year Senior and Student Council President of Kouga High. The strict and feisty young woman had caught his attention since their arrival at the campus. He was fascinated with the way she carries herself - being all too serious and by the book when it comes to implementing their school's rules and regulations. He was inexplicably attracted to her physically as well, the bespectacled young woman possessed a slender frame and long legs inherent to her previous tenure as a member of the swim team.

'Well... Her chest might be next to none... But her high and mighty air alongside that unusual charm certainly makes up for her shortage on that area.' He mused while still searching for Aki.

His purple orbs finally landed on a female student that wore the same armband inherent to an officer of the student council. Feeling a bit impatient and curious to the whereabouts of the person he was looking for, Duo decided to approach the student council officer.

"Uhm, excuse me, hope you don't mind me asking, have you seen Muroto-sempai? Do you happen to know where she is?"

The student council representative seemed to sized him up first before replying, "Sorry, but she's not yet here, that's why the Vice President assigned me to keep watch on her stead."

"Oh alright, well, I guess I'll just look for her later then, thanks!" He acknowledged, while winking one eye at the student council representative.

The former pilot of Gundam Deathscythe chuckled after noticing the girl blushed before making his way to the west side of their campus. He was not sure if he lost the mood to attend his morning classes upon learning that Aki Muroto was probably absent for the day. Or he was really just plain lazy and looking for an excuse to skip classes. Whatever the reason was, Duo decided to just go into the secluded western perimeter fence of their school. There was a concrete shed of sorts near the wall that they normally use as a resting place whenever assigned to clean the vicinity. He figured to spend or rather waste some time in that spot till he decides what to do next.

Duo had just turned the corner leading to the concrete shed when he witnessed a sight that would soon tip the balance on the relationship between him and Aki Muroto. The purple eyed young man smirked evilly before taking out his mobile phone.

'The scales are now tipped to my favor, Muroto sempai. You'll be mine sooner than even I expected.'

He smiled smugly as he pressed the shutter button of his smart phone.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

Aki nimbly climbed the ledge from the western perimeter fence, she carefully checked both sides of the wall before silently and slowly making her way down.

'Of all times I had to be late… it has to be today… oh well, that's life… full of surprises.' She mused while cautiously descending the wall.

Her right leg was already extended downward – searching for a nook to use as a stepping board while her left knee was still close to for support as she steadily scaled down the wall. The student council president knew she was in such an awkward posture as her skirt was hiked up revealing her long, creamy thighs. All Aki wanted was to finish climbing down the wall and be on her way but it was simply not meant to be as she heard the sound of three successive snaps from a mobile phone.

'What the…?'

Someone took a picture of her – while on a very awkward position.

She was exposed!

Whoever the person was will pay… she will be sure of it!

She felt all the blood in her body boil.

Aki gritted her teeth in anger as she turned her head to face the perpetrator.

Only to meet the widely smiling face of none other than the last person she wanted to witness such a spectacle.

Duo Maxwell.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Aki irritably screeched.

"Well, isn't it obvious, sempai? Taking pictures of such a lovely view." Duo smugly replied while flashing his ever famous Cheshire smile.

She felt all the blood in her face dissipate soon as the braided haired young man showed the last picture captured on his phone display.

"Delete those pictures immediately! Or you will have it, Maxwell!" The former swim team ace yelled in exasperation.

"Hey! Hey! You don't need to be too… sensitive about it."

"Delete those pictures, Maxwell! Or it will be the end of you here in Kouga High!"

"I don't want to."

"Delete those pictures, Maxwell… or else…"

The purple eyed former gundam pilot sheepishly smiled before responding to her, "You're forgetting something, Muroto sempai… you're not in the position to demand right now."

She felt the nerves on her temples twitch upon hearing Duo's answer.

"Are you threatening me? Are you planning to blackmail me because of those pictures?! That's so low of you, Maxwell!" Aki irritably growled while glaring at the braided haired young man.

"What if I say… yes, indeed, Aki sempai." Duo mischievously replied.

"You're really… the lowest, Maxwell…" She muttered, realizing her own predicament.

'Maybe I could distract him… or surprise him fast enough to get a hold of his cellphone and delete those pictures.' She thought while carefully eyeing Duo's mobile phone.

Suddenly without any warning and hesitation, Aki lunged at Duo with both arms outstretched, in a desperate attempt to retrieve his smart phone. The former gundam pilot smirked knowingly as he swiftly avoided the student council president. Simultaneously, his free hand moved and caught both arms of the tall yet lithe young woman. She felt him reflexively and roughly pin her on the wall adjacent to them with both of her arms held tightly by his hand above her head.

Aki felt his cool breath and was unable to return the concentrated gaze from his purple orbs. She struggled to break free from his hold – yet he was strong… she was powerless as he kept both of her wrists secured from his firm grip.

Slowly, she noticed Duo leaning closely toward her… Aki continued to struggle despite unable to meet his longing gaze.

"W-what… do… you… intend… to… do…?"

It was all she could utter.

"This." Duo simply and commandingly answered as he leaned his face closer to hers.

She felt his lips touch and press with hers.

Duo kissed her.

But he was far from done… his lips gently nibbled hers forcing Aki to part them slightly as she felt her head spinning and her legs becoming weak. His cool breath earlier… had taken a sudden change… it was now warm. She could feel the heat emanating from his body. His tongue invaded her lips then her mouth before clashing swords with her own. She was steadily losing control, she no longer struggled from his hold.

It was her first kiss… and even though she lacked experience to gauge his proficiency, Aki knew that he was certainly skilled. She was no different to a toddler expecting a candy or a treat. As much as she hated to deny the fact but the truth was she desired more… her heart was a testament to this… it was beating abnormally fast and even wanted to break free from her rib cage. Her eyes instinctively closed themselves as she savored the inherent sweetness of his lips. She was completely under his control… her body seemed to have become a slaved under his whim. She was like warm butter… being continuously cut by a cool knife which was Duo.

Aki didn't know how much time had already passed… was it a few minutes? Probably a quarter of an hour? The moment she was currently enraptured in seemed to be within a time flux of its own. They had ostensibly stepped out the boundaries of the normal time flow. Everything just seemed to have taken a halt or… everything moved so slowly… Aki didn't know. She wasn't even sure if she even cared anymore. His lips were burning with passion… with ardent desire.

She even leaned forward instinctively… hoping to continue… still longing for Duo's lips as he slowly and hesitantly broke their kiss. Her heart was drumming wildly within her chest. Aki was still catching her breath while staring intently at Duo.

Did she want more?

Did she wanted to hit him for what he did?

What in the world just happened?

Why was she so powerless?

There were a lot more questions still raging inside her head.

Yet before she could speak, Maxwell released his grip on her hands but instead took hold of her left palm.

"Let's go." He merely said before lightly pulling her to follow him.

"W-where…?"

"You're going on a date with me today and any day I want… or else…" Duo gently replied while insinuating that he will 'expose' her pictures otherwise.

Aki wanted to disagree… to voice out her objection. But surprisingly… somewhere within her… deep within her chest… there was an inexplicable feeling inside her. Interestingly and surprisingly, she wasn't… either apathetic or abhorrent to her circumstances with Duo. On the contrary, it was the other way around.

"Yes." She could only say as the braided haired young man led her out of the western perimeter fence.

'What's… going on… what's happening to me?'

Cutting classes and having fun – both items were at the top of his interests and abilities. Duo knowingly smiled as he watched Aki in amusement while the usually strict student council president fervently played with the controls of Super Combat Fighter VIII. He likened her to a rabid dog, she was playing the game no different to a possessed woman who was relentlessly attacking her enemy.

'Never knew you'd be like this when set loose inside an Arcade Center.' He mused while continuing to watch Aki with growing amazement.

The braided haired gundam pilot decided to sit beside the bespectacled young woman before inserting a token at the coin slot on the same game that Aki was currently engrossed with.

Prepare for the arrival of a New Challenger!

The words appeared in bold accompanied by a soundtrack announced his entry to the game. Aki stared intently at him before Duo returned with a playful smile.

"Let's place a bet… if I win, I get to kiss you again for five seconds." He evilly started, causing Aki to crunch both brows.

"What if I win?"

"Well… you get to kiss me for five seconds." Duo replied after winking at the student council president.

"It's only you who benefits either way. You really are the worst type of human being, Duo Maxwell. Everything you do is for your own benefit."

Sensing the unfairness of the situation for Aki, the former pilot of Gundam Deathscythe sighed before smiling and conceding to the young woman.

"Ok, I was just teasing you. If you win and beat me… I won't ever bug you again. Of course, the pictures I took from you earlier would be my collateral in case you decide to get back at me. Do you accept the offer, Muroto-sempai?"

There was a steely glint that appeared from the corners of her lilac orbs before smirking slyly at him in return.

"Bring it on, Maxwell!"

It was already afternoon, the sun's bright rays had all but mellowed down. The sunlight left a warm and calming touch on his skin as the Perfect Soldier watched or rather discreetly guarded Haruka during her tennis club practice. However, his guise was now even better, because instead of Duo, he was instead accompanied by a young woman. Sitting beside him was none other than his after school club president, Rina Yunoki of the Cooking Research Society. The well-meaning yet clumsy young woman decided to accompany him after learning that Duo was out for the day. Rina opted to reschedule their culinary sessions on another day of the week to ensure the braided haired Gundam Pilot would be able to join them.

'I have a really bad feeling why that knucklehead Duo cut classes today…' Heero mused while keenly eyeing Haruka as she played a practice match.

'Hnn… I am even more disturbed by the fact that the Student Council President, Aki Muroto is also missing. Damn you, Duo… what did you do to her?' He contemplated while carefully watching his charge.

"Hai! Here you go, Yuy-san." Rina softly said while offering him a sandwich and tetra pack juice with both hands.

"Yunoki-san… you don't have to…" He trailed but remembered Duo's reminder to him when it comes to dealing with women.

"You have to be considerate of their emotions, Heero. Your silent type methods and notorious grunts wouldn't work well when communicating with them. Just be kind, attentive and understanding." The former pilot of Gundam Deathscythe advised him.

"…But I am truly grateful, Yunoki-san." Heero recovered in mid-sentence before receiving the sandwich and fruit juice from Rina.

The golden haired young woman smiled at him while slightly nodding in return.

Heero turned his attention back to Haruka and was a bit surprised upon noticing that she was acutely observing him and Rina even in the midst of tennis practice.

'Hnn… Is Haruka ok? She looks… all flustered and uneasy. The sun's temperature should just be enough. I need to be ready in case she collapses or gets into a seizure.' He thought while gazing at the tennis ace in return.

Haruka seemed to have noticed that his attention was back to her that the amber eyed young lady discreetly moved her stare away from him. However, he was quick to notice the manner her head turned and her lips were pursed while both arms were folded together indicated that she was definitely miffed.

'Hnn… I wonder what Haruka's thinking or feeling right now. She seems annoyed about something. Need to keep track on her emotional state in a regular basis. I should probably consult… no, not Duo… he'll say some crap again… best to check this over the net.' He decided before hearing Rina speak softly, thus purging him out of his musings.

"Yuy-san, I hope you don't mind me asking, but it seems you admire Niimi-san since you've been constantly gazing at her since their practice started."

"She's… just a friend. One of our fellow students that I am comfortable speaking with. Me watching her practice tennis became a habit. Outside of our Cooking Research Society, I don't have any other extracurricular activity."

"Oh… I see. But I do understand you, Yuy-san. There's a lot of boys who admire and like Niimi-san because she's a very lovely girl."

'What do I say in such a situation…' His mind scrambled but quickly remembered Duo's tips when it comes to handling a similar scenario.

"You have to resort to diversionary tactics when confronted with a situation that a woman requires an answer or has set an expectation on you that you are unable to handle." Duo's words sagely reminded him.

'Diversionary tactics… I need to remove the focus from Haruka… then I need to place the spotlight to Rina's good points.'

"From what I've heard, there's also a lot of boys who admire you as well, Yunoki-san. Hence, you are referred to as the 'wife of the academy'." Heero stated, earning a bright red blushing face from Rina.

"Those are really embarrassing rumors, Yuy-san… a-apologies if I'm flushed like this." Rina shyly replied unable to look at him.

'Darn it, what have I gotten myself into….'

"I'm sorry, Yunoki-san for breaching a topic that you seem very uncomfortable with. Rest assured that it won't happen again." He responded, nodding slightly in excuse to the young woman.

"Oh… don't worry… don't worry, Yuy-san! It's all ok, I'm used to…" Rina trailed while waving her hands apologetically at him.

'What the?!'

The golden haired young woman was unable to finish her sentence as Heero instinctively lunged to shield her from an incoming projectile. The Perfect Soldier's keen senses and natural instinct drove him to place his body in between Rina and whatever the projectile was.

Heero was struck by something lobbed with enough force that was comparative to a closed fist punch at the back of his head. Whoever the assailant was seemed to have intended to hit Rina's head.

'Huh?'

The chocolate haired former gundam pilot was appalled soon as he turned his head to face the direction where the projectile came from.

The missile… was a tennis ball. It still bounced for a couple of times before rolling to a stop on the ground. His cobalt blue eyes slowly shifted to the ball's only possible point of origin. They were met with a fierce glare from Haruka's normally kind and meek amber hued eyes. She still had both cheeks puffed while one of her brows was slightly raised.

'Why… Haruka?' His gaze seemingly inquired before returning his attention to Rina.

"Are you ok, Rina?" He concernedly asked, looking gently at the golden haired young lady.

"H-Hai, Yuy-san! D-Did you get hurt?"

"No, I'm ok… besides it was just a tennis ball." Heero answered, still neglecting the fact that his arms were still around Rina's waist and at the back of her head.

His actions were done purely out of instinct – soldier's and bodyguard's keen senses. He was however, dumbfounded upon realizing that he was holding the young woman close to him yet Rina only remained silent and smiled slightly. She was blushing furiously but her eyes held a warm glow as she kindly gazed back at him.

'W-what… is… t-this…' He mused while feeling his heartbeat drumming within his chest.

The Perfect Soldier and Rina Yunoki were only purged from their special moment upon hearing various cheers from the crowd that was initially watching the tennis practice.

"Way to go, Yuy-san!"

"Ahhh! Feels good to be young!"

"Oh! The wife of the academy has been taken! Does that mean he gets to be her husband?!"

"Kyaaa kyaaa kyaaa! I envy Yunoki-san! That boy is so hot!"

"Hyaaahh~ They look good together!"

That and a lot more teasing were thrown at them.

At the midst of the ongoing pandemonium that was raging around them, Heero was quick to notice the discreet pained look emanated by Haruka's eyes. The lovely tennis ace saw him looking at her before silently walking off the tennis court.

He was not sure why… or how… but a part of him wanted to explain something to her.

He wanted to tell her not to misinterpret the situation… yet for reasons unknown to him, he did not know why he was compelled to do so.

Yet Heero… ultimately opted not to follow Haruka but instead contented himself to simply watch over the young woman's retreating form.

Author's Notes:

It has been like forever since I last updated Look at Me! My sincerest apologies to all the readers of this story. 2015 was truly a very busy year for me. Even 2016 is shaping up to be another busy year, however, my current job gives me enough leeway to resume writing. So, what do we have for LaM 05, well it is pretty obvious, it is the kickoff to the Jealousy Arc of our story!

Every good high school romance always has a third wheel that completes a love triangle. We will be witnessing a lot more on the next chapters as Haruka and Heero slowly realize the existence of a special connection between them. Meanwhile, Duo has begun aggressively pursuing Aki especially now that he has spotted an opening where he could fully take advantage of the young woman due to circumstantial evidence in his possession. What happens to their cat and mouse relationship? Will Duo continue to exploit Aki for his personal gain and is he truly serious about his feelings for the stickler student council president?

This and many more will be revealed as the two Gundam Pilots continually explore their budding relationships with the girls of Photo Kano. Don't forget to leave a review and thank you so much for the continued support!

His lips… left a searing and everlasting sensation on hers. Aki was misty eyed and both of her legs were buckling as Duo slowly pulled back from her. The purple eyed young man had kissed her for 15-seconds as part of the bet they had earlier. She had lost all three matches against him. One would think that it was very unfair since she was girl going up against a boy in a video game match. But Aki had decent knowledge of the game and was more than capable of holding her ground on Super Combat Fighter VIII.

Yet Duo Maxwell proved to be on another level. The braided haired former gundam pilot was a monster when it came to close quarters combat. No matter how impressive the combinations she unleashed, the playful young man always had a way to counter and turn the tide of the match against her. She wanted to go back and rescind from Duo's challenge. But there was a part of her that wanted to prove herself before the dauntless playboy that Maxwell has proven himself to be.

Was it her ego? Was it her pride? Or was it her own disbelief that there was someone bold enough to be that much familiar with her?

Aki honestly did not know. Even though she had tried time and again to understand why Maxwell seemed dead set on getting close with her. Relationships… romance… were among the least or was probably not even on her list of priorities. The strict young woman only had one goal in mind – to be successful in her studies in order to become a doctor. It has been her dream ever since she was young. To become a doctor… yes, that was her calling.

But now… she was being relegated to Duo Maxwell's plaything. The young man was having his way with her. He had already even gotten her first kiss! And worst… he had repeatedly kissed her – on the lips to be precise! Yet much to her growing interest… she doesn't abhor the action every time Duo does that to her. She could even feel her heart beating strongly against her chest.

What was happening to her?

The latest kiss… which lasted for 15-seconds, all due to the fact that she lost 3 matches with Duo… only left her with a swirl of emotions. And as much as the bespectacled young woman would ever want to hide or deny it… a part of her was anticipating the lips from the mischievous former gundam pilot.

"Fifteen seconds… no more, no less. I am a man of my word." Duo stated while smiling smugly at her.

"L-Let's go… someone might… see us…" Aki weakly answered, feeling her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Time flies so fast… but don't worry, no one would ever spot us here." The braided haired boy confidently replied.

His response had its merits, they were at an alleyway that was rarely passed by pedestrians. The back street was lighted dimly which only allowed limited visibility in the area. Aside from the purring of a couple of stray cats, there was no other noise in the otherwise abandoned back alley.

"Come on… we should do this again sometime…" Duo breathlessly said as he dragged her towards the direction of the main street.

"B-but…" She tried to protest yet he was quick enough to silence her by his index finger placed above her lips.

"You already forgot our… agreement?" Maxwell knowingly said, smiling impishly at her.

"O-of course… not…" She struggled to say.

"I will let you know our next date soon." Duo lightly told her before winking.

Aki was unable to say another thing. She just let him drag her as they made their way back to the busy main street. She was wheezing lightly after they finally joined the crowd of busy people jostling and tussling towards the subway. Duo still had that Cheshire smile on his face as he turned to face her.

"So I guess this is it for today. Don't worry Aki-chan, I will keep everything between us a classified matter. It won't be long till you fall so hard for me… you won't be able to stand up without me." The playful young man boasted before letting go of her hand and walking away.

'I… I despise you… Maxwell…' She desperately thought while following his slowly dissipating form.

Aki was caught unaware when he suddenly and perceptively turned back at her.

"I like you, Aki-chan! I'm gonna make you mine!" He smugly shouted before blowing a kiss on her direction.

'Damn you, Maxwell… I will turn the tables on you… I will never…' She swore to herself before feeling a distinct beat somewhere within the center of her chest.

'I… I won't… I'll never be… your…' Aki's musings hissed in defiance yet much to her growing astonishment… her heart was responding in a mysterious manner.

Heero remains oblivious to the fact that Haruka is beginning to recognize the feelings she is harboring for him. Rina on the other hand will be caught on the crossfire of emotions that is slowly being awakened but will soon erupt into chaos as she unwittingly joins the fray. Meanwhile, Duo raises the stakes between him and Aki Muroto as he utilizes the material on his possession to coerce the student council president to go out on dates with him.

Heero and Haruka… Duo and Aki… four individuals caught in the high risk yet high rewarding game of romance. Who will bask in glory and come out as victorious? Who will wallow in shame and cry on sorrow from an agonizing defeat? To determine the winners and losers, Let's Play Ball on the next installment of Look at Me!

Thank you so much for reading and please review! – EZ23 (Chapter 5 released on 03.16.16)