Thursday
As Takeshi walks into the classroom, students watch him as he walks, their eyes all studying him.
"I can't believe Carne Morta got beat by the new kid," one girl whispers to someone who's sitting next to them.
"I can't either. It's crazy! First it was him and Ren and now it's him and Nathan," the other student responds. They get quiet as he passes them and sits in his seat, followed by Maiman who sits next to him on the floor.
"Ok everyone, quiet! Let's start class," Mr.Norio's voice booms over the students' voices.
Tuesday
A week later
A week passes and Takeshi is sitting with Maiman and Eclipse at lunch in the lunchroom. By now, gossip and chatter about him has quieted down but hasn't gone away completely.
"Takeshi? Hello?" Eclipse waves a hand in front of Takeshi's face.
"Sorry, I spaced," Takeshi lets out a long sigh as he snaps back to reality.
"What're you thinking about?" She studies him.
"Nothing, it's all good," he gives her a faint smile before starting to eat his lunch. Nathan and Ren walk into the room and Eclipse looks at them, locking eyes with Nathan before looking back at Takeshi.
"Do you want to leave? We can go to the library or something," Eclipse lets out a sigh.
"No, it's ok. And, I know they're in here. You don't have to keep trying to have us avoid them," Takeshi lets out another long sigh before looking at her. "I've accepted that she hates me. It's a part of life," he shrugs.
"Takeshi…" Eclipse starts.
"Eclipse, I know they're dating. Don't worry. I'll move on. I'm already working on it," he leans over and kisses her cheek before going back to eating. She lets out a sigh before glancing back at Nathan and Ren who were sitting across the room.
"Oh Takeshi," Eclipse slightly mumbles under her breath.