"Huuuuuuh!?"
Zeo looked totally shocked after seeing both Hideki and Akari talking to each other frankly. Not only him, but all the guys in the class were giving Hideki their death stares.
"That masked punk! How the hell is the ice princess talking to him!?"
"Yeah! He's way out of her league! She even ignores guys like us! Then why him!?"
As the chatter was going on all around the class which Hideki and Akari were totally ignoring, Zeo standing on the entrance of the classroom, moved forward and sat on his seat, totally confused and shocked. He then, diverted his attention towards both of them.
"G-Good morning guys!"
"Oh, good morning Zeo!"
They both said at the same time, noticed and looked at each other giggling. All of their actions were causing Zeo to drown deeper and deeper into the sea of confusion.
(What the hell happened behind my back! Why are they being so friendly! A day before, they were totally different! Or atleast, that's what I thought! But seeing them now... It seems like they are good friends.)
Thoughts were popping in his mind. He knew he had to ask them about it but he was afraid that they won't tell him. His predictions were never wrong before, that's why he was afraid of being rejected.
"Hey Zeo. Zeooo. Zeoooooo!"
Hideki yelled in his ears startling him.
"What the hell man!?"
"Don't blame me. You were the one not listening. Besides, why the hell are you spacing out!"
"Me!? Why wouldn't I!? After a whole week of ignoring each other, you two are talking like best friends!"
Hideki sighed for a moment.
(I anticipated that much. His reactions are all according to what I'd imagined. No wonder he's shocked. Well, I've got the perfect answer ready for him.)
"Oh! You were curious about that! Well, the thing is... Yesterday, I was running in the park when she was just passing by. I tripped and fell down and hurt my knee. It started bleeding. She just showed her kindness and helped me out, that's all.
(Wow Hideki! You're an excellent liar, aren't you?)
Akari sighed after hearing Hideki's excellent made up story. She turned to Zeo to look at his reaction.
(Knowing Zeo, he won't even suspect that it's a made up one.)
Seeing his reaction, she remained stunned for some seconds. He was literally smiling during the whole story telling.
"I was just thanking her for that, that's all. We're not some close friends or anything. Right Akari? Akari?"
Looking at her face he knew that they're cover was blown in front of Zeo. Zeo laughed while clapping his hands.
"Hahaha! Maybe I should give you both a round of applause for trying your best to hide the fact by that story. But I am sorry because I've experienced a similar situation before. Isn't that right, Hideki?"
(I knew my predictions could never be wrong! That is a total made up story!)
He looked at Hideki while grinning. Both Hideki and Akari were left speechless.
(I didn't knew Zeo's predictions were so incredible! He is really a mysterious person. I've been with him for so long. Even now, I don't entirely know, what is going on in this guy's head.)
They both felt bad for keeping the matter to themselves and lying to him so they instantly apologized.
"We are truly sorry Zeo, for hiding the truth from you."
"It's okay! You may have your reasons. But, whenever you feel like it, I'll be more than happy to listen. After all, my efforts paid off. I am really happy that you guys are friends now."
Zeo gave of a refreshing smile. Akari and Hideki smiled too after hearing that.
"Thanks Zeo! You're the best!"
"Thanks a bunch, dude."
"No problem guys. We all are friends after all!"
"Yeah, you're right!"
"Hmm!"
All three of them were looking at eachother smiling when the bell rang. The lecture began and Mrs.Mayufu entered the classroom. Everyone eventually went to their seats when she came in.
"Good morning, class!"
"Good morning, Sensei!"
"As of today, I would like you all meet a new student."
A boy stood up and raised his hand.
"Sensei! Sensei! Is this student a girl or a boy!?"
"See for yourselves."
"Okay!"
Everyone was excited to see the new transfer student except Hideki. He was looking outside the window, staring at the sky while the whole class was looking at the entrance.
"Hey Hideki. Don't you wanna see who this is?"
Zeo asked him looking at his behaviour.
"Nah! I'll pass. I kind of have a feeling that this one's gonna be like every other student in the class who would hate me."
Zeo smiled with awkwardness.
"Well, that's one way to put it?"
Mrs.Mafuyu called out to the new student who was standing outside the classroom waiting for her permission.
"Miss Maria Amane, please step in and introduce yourself!"
The moment she called out the name, stepped in a girl with straight and silky blonde hair, glistening blue eyes, an unmatched beauty with a perfect body figure and a normal height. She bowed in front of the class and greeted them with an adorable smile.
"Hello everyone! My name is Maria Amane! Nice to meet you all!"
All the guys were love struck after seeing her smile.
"What a cutie!"
"Yeah man! You're totally right!"
"Yeah! And a hundred times better that the ice princess."
A huge gossip started in the class. Everyone was talking about Maria. However, Hideki wasn't interested in her in the slightest. He didn't even look at her once, after she came into the classroom.
He was staring out of the window the whole time.
(Maaan! Why are they creating such a fuss!? She is just a normal girl, not a celebrity. Well, she could be for them because they are normal too. However...)
Hideki yawned with his mouth widely opened.
"I am feeling really tired for some reason."
Maria noticed Hideki sitting in the corner staring out the window. She focused her sight and examined his face.
"Wait... Isn't that... Excuse me Miss!"
She excused Mrs.Mafuyu leaving her in confusion.
"Where are you goin-?"
She started walking towards Hideki who was spaced out. She reached him and poked his shoulder.
"Hey, are you Hide-kun by any chance?"
She asked him filled with curiosity. Hideki turned his head towards her.
"Who is Hide-kun?"
"Can you please tell me your name then? You kind of look familiar to me."
The curiousity in her eyes amazed Hideki. He couldn't say no to that.
(Who is she? The transfer student I guess? Why is she calling me Hide-kun? Well it's similar to my name. I might as well give her my name.)
"Are you referring as Hide-kun to Hideki I guess?"
Suddenly, a joyful expression came on her face.
"Yes, that's right! That's the name!"
She bowed down instantly and apologized.
"I am really sorry that I said really mean things to you back then. Even though, you saved my life. Thank you very much!"
Hideki seemed confused. He tried to recall the event in his memory but all in vain. He hesitantly asked.
"Actually... Could you remind me of what happened that time?"
All the joy on her face disappeared. She started to look pale and a bit depressed.
"T-That means you don't remember me, Hide-kun?"
Looking at her face, Hideki panicked.
"S-Sorry! I didn't meant to hurt you! I really can't remember when or how I met you! I am really sorry!"
With the same pale reaction, she looked at him.
"Well, It's okay. It didn't meant anything to you at all. Did it?"
(And here I thought it was a fateful encounter.)
"B-But.."
She didn't listen to him anymore and sat down on the seat right next to him, looking all gloomy. Hideki was looking at her feeling totally awkward.
(Oh gosh! This is awkward! I have to do something to set up the mood but what do I do!? And, I am not gonna do it for her sake. I am helpless before the glares that everyone is giving me!)