It was a grand new morning full of bird songs and sunshine.  All was peaceful in the city this day, peaceful and quiet.  That is, until one dominating sound was heard: 'OH, CRAP!  WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!!'  Daisuke, Yoshiko, and Misami were literally sprinting down the streets in the morning.  Here it was, already the next day and every student knew all too well what that meant.  It was time to go back to school.  Misami would now be attending the same high school as Yoshiko and Daisuke as a first year student, which was nearly a dream come true for her!
     'Hurry, Misami-chan, we don't want to be late!' called Yoshiko as she ran past her sister.  Misami was up for competition, she ran ahead and caught up to Daisuke in the lead.
     He caught a glance over at her, 'Kind of ironic, your first day at my school and we're all going to be late!  I think you'll like it, it's a pretty nice place.'
     Misami smiled during her run, 'Any place with you is a nice one, darling!'  Daisuke had to roll his eyes.  Ever since he had met Misami that time in the men's room, she had always acted like that.  She obviously loved him deeply and was not at all timid about showing it.
     As soon as they ran onto the campus, they were met with a gigantic mob of girls that instantly swarmed toward Daisuke.  'Daisuke-chan!!  Ohayo gozaimasu!'  All of his drooling fan club closed in on him and began the morning routine with showering him in gifts and their desperate, hopeful puppy dog eyes.  He was helpless against them.
    'Did you enjoy your day off?'
     'Did you miss me?'
     'I hope you like these cookies I made you!'
     'Would you eat lunch with me today?'  Instead of answering those questions, Daisuke just laughed forcefully and made it appear he didn't mind their presence, which was in all actuality, very annoying to him.
     Seeing all these pesky, annoying, bubbly, air-headed ninnies set Misami into a vile rage that made her boil.  She came up and wrestled her way through the crowd to be by Daisuke, hyperventilating an enraged air as she went.  Amid all the voices and starry eyes of the girls, she reached her limit and yelled, 'SHUT UP!!!!'  Bleak silence followed.
     The girls all stared at her, this new redheaded invader was one they had never seen before.  She clung hold of Daisuke's hand as if she were some sort of 'keeper of his soul' so to speak.  Seeing this set off flames of jealousy and resentment toward her from the very start.  '... Who are you?' one asked demandingly.
     'Yeah, and who said you could so rudely go up to Daisuke-chan and take his hand like that?'  Asked another with flaming eyes.
     'Hmm' Her eyes narrowed onto them all, 'My name is Misami.  Remember that name, Nakayama Misami,' she paused to look back lovingly into Daisuke's eyes, ' I am Daisuke-chan's beloved'
     'E-EH?????'  The girls all sounded at once at this.  They looked with flaring tempers to Daisuke and could not believe how he could do that to them, how he could betray them with this new impulsive girl!  He quickly shook his head and was as shocked as all of them.
Misami smiled at him and tapped his nose, 'Darling, do these annoying girls always bother you in the morning?'  She asked rather quietly.
    'Umm....'  Daisuke tried to avoid her eyes as he blushed brightly.  Yoshiko walked beside him with a rather confused expression, but she was as lovely as ever.  'I'm sorry about this, Yoshiko... my life is very chaotic.'
    She just giggled softly and the mob of girls found resentment toward her as well.  'Step aside, girls!  Everyone of us has an equal chance to win Daisuke-chan!'  They closed in again around Daisuke and didn't want to at all believe what they had heard Misami say, even though it wasn't the truth anyway'  Daisuke sighed but accepted his fate.  It was his place at school, being the most popular guy and all.  He would have to deal with all these squirmy girls fawning over him, but he would never loose his true feelings for the only one he truly loved back...
    The bell rang its haunting way and they all scrambled to class.  Daisuke was relieved the torture was over as he escorted Yoshiko to class, but, of course, he was much too shy to talk to her after what just happened.  Misami's classroom was a first year class just down the hall from Daisuke and Yoshiko's second year class.  She stepped into it and was met at the front of the classroom by her homeroom teacher, a kind-looking middle aged woman.  Misami yawned and walked up to her, handing her a note which stated that she was now in this class.  The woman took it and read it silently.  Then she gave a smile to Misami, 'Welcome to our class.  I am Mrs. Osagawa, nice to meet you, Misami.'
    Misami yawned again and rubbed her eye, 'Likewise.'  She sounded very tired, which she was.  She didn't really feel that comfortable either.  Her uniform was like nothing she had ever worn before.  Honestly' what is this thing I'm wearing anyway?  The skirt is so short, I feel like my bum's stickin' out!  Misami tried to pull down the skirt a little to go past her knees, but that drew in the attention of the entire class.  Quietly, they began to laugh and snicker with each other.
    Mrs. Osagawa noticed this, but tried to avert the subject, 'Class, we have a new student with us.  Her name is Nakayama Misami.'
    Misami thought for a moment and then lowered down quickly in a bow, 'Nice to meet y'all!' She said rather informally.  That made the class laugh again, but all the guys in the class were immediately rendered hypnotized by this new student.  She was cute, pretty, well built, and had a sense of delightful humor that they were all 'attracted' to'  When Misami stood up again, she saw that all the guys were staring at her.  Some even had drool forming at the sides of their mouths.  She liked the feeling of exposure and found it to her advantage.  Being the conniving little sweetie she is, Misami winked at them all and blew a kiss.  Several of them who were leaning forward to get a better look then found themselves then on the floor from leaning a little too far.
    Mrs. Osagawa sighed and shook her head.  'Why don't you sit there, Misami.'  She pointed to an empty seat that just so happened to be in the middle of a hoard of boys.
    Misami smiled.  She was really liking this school already... 'Ok.'  Misami walked in a slightly seducing manner to the desk and sat down, setting her newly purchased book bag on it.  She looked all around and saw the eyes of the guys glued onto her.  She gave them a sweet little smile and spoke innocently, 'Hi!  It's nice to meet you all!  What's all your names?'  They were happy with their new neighbor and began to introduce themselves.  Inside, Misami was very very happy with how the day was going.  Already she was being noticed by many guys and probably hated by many girls, but she didn't mind that part at all.  She kept up her school-girlish smile and thought, What cuties these guys are!  They just can't resist me, but then again, who could?  I wonder how my darling and sis are doing right now...

    Back in Daisuke and Yoshiko's homeroom, the day was taking a little while to get under way.  Mr. Shizumo, the balding, slightly disturbed old homeroom teacher, was still struggling with attendance, his thick glasses no longer seemed thick enough.  Daisuke and Yoshiko sat in their seats right next to each other, but both were still being very quiet.  The silence between them, even though the room was very much not silent while the old conversations about Yoshiko and Daisuke from two days before sparked up again, was almost deafening as both tried to think of something to talk about while their nerdy teacher tried to make out names.  It was no use though...  Daisuke sighed and looked to his other side, to Hiroshi's desk.  That was funny, he wasn't there.  Strange... Daisuke wondered where the heck he was.  Just then, the door quietly crept open and in came Hiroshi.  To his luck, Mr. Shizumo didn't even notice his entrance.  Hiroshi got low to the ground and nearly crawled up to his desk by Daisuke, who met him with a perturbed look.  '`Mornin',' he said blandly.
    Hiroshi hushed him and sat.  'I don't wanna get caught.'
    'The man's practically deaf, he can't hear us!' retorted Daisuke a little loudly.
    'Shiozawa Hiroshi.'  Mr. Shizumo sounded out slowly as he strained his eyes to read the paper.  You'd think that after this long of being in class with these students that he would learn their names and not need the attendance sheet...
    'Hai!!'  Said Hiroshi proudly.  He marked him as present, Hiroshi had made it just in time.  'Heheh, I'm so good!'
    Daisuke had to roll his eyes yet again, 'Don't let it go to your head, man.'
    'C'mon, I need my moments of glory sometimes!  Oh!  I wanna tell you about this great porn site I visited last night!!'
    'Don't even think about it,' Daisuke was disgusted by the very thought and made sure to keep Hiroshi silent for the beginning of the school day.
    Soon after that, math class rolled around.  The teacher had said that there would be a surprise test sometime soon, and to their luck, it just so happened to land on this day.  The class groaned and Daisuke immediately felt his doom.  Sure, he was alright at math and all, but the recent lessons they had had completely flowed right over his head!  He could not for the life of him understand any of it!  Oh, crap!  He thought when the teacher began handing out the tests.  Desperately, he looked around and then raised his hand suddenly,  'Excuse me, what exactly is the purpose for taking this test?'  Hopefully, he could convince his teacher to recall the testing, at least for a little while...
    The teacher, a much younger and more impressive Mr. Isogai, answered Daisuke, 'This is a skills assessment test that all students at this school will take sometime.  The schedule is very tight, so we have to take it today.  I'm sorry it came so suddenly, but there is no other way we can do it.'
    '... Will it affect our grade?'  Daisuke asked, trying to hide his panic.
    'No,' the students were relieved momentarily, 'but it will determine whether you can continue with studying math at your grade level or be put behind to study it even after you're supposed to graduate.  Of course, it can also have the opposite effect and allow you to go well ahead if you are at that level.'
    Daisuke nearly froze solid.  There was no way he would be able to do well on this math test, not after the hex of confusion he had from not understanding the recent several lessons at all!  He felt doomed, he would have to stay longer his senior year to finish the required math classes!  He didn't want to do that at all!  'Great' he whispered as the thick test was placed in front of him.
    'Just do your best, Daisuke-kun.  That's all we can ask from you.'
    Daisuke tried to put a smile on his face, 'Thanks.'  Mr. Isogai then set a test in front of Yoshiko and continued until every student had a big, ugly test in front of them.   Daisuke whispered over to Hiroshi, who was as cool and confident as could be.  'I am so screwed.'
    'Don't worry about it, it's just a dumb math test.  How hard could it be anyway?'
    'Well, not hard for you, Mr. Math-whiz.'  He said a little indignantly.  Hiroshi certainly was that too, a math-whiz.  That was just about the only thing he really excelled at at school, that and science and computers.  Hiroshi was extremely good at math, he had been considered the best in school but didn't like to over emphasize it so as to not be thought of as a nerd, but people saw him as one anyway...  When they were in junior high school and studying frantically night and day for the high school entrance exams, Hiroshi got a perfect, excelling high score on mathematics, that was about the first time he was discovered at having such a great gift with math.  But of course, at that time, as with now, Hiroshi had... 'other' things on his mind and didn't want to nurture his gift.  So he just kept it to himself and used it as a secret weapon on these tests to always get the highest score.  Of course, in nearly all other subjects, Hiroshi could be found near the bottom of the barrel.  Especially when it came to English class...  Thinking about all of this, Daisuke only sighed again and waited for this hell which was this evil math test of doom to be over.
    Mr. Isogai went to the front of the classroom.  'Do very well on this test, it will determine where you should be studying at and will show me what you may need extra help with.'
    'And that would be everything for me...' muttered Daisuke.  Yoshiko glanced over to his face with concern.  He was so tense and worried over this test... it began to worry her as well.
    'Don't look at your neighbor's test, this is to determine what you know, not your neighbor.  There's a special schedule for this test and you will all have roughly two hours to complete it, so take your time and if you come to a question you don't know, skip it and go on to one you do.  If you need to take a break in the middle, come see me and I will let you get a pass.'  He then looked up to the clock near the back of the classroom.  'You may begin in exactly one minute.'
    Every student felt their hearts begin to pound.  They all slid their fingers onto the smooth, taunting pages of the test covers, greatly anticipated the starting time.  Their anxiety was at a peak as they stared at the clock with its mocking second hand that ticked sluggishly across every second and at times seemed to completely stop or travel backwards.  'Come on, come on, come on!  Let me fail this already!' said Daisuke very quietly, but Yoshiko easily heard him also.  She was very concerned with him.  She could tell that he obviously was having a very hard time with math in the past and that now he was a little less than prepared for this test.  She knew the consequences if he did fail like he said he would and knew that neither her or him wanted that.  Yoshiko was worried about him even more than herself and wished there was someway she could help him...
    The red second hand then moved with succession with the long slender minute hand, sending an almost deafening click throughout the classroom, which echoed maniacally in everyone's ear.  'Begin!' called Mr. Isogai.  In a wave of white papers splashing down on the wooden desks, the test covers all flew open at the same time and the students each began the dreaded, math test of doom.  (Insert evil laughter here)
    Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap, ran repeatedly through Daisuke's nervous mind.  On the first page, he tried to get his nerves together to be able to read the instructions while he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. 'Section 1', he read silently, 'Determining area of polygons.  Look at each polygon below and determine the area of each.'  Hey, this isn't that hard!  Daisuke looked over the page to see the picture of a triangle, a kite, a heptagon and several others.  He was feeling much more relieved now, maybe he wasn't doomed!  Daisuke took a deep relaxing breath and confidently twirled his pencil through his fingers.  Alright!  Area is easy!  Ok, determine the area of each polygon?  No problem.  It's just length multiplied by width!!  I'm so good!  He started with the triangle.  It was a right triangle with legs length 4 centimeters and 11 centimeters with a blank labeled hypotenuse.  Man, do they think I'm in kindergarten?  Ok, 4 times 11... uhhh... the area of this triangle is... 44 centimeters!!!  Yatta!!  And so, in his atrociously guyish handwriting, Daisuke wrote down 44 centimeters in the space provided.
    Yoshiko was having an easy time with this test.  She looked to Daisuke and saw the gushing confidence that flowed endlessly from him.  She sighed a little, her bright eyes becoming dimmer.  There was no way he could pass the test at this rate.
    Daisuke went onto the next shape: the kite.  Ok, length times width again!
   Daisuke'
    'What the...' Daisuke had just heard a voice inside his head.  That frightened him and he looked all around himself, surveying all the studious students.
    'Daisuke-kun, please look at your own test only,' softly scolded Mr. Isogai.
    'Oh, sorry.'  He looked back down to his test.  What was that...?  Oh well, must have been nothing.  Back to work.
   Daisuke'
    The voice repeated again inside his head, more definite this time.
   Wh-what the heck?  He caught himself looking all around again which came as much to Mr. Isogai's annoyance.
    'Daisuke-kun, what's the problem?'
    Daisuke gasped softly, 'Uh, I'm sorry, nothing I guess...' Some of the girls in the back (who had enormous crushes on Daisuke) began to giggle softly.  The class was wondering what was wrong with him, they all knew Mizuno Daisuke much too well to know that he never cheated.  So, again, he turned his eyes back to his test and tried to dismiss what he had definitely heard.  This is really starting to freak me out...  Stupid test!!  What a time to go insane!  He curled his fingers around his soft hair and felt as of insanity had once again claimed him.
   You're not going insane, Daisuke-san.  It's me, Yoshiko.
    Daisuke's heart skipped a beat.  With extreme worry and excessive fear, his eyes drew to the desk to his right.  Yoshiko looked back to him with a kind face and solemn smile.  Delicately, she nodded.  'Yoshiko?' his lips moved but no sound came out.
   Yes, she nodded again, it's me.
   But... how is that... how are you...  y-you mean... you can read my thoughts?
   Yes, I'm telepathic.  Forgive me for not telling you sooner, I didn't want you to think I was too strange to be your friend.
   That's amazing...  That's totally amazing!!
    Thank you! She smiled sweetly.
   Does that mean that you've been reading my thoughts since I first met you?
    No, I don't like to read thoughts most of the time, it infringes on other's privacy.  The only time when I can read thoughts is when a special person to me has thoughts that are very strong or that put them in danger.  I can read your thoughts right now because they are very profound and full of anxiety.
    Still, that's incredible.
    Yes, it is a very treasured gift.  Yoshiko and Daisuke were silent in their silent conversation for a moment.  Daisuke went back to his test, Yoshiko looked down to hers as well, she was already far ahead of him though.
   This test is very easy.  Remarked Daisuke in his thoughts.
    Yoshiko's eyes narrowed slightly from bidding concern, I could hear all of your thoughts throughout this test and I'm sorry to let you know this, but... the whole time, you've been doing it wrong.
    He stopped with perplexity.  Scanning over repeatedly, his deep dark eyes looked to the few problems he had done, or so he had thought he had done.  It all looked right to him.  Everything made sense.  What was Yoshiko saying?  Uh, what do you mean?  I've been doing the area, length multiplied by height for all these polygons, that's the way you're supposed to do it.
   That's true, but that only works for rectangles.  If you need to find the area of a triangle, there is a different formula you must use.
    Well, Daisuke was dumbfounded.  He racked his brain to try to make sense of what she was silently saying.  He didn't have a clue! A different formula?  Oh, you're right!  I totally forgot that!
    It's no problem.  The formula for finding the area of a triangle is half the height multiplied by its base.  Since it is 4 centimeters high and 11 centimeters across, you can apply the formula so that the equation is 2 centimeters multiplied by 11.
    Oh... so then the answer would be... 22 centimeters, right?
    22 squared centimeters, that is correct.
    Daisuke couldn't believe it.  Yoshiko had just helped him make a valuable realization!  Well, at least it's a more elegant way of saying that Yoshiko had helped him cheat...  Thank you sooooooooooooooo much!!!  You've just totally saved me from failing and having to be a super senior!!  Oh, Yoshiko, you are so amazing!!  I owe you so much!
    It's my pleasure to help you in any way I can.  Since I will be living with you now, I will take it upon myself to ensure your success in life.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you!  That is so nice!  But what about your test?
    Don't worry about my test, I'm almost done anyway.
    Almost done?!  That's even more amazing!
    Where I come from... mathematics is highly regarded and emphasized on children from a very young age.
    Oh, and I suppose I've been doing the rest of these wrong too?
    Yes... but I'll help you.  I'll make sure you succeed.  Daisuke liked the sound of that!
   Ok, now that you brought it back to me, I remember about the different formulas and stuff.  I know the kite one and the square one.  There's one here that's a trapezoid, I swear I never learned THAT one!
    That formula is half of its height multiplied by the length of its first base added to the length of its second base.
    Oh, cool, I got it!!  Thanks a million!!
    Yoshiko continued to help Daisuke silently throughout the test when he needed it.  He worked much better in group tests anyway, and he was enthralled by the fact that Yoshiko was telepathic!!  Before long, he began to get it all on his own and went through his test relying on his own brain.  Yoshiko was happy to be able to help him and felt better about it now.  She knew she had made that fine difference that determined Daisuke's future.  It was certainly looking much brighter now.
    'One minute left.  At the end of the testing time, please close the test booklet and leave it face up on the table.  I will come around to collect them all,' instructed Mr. Isogai as the testing time drew to a close.  Students who had fallen asleep or had moved terribly slow now were frantic to scribble down answers, even if they weren't correct.
    Daisuke finished writing his very last answer and closed his test booklet with a pride that could not be doubled.  He knew he had done it and done it well, with a little help from Yoshiko that is.  When he had done so, he looked to his side and gave a smile to the girl who had already helped him so much, the girl he secretly had fallen in love with.  'Thanks,' he said quietly, 'for everything.'
    'You're welcome.'  In that moment, the time that was the rest of that minute seemed to stand completely still as they stared into each other's eyes.  They both felt so grateful to know one another.
    'Time's up, close all test booklets now.'  Mr. Isogai came around to collect all of the test booklets.
    'Well, that was fun!'  Hiroshi leaned in his chair and loudly popped his knuckles.  'How'd ya think you did, man?'
    Daisuke tried to wipe the smile from his face, but it just stayed there.  After glancing once more back to Yoshiko, he looked to Hiroshi, 'You know what, Hiro?  I think I did just fine.'
    'Me too, I finished about an hour ago.  I've been sleeping, oh man, I just had the BEST dream!!  But uh, I'll tell you later, if you know what I mean.'
    Daisuke sighed and shook his head, trying not to develop a nervous twitch.
    'Isn't it lunch time now?' Asked Yoshiko sweetly.
    'Yeah,' Daisuke looked at his watch, 'time flies when you're having fun!' he said sarcastically and got out his lunch.
    'Well, I'm off to buy a sandwich or somethin'.  The line can really suck if you don't hurry.  See ya.'  Hiroshi left the classroom along with a few other students.
    Daisuke turned back to Yoshiko in an almost dreamlike gaze.  Now he could be, for the most part, alone with his dream girl.  She pulled out the small lunch she had prepared herself quickly that morning and set it on the desk.  It was in a beautiful black Chinese lacquer box with images of brush painted pandas and bamboo in gold and silver that shone and radiated out of the black background.  Daisuke had to get a closer look at it, its handiwork was so fine.  'That's pretty,' he complimented.
    'Thank you, my mother gave it to me,' she answered meekly.  Upon opening the box, inside there was a fabulous little bento with rice and wasabi packed intricately around shrimp.  She also pulled to the table a pair of matching hashi that was equally as beautiful.  'Itadakimasu.'  She began to eat.
    Daisuke found himself staring, but soon began to eat his own lunch. This is perfect, he thought, just Yoshiko and me eating a delicious lunch together!  It could practically be considered a date!  This is the way it should be.  No one else to interrupt, no one else to disrupt.  For the first time in my high school life, there's peace at lunchtime with just my favorite girl and me'  A truth spoken all too soon...
    'Hey, Dai-kun!'  There arose a voice that emerged ever closer to the seated couple.  Wishing the one who had called him to go away, Daisuke turned gloomily to discover whom it was.
    'Hi!'  He was more excited when he discovered a good friend of his standing behind him.  She was tall, lean, and very strong.  Her long dark brown hair cascaded down her back from a ponytail set high on her head with short bangs swept off to the side of her attractive face.  She had the same dark eyes as Daisuke, only barely a few shades lighter.
    'Long time no see, it seems,' she smiled sweetly down to Daisuke.  She scooted a desk closer, 'Is it alright if I join you?'
    'Go ahead,' Daisuke invited.  The girl complied and sat down in the desk aside of Daisuke and Yoshiko.  She pulled out her lunch and then noticed the fine young woman who had previously had the honor of Daisuke's presence with curious green eyes and long cerulean hair tied back into a braid that went down along her back.  She gave her a smile, feeling a bit foolish for not doing so earlier.  'I'm sorry, I've just been so out of it today!  So, Dai-kun, who is your friend?'
    Daisuke almost choked.  He coughed and tried not to blush, 'Uh yeah, sorry'
    Yoshiko giggled, 'Don't worry about it, Daisuke-san.'  She bowed her head to the new girl, 'Hello, my name is Yoshiko, Nakayama Yoshiko.  It's nice to meet you.'
    'Hi,' she gracefully accepted her kindness, 'and I'm Oda Aya, nice to meet you too!'  The girls smiled and shared a short round of laughter which left a perplexity on Daisuke, who could not figure out why they were acting the way they were.  He just didn't understand girls very well'  Aya then turned to give a smug look to Daisuke, one that animated her brief suspicion concerning him and this lovely female.  'So, Dai-kun, when did you two meet?'
    'Uh, when was it?'  Daisuke didn't want to look into Aya's suspecting eyes anymore so he turned to meet Yoshiko's much more inviting ones.  He felt more comfortable looking into hers, 'Two days ago, that's when.'  He smiled deeply to Yoshiko.
    'Two days ago?  Well, no wonder, I was at the hospital then.'  Aya looked to her right hand and saw that her pointer finger was wrapped up in thick bandages.
    Daisuke's eyes followed hers, 'What happened?'
    Aya looked back to him, now she was the one who was embarrassed, 'Nothing really, I was just helping my dad move some boxes for a family that was moving and one of them' it was an accident, really!  It toppled over and' fell onto my finger. It was full of dishes'
    Daisuke raised his eyebrows, 'That sounds painful.'
    'Not as painful as replacing all of those dishes'  I'm going to be paying that off for weeks!'
    'I'm sorry, Aya-chan.'  Daisuke pat her shoulder.  'Does it still hurt?'
    'Not too bad, but with my finger like this, I'll be useless at practice tonight.'  She complained grimly.  Everyone knew that Aya was one of the best martial artists at school and that she was at a very advanced level.  She studied a whole variety of martial arts and seemed to excel greatly at each.  She took her training very seriously, everyone knew better than to get on her bad side' she had quite a temper when triggered.  Daisuke had learned that a long time ago.
    Yoshiko could understand how important it must have been for her.  'Aya-san,' she began, as polite as ever.  Daisuke and Aya both looked to her, 'may I see your finger?'
    Aya and Daisuke looked to each other, exchanging weird glances.  They both had the same question in mind, but Aya obeyed and advanced her hand with the injured finger to Yoshiko, not saying a word.  Yoshiko took it and examined it as if she could see through the layers of cloth and tape that bandaged it up.  It was like she was analyzing it like some sort of science experiment specimen or something.
    'It is broken in several places.'  She confirmed like a natural doctor.  'Those plates must have been very heavy.'
    Aya didn't know whether to be amazed or scared, 'How could you tell that by just looking at the bandage?'
    Yoshiko put on a shy face.  'It's a gift' she spoke softly and continued to examine the finger.  Again, Aya and Daisuke's eyes met.  He smiled and dismissed any weirdness that floated around, making it seem absolutely normal!  Aya had other ideas of normal, however...  'Aya-san,' Yoshiko got her attention again, 'would you like me to fix your finger for you?'
    She blinked, 'Fix it?  What do you mean?  It's already wrapped up and stuff.'  Daisuke had an inquiry, he knew what was coming next.
    'I could heal your finger for you, if you would like me too.'
    It took a minute for Aya to answer.  She was set back by the whole experience.  Even though Yoshiko was very nice, Aya was beginning to think she was some sort of nut case or something.  With a last breath of conviction, she gave in, 'Sure... go ahead.'
    Right then, behind them, hoards of the squirmy Daisuke fan club members broke through the doorway and entered the classroom.  Daisuke, Yoshiko, and Aya didn't notice, though.  This situation with Yoshiko was far more engrossing.
    Yoshiko set one hand over the bandaged finger and the other underneath it, surrounding it gently within her delicate hands.  She closed her gorgeous eyes and seemed to whisper something, but no sound was heard.  The two stared completely speechless and looked down to the cupped hands when a familiar faint blue light seemed to be lit within them.
    Daisuke gasped as he saw that and immediately his mind was filled with images from the first day he met Yoshiko.  Flashes of that vision he had seen came back full force, he again felt as if he was travelling weightless through a myriad of stars in an unexplored region of space.  An instant later, he saw the time when the bright blue light covered Yoshiko's body and shot out to knock the offenders and himself into an unconscious state.  He thought it was just a dream or some sort of illusion, but now' here it was again, as clear and as real as anything!  With eyes full of wonder, he was brought back to reality and looked up to Yoshiko. She is the most amazing girl I've ever known... he thought as he analyzed her fair, perfect face and recalled upon the events of the day they met.
    At that moment, his sight was intrigued by something he had failed to give much notice to ever before.  On her forehead, surrounded by the cerulean strands of her soft hair, there was something very interesting.  It was a thin blue, almost jewel-looking thing that stretched from the top of her forehead to just above her eyebrows.  He had seen it before, but really thought nothing of it until now.  That was all because now, IT WAS GLOWING!  Daisuke's eyes widened and he almost fell out of his seat, What the-?  What is that thing?
    That was when he heard his fan club come up behind him and surround the three desks all to get a better look at the action portrayed by the girl with the weird glowing jewel thing healing Aya's finger!  They all had similar reactions as they watched and openly shared them with each other.
    As for Aya, who had become part of the center of attention for the mob, she was just as amazed as everyone else!  Not only that, as the strange, beautiful blue light entered into her finger, she could feel the warmth of it and the pain subsided!  It was utterly phenomenal.
    Yoshiko finally opened her eyes again, slowly, and brought the blue light to an end.  The figure on her forehead also stopped glowing and went back to its natural deep blue self.  When she looked back to Daisuke and Aya, she saw that there were a few more people than she had recalled from before.  She looked around to them all and saw roughly the same expression played out on each of their faces.  Setting her eyes back to Daisuke and Aya, she became desperate to escape there and turned a bright red.
    Aya looked to her finger.  Promptly, she took it out of the bandage and saw that it was perfectly restored to its perfect condition.  She bent it and there was absolutely no pain at all!  It was perfect! 'Amazing' she whispered, looking back to Yoshiko.  Aya had a large thankful smile.  She reached her hands out and set them on Yoshiko's, which were uncomfortably on the table as she blushed from embarrassment.  'Thank you.'
    Yoshiko looked to her and saw her smile.  That made her feel a whole lot better and she in turn gave her a smile and nodded, 'You're welcome.'
    Daisuke was relieved, he thought that maybe Aya would be really frightened by Yoshiko's little 'deed,' but it didn't appear like she was at all.  She was actually very grateful to her.  Daisuke sighed slowly.
    Then, as fate would have it, his fan club began to act up in its own way.  'What was that??' one of the ringleaders demanded.  The attention of all of them drifted to her, a very spunky young girl with short light hair (dyed with highlights, of course).  She had a very bitter spirit to her.  This girl then went and yanked Yoshiko's hand from Aya's in a single, indecent movement.  When Daisuke saw this, he was shocked.  Anything could happen now...
    The girl pulled her up closer to her scowling face, 'I've seen you around a lot lately with Daisuke-chan.  The girls and I really don't like having you hog him all to yourself.  And what was that you were just doing?  What are you anyway, a witch or something?'
    'N-no, I'm sorry-' Yoshiko was very worried and scared at the sight of this tough girl getting annoyed with her.  She really didn't want to get on the bad side of anybody, but unfortunately now, it seemed too late.
    'Sorry ain't good enough, girl!  You just stay away from Daisuke-chan, got it?'  She pulled Yoshiko forward and she stumbled, falling to the ground.  The bully girl and the rest of Daisuke's faithful fan club closed in around her.  Yoshiko looked up and saw them all screaming rude and very mean things down at her.  She couldn't take it.  Yoshiko shook her head and humiliated, painful tears streamed down her cheeks.
    Daisuke rose to his feet.  He was very angry with this.  Jealousy had driven these girls to pick on the only one he truly had strong feelings for.  'Stop it!' he commanded powerfully.
    The mob of girls looked to him to see his angered face.  The same shorthaired girl as before spoke, trying to fill her voice with encouraging justification, 'But Daisuke-chan, don't you hate having this freak with the weird colored hair following you around everywhere since she first transferred into this school?'
    Daisuke glared, 'As a matter of fact I don't.'  The fan club members each gasped and turned looks of disbelief at one another.  Daisuke moved his way through them until he came to the middle where Yoshiko sat on the floor with tears still wet against her cheeks.  When he saw her he was filled with compassion and grinned in a tender way.  He reached his gentle hand down to her.  Yoshiko looked at it and then back up to Daisuke, her vision blurred from tears.  'Come on Yoshiko,' Daisuke invited.  Yoshiko nodded and joined her hand with his.  A small blush came to her face as she felt his hand closing in a protective, loving way around hers.
    In a single pull, he helped her back to her feet.  They met each other's eyes and stared into them, as if time and the mob had no importance whatsoever.  Of course, that single act outraged the mob.  They couldn't believe Daisuke would do something like that!!  Before they could go to rip them apart, Aya appeared in front of them with her arms acting as a barrier, wearing her toughest face.  'Hold it right there!' she ordered.  They obeyed.  She was very upset about their behavior towards the sweet girl who had just done the most amazing thing she had ever witnessed.  Aya made her way past a few of the girls in front until she came to the shorthaired one who had begun the whole ruckus.  The shorthaired girl was scowling as always and it looked like she had no problem at all with what she had been doing.  That annoyed Aya even more.  Aya slapped her hand into her face suddenly, sending a shock and loud snap through the whole room.  The fan club gathered around their beloved member to help stand up for her and aid to her pain.  Aya just looked at her as the girl covered the slapped area with her hand.  'You mind your own business.'
    The shorthaired girl turned her head back to Aya.  There was no intention of giving up in her wild eyes.  'You-'
    'I wouldn't say it if I were you.  Now you just get out of here before I do more damage to you.  Someone like you doesn't deserve to have the respect of Dai-kun.'
    The girl swore under her breath and pushed back the girls that had crowded around her.  Without another word to Aya, she walked past in a controlled huff.  Daisuke and Yoshiko still had their hands clasped for securely while watching this occur.  The girl took a look to Daisuke and then to Yoshiko.  She glared again and continued to walk. When she passed by Yoshiko, she stopped and whispered a sinister threat, 'You better watch your back.'  Yoshiko gasped and watched the girl walk out of the room.
    Deafening silence followed.  Yoshiko could feel that statement enter into her very soul, it almost seemed to rip her apart.  She thought of what that girl might have in mind and more tears sprung to her already damp eyes.  Daisuke held her closer to him.  She was pushed up against his chest and looked into his dark eyes.  He was worried but spoke with reassuring tenderness, 'Don't listen to that loser, I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you, Yoshiko.  I promise.'
    Yoshiko lowered her head.  A tear came down her cheek slowly.  She couldn't help feeling like some sort of tremendous burden to him and to all around him, it was a horrible feeling.  She felt it better if she hadn't have even met him.  ' I'm sorry' she whispered in a whimper.
    'What?'  Daisuke hoped he heard that wrong.
    'I've just been such a problem for everyone... I've been nothing but trouble...' she sobbed.
    Daisuke shook his head.  He set his free hand on her shoulder, Yoshiko turned her head up to look again into his eyes.  'You've been no trouble at all.  You'll never be any trouble, not to me.'
    Yoshiko's lips curved at the sides to form a small smile of gratitude.  'Thank you...' he could barely hear her voice but at that moment it spoke louder to him than at any other time.
    He nodded solemnly to confirm the truth.  Aya looked to them with a smile on her face and her hands on her hips in a triumphant way.  She thought of her own relationship to Daisuke.  Ever since either of them could remember, they had been best friends.  They used to play together all the time as children and went through school together as an inseparable group along with Hiroshi.  A lot of times in the past they had also been mistaken several times for siblings.  They both looked very similar, they had features and coloring that could be easily mistaken as being that of brother and sister.  But, neither of them had siblings, so that was an impossible deduction.  All throughout their lives they had been as close as brother and sister though, they had shared just about everything together and helped out one another if they ever needed anything.  They were super close.  She remembered a conversation she had had with him long ago, when they were both in junior high.  It was about girlfriends'she asked if she was his girlfriend.  Besides all the embarrassment on Daisuke's behalf, he finally answered that he would be a whole lot more comfortable if they could just be friends.  He told her that he wasn't ready for that yet, but that someday he wanted to find a very special girl.  She's the most special girl in this room, Dai-kun, Aya thought and smiled at the couple, she must be the right one for you.
    'Maaaan!  You'd think that they'd make these dang sandwiches a little better, I mean, this thing just fell apart right after I got it!  How's that for crappy?'  Hiroshi sprung into the classroom with his poorly made sandwich and was met by the eyes of the silent people.  He saw Daisuke's fan club mobbed around, Aya looking especially proud of herself, and (most shocking to him) Daisuke and Yoshiko nearly embraced in each other!!!  He blinked and took a minute to carefully survey all of them.  'Uh...' he began in a daze, 'Did I miss something?'  That must have been the second or third time Hiroshi had said or thought that since Yoshiko had joined them.
    Daisuke and Yoshiko looked to each other and a huge blush came to both of their faces.  They let go of each other, turning the opposite direction and letting their faces burn.  Aya laughed a little and went over to Hiroshi, patting him on the shoulder several times,  'Oh, nothing, nothing.  Didn't miss a thing, Hiro-kun.'
    Hiroshi sweatdropped, 'Why do I have the feeling you're lying to me?'
    'Why would I ever lie to you?'
    'Gee, let me think'
    Then something rather unexpected happened.  Misami, who had been wandering the halls, followed by every guy in her class, stumbled upon the open classroom and peeked her head inside.  She saw familiar faces and jumped in excitedly.  'Sis!'  Misami ran up to Yoshiko, followed by a couple guys from her class.
    'Misami-chan'?  How is your day going?'  She hoped it was running more smoothly than hers.
    'Just fine, look, I've even made some friends!' she pointed to the dumb looking guys that had so faithfully followed Misami into there and would probably be willing to follow her off of a cliff if she bid it of them.  Misami looked to Daisuke and attached herself to him, 'Darling!  Did you miss me?'
    'Uh, yeah I did!'  He groaned internally.
    Hiroshi saw Misami and his hentai button was pushed.  He smiled as he looked her over in her school uniform.  He slid over as gracefully as he could to try to impress her with his suave coolness.  He took one of her hands that was wrapped around Daisuke's arm and held it gently, looking into her bright blue eyes.  'I've certainly missed you, Misami-chan.  Listen, I was wondering, why don't you come over to my house tonight to study or maybe even go out on a date!  What do you say, baby?'
    Misami looked to him with a sadistic glare.  'I'd rather eat dirt.'  She jerked her hand from his and felt like slapping him with it.  'There's no way I'm going anywhere with a pervert like you!'
    Hiroshi was devastated, 'B-but baby... I think I'm in love with you...'
    'Well good for you.  Now why don't you just leave, you're stinking up this whole room with your rotten attempts at getting girls.  You're such a loser, there's no way any girl would want to go out with you ever!!'  She stuck her tongue out without mercy at him.
    'That was a little cruel, don't you think, Misami?'  Daisuke whispered.
    Hiroshi blinked several times.  Slowly, all that was said to him entered his mind and echoed in a deafening way within.  His male ego, pride, and most importantly, cool attitude crumbled and were crushed relentlessly by the strong pounding that was Misami's rejection.  He nearly turned white and shriveled up to die a painful death mocked by the shrill taunting voice of Misami that spoke the same painful words.
    Daisuke saw that he was perfectly still and seemed to be turning whiter by the minute, so he shook him, 'Hiro, talk or blink or something!!'
    Hiroshi snapped out of his moment of self-indulging pity and turned back to Misami to try to regain some of his pride.  He was putting on his best shield against rejection, which he had felt several times, and made it appear that he was invincible against anything she could say to him.  'Is that so?  Well, you'll be happy to know that I DON'T want to go out with you anyway, not ever!  You hear me?  NEVER!  I hate girls with attitude problems and' he tried to think of a good come back as he looked her over, ' and' red hair!!'
    Misami glared and completely turned the other way, 'Then why don't you get out of here, loser?'
    Hiroshi did the same, turning so his back was to her back.  They both had their arms folded in a sort of enmity toward each other, 'This is MY classroom, you leave, brat!'
    'You can't make me do anything!'  She turned around and stuck her tongue out again and pulled the side of her eye down.
    'You're such a brat!'  Hiroshi did the same and the two engaged in a round of this in which neither had the intention of defeat.
    Daisuke was getting very annoyed, 'You guys are acting like children...'
    'Very badly behaved children!'  Aya came up and took them both by the ear, prying them apart.  They squealed with pain, but she didn't let go.  'You brought this on yourself!  Now stop it you two, class is about to start anyway.'  Finally, she let them go and they each rubbed their ears and looked at each other with bitterness.
    'Misami-chan...' Yoshiko sounded desperate.  She hated her sister's immature behavior and showed it rather well with the stern look she gave her.
    'He started it...'
    'Shut up.'  Hiroshi went to sit down in his seat, looking very angry.
    'You can't make me, I'm going anyway.'  Misami looked to Daisuke and winked, 'See ya later, darling!  I'll be thinking about you!'  She turned to leave and the two zombie boys followed.
    Daisuke waved back as she left and moved his desk back to its original place, sitting in it.  He had barely been able to eat his lunch at all.  He heard Hiroshi mumbling things, which would normally be a very normal thing for him, but now he was mumbling things about Misami that shouldn't be repeated.  He smacked him on the back, 'Get over it, so she's not for you, big deal.'
    'That's not it at all.  You saw how she acted to me.  She's the biggest brat I've ever seen!  Dai, how could she be related to Yoshiko?  That's what I'd like to know.'
    Daisuke sighed, 'That's the question to perplex all of mankind...'
    Yoshiko then took her seat.  'Forgive her behavior please.  She's normally not like this, she just... really must dislike you, Shiozawa-san...'
    That seemed to stab him all over again, like a thousand needles to the heart.  'Well, that goes for me too.'  Hiroshi moved his hands into his hair and clenched his fingers shut, turning up to the ceiling, 'Man, I HATE THAT GIRL!!'
    Daisuke and Yoshiko looked to each other again as Aya took her seat by Hiroshi.  They knew that from then on, whenever those two were together, all of hell would be raised...

    The rest of the school day went on smoothly, well, smoothly compared to lunchtime... Yoshiko was introduced to all of her teachers and they were all very impressed with her.  She was by far one of the brightest students at the school and they all had very high hopes for the new student.  Daisuke too was impressed by her.  Everything she did seemed to be perfect no matter what it was.  He was convinced that she was an angel sent down from heaven just for him, and he cherished that thought closely.
    All too soon, the school day came to a sudden end.  Daisuke and Yoshiko walked together to their lockers, Hiroshi and Aya following closely behind.  Terrible stings of jealousy injected into Hiroshi in an unbearable way.  But, he wasn't going to let it get him down again, he always had his laptop...
    They each got the things they needed to take home with them and Daisuke's fan club mobbed around again for the temporary good bye.  You'd think they were saying good bye forever or something...  Daisuke was relieved when they hurried on home, but he knew all too well that they would be back to forever haunt him.
    Misami lurked around the corner and sprang upon her sister and her 'darling.'  They were all still standing in the hall by the rows of lockers while the late afternoon sun lulled through the windows and filled the school in a conspicuous glow.  Misami was giggling and obviously had had a very good first day of school.  Her cheerfulness spread to all of them, except for Hiroshi, that is.  He just narrowed his eyes in a jealous way and turned his head to the side, as if he didn't care at all what the others did.  He sure didn't like Misami.
    'Let's go home, darling!  They assigned me so much homework on my first day!  Can you believe it?'  She had her arms wrapped around his while she complained.
    'This is a pretty challenging place, but in the end it's well worth the hard work.' Said Daisuke, placing a small textbook inside his bag.  He reflected upon what he had said a moment as he stared ahead into nothing, 'I know that better than anyone...'
    'Let's all go home now, alright?'  Hiroshi interrupted harshly.  He picked up his school bag and trudged ahead through the halls with no intention of wanting to even look back to see if anyone would follow.
    Misami detached and placed her hands on her hips as she watched with condemning eyes as he sped away, 'What is his problem anyway?'
    Daisuke let out a soft and tiresome sigh, 'He's jealous.  The guy always gets jealous when another girl we both meet goes for me instead of him.  It's actually pretty traumatizing, or so I'm told.'  As if Daisuke would have any knowledge of how that must feel, him being dubbed the most popular guy at school.  That statement became truer as a group of very high-class girls and jocks passed by with smiles and high fives for him right then.  At school, Daisuke was always part of the in crowd.
    'I feel sorry for him...' Yoshiko set her delicate hand on her chin in an empathetic manner.
    'Don't,' Daisuke shook his head discretely, 'let him suffer, serves him right for being such a dang pervert...'
    'That's a very cruel thing to say about your best friend, Dai-kun.'  Aya walked forward.
    'Well, it's the truth!  He seriously needs to change his ways if he wants any chance with girls.  There's no excuse for acting the way he does.'
    Misami obviously was annoyed so she felt that she needed to contribute to the downgrading of her new nemesis, 'Well, what can you expect, he's just a normal guy always thinking about-'
    'I'm a 'normal guy' also, but I'm not like him at all, at least, I try not to be...  I think this is something only guys can understand anyway.  It has to do with...' he watched him step out the front doors of the school, 'his pride.'
    'Well, obviously whatever you're babbling about is above my inferior female intellect,' Aya joked, taking Daisuke by the hand, 'we better go after him at any rate and save him from his misery, come on Dai-kun!'  She began to pull him with her surprisingly strong force.
    'Hey!'  Misami protested, 'What are you doing?  Who are you anyhow??'
    They reached the outside of the school and saw the remaining crowd of students still on campus.  Looking around, Daisuke finally caught a glance at Hiroshi standing by a cherry tree, his back to the group.  'Hiro...' he whispered.
    'Come on darling, let's go home, please??'  Misami demanded like some small child would.
    He turned to see her and a much more sincere Yoshiko who looked on with equal concern to Hiroshi.  'You two go ahead, I'll catch up.'
    'Are you sure?' asked Yoshiko in her wonderful way.  Daisuke nodded to which instantly caused vast complaining from Misami.
    'Please.  Hiro and I just need some guy time, you know.' He glanced back to his best friend.
    'I understand,' nodded Yoshiko.  'Come on, Misami-chan.  Let's let them be alone for a while.'
    'I'll go with you two.'  Aya got the hint quickly.
    'Ok, but don't be too long, darling!'  The girls began to walk off the campus, leaving the boys behind.
    Daisuke almost wished that they were back with him to give him moral support since talking to Hiroshi when he was mad wasn't the most pleasant thing to do on Earth.  But this would have to be one of those 'man to man' types of talks.  Daisuke looked into the deep afternoon sky and gave out a long sigh from the fresh air.  He prepared himself and walked over to Hiroshi, putting on his friendliest face.  'Yo, Hiro!'
    Hiroshi just glanced his head around to barely see him, the sunlight shining off of his glasses made him look even more angered somehow.  'Hey.'
    Daisuke stood right next to him, leaning on the thick tree.  'So...' there was bleak silence as he tried to think of what to say following that introduction.  He wasn't the best at talking to people while they were feeling any other emotion besides happy.  'What's up?'  He was sure he would crash and burn...
    Avoiding his eyes, Hiroshi sighed and kept his grim face.  'I hate that girl.'
    'Say what?'  Daisuke wasn't sure he heard him correctly, there was still some faint noise form the students leaving school.
    'I hate that girl,' he repeated stronger.  Daisuke thought he knew what was coming then.  'I came up to her today and I was acting totally nice, right?'
    'Well...' he rolled his eyes, 'if you call hitting on every girl in sight 'nice'...'
    'Shut up!  I was being nice.'  Daisuke nodded to humor him.  'And then what does she do?  That little twit starts treating me like total scum!  She didn't seem to care at all about my feelings and then she goes off to you again, it makes me sick.'  He leaned along the tree with a sour expression.
    Daisuke knew he was right, but he didn't know what to say.  Misami had been acting very terrible to him from the very beginning when Hiroshi was just being normal and going out of his way to be nice... or at least, going out of his way to try to get a date.  Either way, it was a noble cause.  She had no right acting as she did, but then again, was it all equally Hiroshi's fault as well?  'You're right, you know,' said Daisuke finally, 'but you ever think that maybe you brought it on yourself too?'
    That got his attention.  Hiroshi looked back to him, 'What are you talking about?'
    'We both know the real reason why you want a girlfriend.  Don't deny it.  The truth is that most girls around here aren't like that though, and Misami just happens to be one of them.  I think she acted that way because she didn't want you taking advantage of her.  You gotta learn to respect girls more and not just think of them as' you know?'
    'Even still' he sighed, 'she didn't need to explode like that.'
    A sudden breeze blew by, flipping Daisuke's soft dark hair into his beautiful face, 'She didn't, but she's staying at my house so I'll talk to her about that.  For now you just worry about yourself.  Why don't you become the kind of guy that girls will want to date?  You'll be a lot happier that way.'
    Hiroshi turned his deep blue eyes to Daisuke.  His expression wasn't much different but there was a hint of relief and satisfaction in it.  'Guess I could give it a try.  I still don't see what I was doing wrong though.  I mean, who wouldn't want to date a handsome stud like me?'
    Daisuke's eye twitched, 'Geez, you're hopeless'
    Hiroshi looked at his watch and picked up his school bag that had been resting along the tree trunk.  'I have to get home.  I'll talk to you later.'  As Hiroshi began walking away, Daisuke wondered if he had gotten anything at all out of the little chat they had just had.
    'Wait!' he called after him.
    Hiroshi stopped and turned around.  He could read the expression on Daisuke's face perfectly.  'Don't worry,' he smiled, 'I still hate her, but now I understand why girls always flock to guys like you.  It all makes sense now!'
    It was almost too good to be real, Hiroshi actually did listen to what Daisuke had to say!  He got something out of it!  Daisuke smiled back in a beaming way and called again anxiously, 'Does that mean you're going to change your ways?'
    'Don't bet on it!  I like who I am and I like what I do!  You should give it a try sometime, if you want I can give you the address to a really awesome porn site!'
    Daisuke nearly fell to the ground in a shattered heap of friendship.  He knew it was too good to be true.  Hiroshi turning good?  Never.  He would continue to be his old perverted, degrading, dim-witted, and easily amused self no matter what Daisuke tried to do for him.  He ran his fingers through his hair in a stressful way and knew that every attempt would be done in vain.  'Get out of here, Hiro.'  As much as he was annoyed, he was happy also.  He realized that Hiroshi wouldn't be the same any other way.
    Hiroshi waved, 'See ya.'  Daisuke watched him disappear off the campus.  He caught himself wondering how he got mixed up in this whole thing, but felt in a way lucky and privileged that he had.  He also felt better that he was able to make Hiroshi feel better.
    Daisuke looked back into the sky and spoke to himself after asking internally the questions that played constantly on his mind, 'It must be my destiny' He walked off of the campus and caught up to the girls after walking briskly.  Aya had already gone to her home, so it was just them again.  Misami attached herself in the usual way and Daisuke gave a desperate look to Yoshiko.  They walked home in a peaceful sort of way that afternoon from the high school where so much had happened and so much had been discovered.

    It was about 5:00 in the afternoon when a series of knocks came to Daisuke's door.  The three at the house had been enjoying a pretty quiet afternoon.  Misami was dragging her sister to try to help her figure out some of the unforgiving algebra homework that was assigned while Daisuke was beginning to think about preparing dinner.  They were all in the same general vicinity, the girls were working on the table and Daisuke was digging around through the refrigerator in the kitchen right near them.  When he heard the knocking, he had his arms full with soy sauce, vinegar, rice, and a lot of other things, so he couldn't very well go to the door.  'Yoshiko!' he called to her from the dining area.
    She arose from Misami's side and came to the kitchen, 'Yes?'
    He turned to her with a sheepish and embarrassed face, 'I'm sorry to interrupt, but could you please go answer the door?  I have my arms full.'
    Yoshiko looked at him balancing all of the items and giggled, 'Certainly.'  She walked through the kitchen and went to the doorway.  She was wearing one of the new outfits which consisted of casual blue jeans and a black sweater that covered three quarters of her arms.  With a kind smile on her face, she opened the door.
    There stood someone she had never seen before.  Expecting to see someone her height, she was surprised that she had to look lower to see this person.  They met her with the same beaming smile, complimented by big, warm clear turquoise eyes that seemed to dance with an intrepid spirit of pure happiness.  It was a child that stood about up to her shoulder with hazel light brown hair, cut short in front for bangs that almost passed through the bright eyes and traveled down smoothly along their head until it reached its ending right above the neck.  This child was very sweet looking, but Yoshiko could not tell whether it was a boy or a girl, there were aspects and characteristics of both.  Then, the child spoke, 'Hi!  Is Mizuno-senpai home?'  The voice was the sweetest part, so innocent and cute sounding with much joy ringing through it.  It was soft and young sounding, and still Yoshiko could not fully decipher the gender.
    'Yes, but he's very busy right now.  May I help you?'
    The child looked at Yoshiko questioningly, all she could do was stay still and let herself be examined.  Then, that smile erupted again and the child bowed, 'I've never met you before, my name is Satoru.'
    Yoshiko smiled back, 'Nice to meet you, I am Yoshiko.  Why don't you come in, Satoru-chan, Daisuke-san should have his hands free soon.'
    'Thank you!'  She led him inside, now that she knew it was a he according to the name.  They both walked to the kitchen and Satoru smiled when he saw Daisuke.
    'Konnichiwa, Mizuno-senpai!' he said brightly.
    Daisuke put all of the stuff on the counter and looked back to him, 'Satoru-kun!  How are you?'
    'I'm fine, thank you!'
    'What brings you here?'
    'I'm actually looking for my brother, mama thought he might be here, but I don't see him.'  Satoru looked all around.
    'No, he's not here, sorry.'
    'Darling!  Can you help me?!'  Misami then ran into the kitchen and grabbed hold of Daisuke's arm.  She was about to haul him to the table to help her with homework when she saw the new comer also.  She stopped and blinked several times, '... Who are you?'
    Satoru smiled brightly with a small bow of courtesy, 'Shiozawa Satoru, nice to meet you!'
    Misami paused.  That name' it sounded so familiar'  Then she gasped and was nearly sickened, 'SHI-SHIOZAWA???'  She exploded.
    'Yes, Misami,' Daisuke said plainly, 'This is Satoru-kun,' he paused for a melodramatic effect, ' Hiro's little brother.'
    What a shock!  The sisters looked at each other, both with surprised and unbelieving faces.  'I see, Shiozawa-san has a little brother!'  Yoshiko stated the obvious.
    'Yeah,' Daisuke was loosing feeling in his arm because Misami was clenching it so tightly.  'Don't worry, Misami, he's nothing like his brother at all.  Satoru-kun is sweet, kind, generous and,' he whispered, 'he's a little too naïve to be a pervert.'
    'Thank goodness...' she breathed a sigh of relief and walked closer to him.  Misami was wearing a tiny red T-shirt and loose jean shorts.  She wasn't that much taller than him, but just tall enough to look down to him while feeling a sense of power and superiority.  'So,' she looked him straight in the eye, 'you're kinda cute, much cuter than your brother.'
    He blushed, turning his head down, ' oh, thanks' I think it's very good to look cute'
    'Kawaii!!!' Misami really loved it when he said that and nearly hugged him to death.  Restraining herself, she became serious again, 'Satoru' I like that name.  How old are you anyway?'  Daisuke and Yoshiko wondered what she was trying to get at, but then again they didn't want to know.
    He kept his head down, answering softly, '12, but I'll be 13 soon.'
    'Anyway,' Daisuke stepped up to stop Misami from swooning over him, 'so you don't know where Hiro is?'
    He raised his head again to shake it, 'No, I was hoping he was here.'
    'That's weird, and he's not home?'
    'Nope.  I suppose he could be at the store or something' oh well, I better go find him wherever he is.'  Right as Satoru turned from there the door flew open and who should come in, but Hiroshi!  He was panting and it looked as if he was barricading the door to keep some wild animal out.  'Onii-chan!' Satoru called.  'Where have you been?'
    Hiroshi walked forward, wiping some dust from his pants.  His school uniform was very dirty for some reason.  They all stared at him and awaited an answer.  He rose his eyes, which immediately met with Misami's.  They glared with a morbid hatred for each other such as had never been felt by the two before.  Satoru came over and tugged on his shirt.  'Onii-chan!!'
    He ripped his eyes from her, 'I was just at the school.  You guys should have seen it!  There was this psycho girl who cornered me on my way home and practically begged me to tell her where the girl from lunch lived.  I think she meant' he pointed his finger at Yoshiko, 'you!'
    Yoshiko gasped, setting a hand on her chest, 'Me?'
    Hiroshi fixed his glasses, 'I understand there was some sort of skirmish today at lunch while I was gone, but don't worry, I didn't tell her anything!  I played dumb the whole time.'
    'In other words, you didn't act much different from how you normally do,' Misami mocked.
    He growled but pretended she wasn't there, 'But anyway,' he came up and took hold of Yoshiko's hand and looked deeply into her beautiful green eyes, 'I think she really means to hurt you, Yoshiko-chan.  That girl is insane because she saw you with Dai and now she's dying of jealousy.  She'll do anything to rip you two apart.'
    'Come on, you make it sound like we're' Daisuke got a huge blush and couldn't continue his sentence.
    'Yoshiko-chan, I want you to know that no matter what, I'll stick by you and make sure she doesn't harm you in any way.  I promise.'
    She looked back to him with swirling eyes, she was both grateful and afraid.  ' Shiozawa-san'
    'Sis,' Misami sounded worried, 'That's awful!  Why does stuff like that have to happen anyway?'
    Daisuke could answer that one.  He put a hand on each of the girls' shoulders, 'Welcome to high school, where anything can happen.'
    Misami broke away, 'But what about that psycho chick?!  If she lays one finger on my sister-'
    'Don't worry, if she harasses any one of us anymore, we will turn her to the principal.  It's called justice.'  Misami was unsure.  She tried to be comforted by Daisuke's words as much as possible.  Hiroshi agreed with what Daisuke had said and continued holding Yoshiko's hand.
    Then, much to everyone's surprise, there was a brash knock on the door.  Hiroshi yelled frightfully and hid behind Yoshiko.  'THE PSYCHO CHICK, SHE'S FOUND US!' he cried and began to use Yoshiko as a sort of shield.  Daisuke sighed loudly and walked to the door.
    'You're such a wuss.  Even if it is her, I'm not afraid.'  Everyone huddled together while Daisuke began to open the door.  There is safety in numbers'
    Instantly, he was met with a sly, cocky wide smile.  The one who had knocked at the door was found leaning one arm against the doorframe with the other hanging loosely on his hip, suggesting a sense of superiority over Daisuke and all within.  He had hair the color of midnight, a very deep bluish black, just long enough in front to be tucked behind his ears.  His normally crystal blue eyes that often looked onto others with scorn and fault were covered by expensive sunglasses that reflected the sun's bright afternoon light straight onto Daisuke's face.  He was wearing a black dress shirt with the top two buttons undone, giving a view of his chest.  He also wore designer khakis with a genuine black leather belt and shoes which were polished to perfection.  Around his right wrist was a silver Rolex that complimented the golden ring on his ring finger.  The cocky smile turned to a smirk that curled his smooth lips to one side before he spoke in a haughty, near bass voice, 'Yo, Mizuno Daisuke.'  His voice sounded conceited and rude.
    Daisuke's dark eyebrows almost trembled.  'Hamada Ryuichi.'
    He laughed inwardly while standing up straight and taking off his sunglasses to reveal those crystal blue eyes.  He set the pair inside his front pocket and immediately looked back to Daisuke in the snobbiest way, his smirk still remaining.  'I heard about what happened to you the day before last.  Is it true you were knocked out all day long?'
    Daisuke wished there was someway for him to disappear into a wall, he REALLY didn't want to talk to his natural enemy right now.  'Not all day, just until school let out.'
    He nodded and took a cigarette from his pocket.  He seemed to show it off for remarks on how sophisticated and mature he was.  In his most overemphasized way possible, he brought it to his mouth while staring at Daisuke, who became shocked at the sight of this.  'Got a match?'
    'What do you think you're doing?!' he asked, completely shocked.  Instead of answering, Ryuichi just stood there with a proud sigh.  'You'll get kicked off the team if you smoke!'
    'Like one would hurt anything,' he smiled and took it in his fingers, 'You've got to loosen up, you can't always go by the rules.  But speaking of the team, that's why I came over here today.'
    Daisuke shifted weight onto one leg.  'What's up?'
    'Well, you know tomorrow is tryouts, and there's a limited amount of spaces open for varsity.  The competition is going to be brutal, and,' he looked Daisuke over, 'no offence, but I've seen some of the other guys and they're all much bigger and probably more qualified than you to be on the team.  Now, I know you think you're good, but as I recall you haven't been doing your training lately, isn't that right?'
    Daisuke's eye twitched, 'Well' not for a few weeks' my dad's been home and' I just haven't had time before the new season started.'
    Ryuichi shook his head, 'Tisk tisk'  Well, I've been practicing very hard in my new swimming pool.  Everyday, in fact.  It really is a commitment and if you're not willing to sacrifice and dedicate yourself, then you have no place on the varsity swim team.'
    Involuntarily, Daisuke's teeth jammed together and his fist tightened.  These little 'word wars' with his rival always raised his blood pressure, but this time it seemed that he was here to do more than that.  This time, it was personal.  'I'll make it, I'll be the best on the team.'
    Ryuichi's thin, perfect eyebrow stooped as he crossed his arms, 'You certainly sound sure of yourself.  That's an awful lot to say from someone who's going to be very flabby in his speedo tomorrow.'  Ryuichi had to laugh.  Daisuke's blood began to boil.  In another conceited manner, Ryuichi wiped a tear from his eye and ended his mocking laughter.  He enjoyed harassing Daisuke so much, it was no secret that he disliked him.  Daisuke was far better at everything Ryuichi thought he was good at, and for those reasons, Ryuichi hated him.  All of his girlfriends had also converted to the 'Daisuke fan club,' which didn't help his opinion of him any either.  'Anyway, I'm not suited to all this dust in the air, so I think I'll be going.  Practice hard, we wouldn't want to see our star swimmer sink tomorrow.'  He put the cigarette back into his mouth.
    Yoshiko suddenly came nearer to Daisuke and into the view of Ryuichi.  Daisuke suddenly got the urge to punch his lights out, but stopped as soon as he felt Yoshiko's gentle hand on his tense shoulder.  He instead breathed deeply and looked back to his nemesis, 'You be sure not to sink with that big head of yours.'  Hidden rage was emanating in his voice.
    Ryuichi slid his fingers through his perfect hair, 'Was that supposed to be funny?'  Then, his eyes fell on Yoshiko.  That beautiful angel, so perfect and divine.  He recognized her from before at school when she came new to class and when she 'got to know' Daisuke.  Just knowing that such a girl existed was hard to believe, but to know that she was now with Daisuke, setting her delicate hand on his shoulder'  That was just down right impossible.  Ryuichi felt an even greater new hatred develop for Daisuke as he witnessed this girl (whom he secretly targeted as his new girlfriend) at the side of his enemy.  It bothered him greatly, but then he pledged that he would succeed at winning over Yoshiko, who had become the most desirable girl at school.  Somehow, he told himself, he would have her as his own.
    After looking at Yoshiko for a long time during the period of silence, Ryuichi smiled in his snobby way and set his sunglasses back over his eyes.  'I'll be seeing you.'  He turned around and began to walk down the stone path back to the sidewalk.  As he went, he took the cigarette from his mouth and flicked it over into Daisuke's rock garden, laughing secretly as he went back into the red Lamborghini that awaited him.
    'Good riddance, bastard,' Daisuke said through clenched teeth.
    Yoshiko's grip tightened, 'Who was'
    'Hamada Ryuichi.  The richest and most horrible guy at school.'  Daisuke closed the door, but kept his stare in the same direction.  He could feel the aversion toward him growing.  Before then, he did not mind him that much, but after that incident, he had pledged on him becoming his enemy and rival.
    Hiroshi could feel the mood was grim, so he smiled and gave out a geeky laugh, 'So, everyone!  Who's up for go fish?'  Daisuke suddenly turned from his current place and walked hastily in an angered huff past everyone toward his bedroom.  They all heard the door slam shut.  Yoshiko was most surprised by this.  She was about to run after him, but after what he had been through, she felt it better to let him be alone.  She felt very badly for him and wished there were some way to help.  'Ok, he's pissed,' Hiroshi observed.
    'Darling' Misami's voice was faint.  She looked onto her sister who was equally troubled.  Then, Misami got angry as well.  'How dare he be so mean to my darling!  If I ever see that guy again, I'll rip his eyes out and make him pay dearly for what he's done!'
    'Don't bet on it.'  Hiroshi yawned suddenly and gained attention upon himself.  'Dai and Ryuichi have been at each other's throats for ages.  At first, Ryuichi was the hot stuff, the guy everyone wanted to be friends with.  He was good-looking, popular, and the best swimmer around.  That was, until Dai came to be widely known, like after he started swimming and stuff.  Then all the girls instantly started flocking to him and leaving Ryuichi back in the dust.  He also, I gotta admit, is a better swimmer than Ryuichi, but he hates to admit that anyone is better than him, so he gets all angry and that's why he hates Dai so much.  If you ask me, the guy's just another jealous loser because he used to have it all, but now Dai took that all away.'
    'That is understandable, I suppose'  BUT IT'S NOT AN EXCUSE!'  Misami screamed at Hiroshi, almost causing him to go deaf.
    'Mizuno-senpai' I hope he'll be alright' Satoru looked worriedly down the hall to where Daisuke had stormed off.  Yoshiko sighed softly and wondered the exact same thing.  Hiroshi regained himself and put a hand on his little brother's soft hair.
    'Oh don't worry so much, Amoebae Boy.  He'll be fine, the guy seriously just trashed his pride though.  Just give him a while to be alone.  If I know Dai, he'll be back to normal by tonight.  In the meantime while he's punching out walls and smashing stuff, why don't we all do something?'  He was trying to suppress his hentai-ness as much as possible in fear of being seriously maimed by Misami.
    Yoshiko couldn't just change the subject that easily, 'Are you sure he'll be alright?'
    'Yes, my dear!  He'll be perfectly fine!  Trust me!'
    Just then they all heard a loud curse word yelled through the house followed by a crash of what sounded like glass shattering into several pieces against a wall, thrown obviously in severe rage.  No one thought they would ever experience Daisuke getting that mad!  He never seemed like the type of guy to get so worked up, Ryuichi seriously hit him where it hurt.  Everyone straightened up and looked with fright at each other.
    Hiroshi's voice became high and squeaky, 'Then again maybe not!'
    Satoru then tugged on the sleeve of his brother's dirty school uniform, 'Onii-chan, maybe we should go so Mizuno-senpai can be alone.'
    'That may be a good idea' Yoshiko was much quieter than usual as she kept her head down.  She was really concerned for Daisuke and it ripped her apart to see him so upset.
    Amazingly enough, with only that small amount of convincing, Hiroshi agreed and nodded.  He knew that Daisuke needed time to hurt things by himself after what Ryuichi had said to him.  He wasn't COMPLETELY dense, after all.  (Just mostly dense!)  'Good luck, sweet Yoshiko-chan.  You're very brave to be alone in this house with the vengeful demon.'
    Just then, he was smacked across the back of the head by a very perturbed Misami, 'Baka!  Don't say things like that to my sister or about my darling!  He's more of a man than you'll ever be!'
    'IS THAT SO??' he yelled back and the two erupted in an unforgiving round of arguing.  That didn't help Yoshiko at all.  She breathed out slowly while shaking her head, her mind thick with worries.
    'Yoshiko-san?'  Yoshiko looked down to see the sweet feminine face of Satoru, 'I know this isn't a very good time to ask, but are you staying here with Mizuno-senpai?'
    Yoshiko nodded, 'He was kind enough to allow my sister and me to come into his lovely home.  I am very grateful for it, otherwise I would not have any place to stay.'
    He smiled and then looked back onto the rivaling pair.  'He really is a great guy, isn't he?'  Yoshiko agreed, which only made it even harder for her to think of him currently so angered and upset.  She wished there were some way to help him and something she could do about the menacing Ryuichi.  'Onii-chan, time to go!' Satoru called to his brother in a girlish voice.  Hiroshi turned to him, steam nearly gushing out his ears.
    'Gladly!'  He turned from Misami and went over to the door to put his shoes on, the whole time feeling very defensive and sour toward the flaming red head.
    'Yes, go!  Get outta here!' Misami spat like poison.  'Baka hentai...' she muttered under her breath.
    'Please forgive our intrusion,' Satoru bowed respectfully after placing the sandals on his tiny feet.  'And say hello to Mizuno-senpai for me, once he's feeling better.'
    Yoshiko smiled at the politeness and charm of this very cute young man.  'I will do that, Satoru-kun.  Have a good night.'
    'See ya!' Satoru beamed as he opened the door and walked out.  He was giving the cutest smile as his bright turquoise eyes shimmered with life.
    'Give me a call if you need anything.  Dai knows my number,' Hiroshi said so lowly, Yoshiko almost didn't understand his words.  She nodded as he walked out the door to be by his adorable little brother.  They said their final good byes, Misami had kept her head turned the other way the whole time, and the brothers with nothing in common save their family name returned to their home.  Hiroshi wished he could have stayed a little longer to be with Yoshiko, but figured that would only make Daisuke even more enraged.
    After they had returned home, Hiroshi ascended into the dark abyss that was his room to 'study' and Satoru was taken to his thrice a week intermediate ballet class.  He loved to dance!  He also loved the beautiful outfits and the gracefulness of a white ballerina, like a delicate orchid dancing in perfect harmony.  He was also a very good dancer, quickly becoming one of the best in his class.  He was learning how to lift the girls off the ground like so many other male dancers had before, but it was proving to be quite difficult.  He just wasn't strong enough yet, but he would never give up.
    Satoru could be considered quite feminine by anyone's standards.  He didn't at all like things deemed as 'manly' or 'boyish' like fighting and violence and stuff.  He loved art and music, love and peace, and the softer parts of life.  He also used to play with dolls and dress up with his female friends, but he hadn't done that lately.  He had secretly been dealing with gender identity issues after being seriously harassed by bullies just for being who he was.  He caught himself thinking rather often that maybe he should have been born a girl instead, but he wouldn't dare bring those feelings out into the open.  So, he kept them hidden and continued living his usual, happy life.

    Back at Daisuke's house, Daisuke was in his bedroom still.  '282, 283, 284, 285, 286' he counted aloud as his arms met his knees in sit-ups.  His abdomen was beginning to form tight knots with every constriction of the muscles.  It was so painful to continue, but he had to, he couldn't stop.  The try out would be tomorrow and if he didn't make it, there was no way he would ever forgive himself.  Swimming was his life, he felt that it was one of the only things he had going for him.  Without it, his life would be so useless, he thought.  He had to strain himself in order to prepare after weeks of neglect.  Ryuichi had actually done a good thing from his visit.  He had driven Daisuke back into hard training.
    '300!'  He fell back onto his carpet, sweat streaming off his forehead and body.  His muscles ached so much after all the exercises he had just performed which were far more than just the 300 sit-ups.  The pain stung his body all over; it felt great.
    Daisuke flung his T-shirt off as soon as there was a knock on his door.  'Come in.'
    Yoshiko then entered, her head lowered, but he could tell there was a smile of compassion and concern on her perfect lips.  In her hand she held two cups brimming with lemonade and ice.  At that moment, seeing the girl of his dreams and the ice-cold lemonade was the most beautiful sight in the world to Daisuke.  He smiled.  'How are you?' her voice was faint.
    He thought about how outrageous he was earlier, 'Better' I'm sorry, I don't know what got into me.  He just made me so mad.' His eyes trailed over to the broken glass in the corner of the room that used to be a vase.  Fortunately, it was a very cheap one that would easily be replaceable.
    Yoshiko didn't say anymore, but came to join him on the floor.  She handed him the cup, this being the first time she looked into his eyes.  She saw that he was shirtless and a small blush covered her fair cheeks.  'I understand.  It's alright' she thought about the swim tryouts he was training so hard for, 'I know that what he said is wrong.  You will do very well tomorrow, I can feel it.'  Daisuke looked up to her from the glass.  She smiled warmly, 'You'll make it and you'll be unbeatable.'
    Daisuke smiled back and took another long drink.  'I sure hope you're right,' he laughed.  Somehow he couldn't quite determine, he felt she was right.  All he could do was keep smiling and thinking.  At that moment, he felt closer to Yoshiko than he had ever before.  He still had dozens of questions for her, but he felt he knew her just as well as he would have if he did know everything about her.  Daisuke blushed coyly and thought about how much he cared for her and was determined to some day understand everything about her.  Some day'
    Soon they both walked out of his bedroom and into the kitchen.  Daisuke went back to preparing dinner and found Misami practically glued to the telephone.  She had made several new friends just that first day and was perfecting the art of telephone usage.  Daisuke knew his life would be MUCH different from then on'  Yoshiko had sympathy, but at the same time found humor in the situation.  She decided to help him prepare dinner and soon Misami joined in as well.  It was the only way to tear her away from the telephone.
    They very much enjoyed the dinner they had prepared while laughing and adding the wrong ingredients.  The girls had distracted Daisuke so much, the food didn't turn out as well as it could have.  But that was fine, it just built some more good memories with Yoshiko and Misami.
    Another long, exciting day drew to an end.  The girls claimed the bathroom for a long time that evening and Daisuke waited for his turn patiently.  When he was finally able to go in there, he was ultimately embarrassed to discover a lacey bra in the clothes hamper and feminine products placed under the sink.  THOSE were things he had never seen lying around his house before.  He knew with sureness that his life would be much different from then on.  Much different'  As he soaked soothingly in the bathtub, he thought about it all again for about the thousandth time.  Sometime soon he was determined to find out everything about Yoshiko and tell her how he really felt about her.  He smiled with the thought of her and closed his eyes.  All the events and thoughts from that day danced upon his mind as he envisioned his future.