A/N: Weee! IT'S FINALLY DONE! HALLELUJAH!
-Chapter 2-
The silver-headed teen turns from the board and gives me a “now what?” look. Still preoccupied with the new discovery – that I might actually be attracted to one of my students – I hestitantly reply, “Uh... T-tell us a little about yourself.”
He looks at the class with a bored fashion, “Name's Riku. I got to many schools before but I always end up getting kicked out. This happens to be my 6th school. Don't mess with me, and hopefully there won't be a 7th.”
The air is quiet after this speech. I sweat-drop, so he's the troublesome type. God help me tolerate with him.
"What did you do to get kicked out so many times?” A spiky-haired brunette with big curious blue eyes standing on front asks quietly.
I look back at Riku, even I want to know. Riku smirks, obviously waiting for this question. “I beat up my teachers.” He says confidently, the class looks at him with awe, but he turns to smirk wider at me.
Does the prick expects me to be scared? Hah! I'll show him.
So I give him one of my teasing smiles. The one I use on Cloud when I want to coax him into something.
The prick narrows his eyes at me, indifferent look on his pretty-face, then diverts his gaze away and walks back to his seat.
The class proceeds normally after that, I'm glad to say. The students in it are pretty unusual though. Perverted is a better word, actually. Especially Axel and Demyx, the class clowns.
I bring forth my notebook and look up at my class with a playful smile. This is going to be fun. “You have a homework.” I announce, surpassing a smirk when I hear their groans and complaints.
Suddenly the sound of a chair being scraped against the floor is heard. I look up, and notice that Riku Hikaru is standing up, then, casually, making his way toward the exit.
I blink repeatedly. What the hell is he doing??
"Excuse me, where do you think you're going?” I ask him with a challenging expression, a hand on my hip.
He stops, breathes out a sigh, as if I'm a bother, and turns to me slowly, with the same bored fashion before. “Isn't it obvious? It's getting boring, so I'm leaving.”
The hell you're leaving!! This prick is getting on my nerves! “You're not allowed to leave until class is over, I'm afraid.” I retort calmly, or at least trying to appear calm.
He, just as calmly, checks his wristwatch. I glare at him intensely. He better listens to me!
The class is silent and watching the event keenly. Even they haven't come across a student like the prick, it seems.
"Are you listening to me? Class is not over yet, so get back to your seat!” I say with more authority this time.
He gazes up from the wristwatch and points at the bell over his head.
And, incredibly, it rings!!
The class goes like, “Whoa!”
He smirks coolly at my dumb reaction, turns around, and leaves.
Smartass.
XXX
Yuffie skips gleefully in my direction as soon as she spots me enter the teachers' lounge.
"Hey, Teef! We're going to this party after work, wanna join us??”
I put down my books on my desk and look at her apologetically, “Sorry, Cloud's coming over at my place tonight. Can't go!”
She freezes, then a teasing expression spread on her face, I shake my head. Typical Yuffie. “Ooo, a date?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!! YOU FINALLY GOT HIM, GIRL! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!”
"Shhh!” I shush her up, she's so loud that practically all the teachers are staring at us now. “It's not like that! I-it's just dinner...”
"Riiight...”
"It's true! I didn't tell him anything yet...” I sigh, sitting back on my chair.
Yuffie rolls her eyes. “Coward.”
My head slumps, because its true. I AM a coward. “But... maybe... today...” I say quietly, blushing more by the second.
Yuffie grins, “You'll tell him this time, right? Good luck! I'm rooting for you, y'know!”
I smile shyly. Yes, today. Definitely. I'm going to tell him. I'm going to tell Cloud how I feel!!
XXX
As soon as I made it back to my apartment from work, I started preparing for the best dinner I can manage; Cloud's favorite dishes mainly.
I wanted it to be perfect. Should I put out some candels too? It'd make the atmosphere much more romantic but, maybe it will be too much? I don't want to go overboard...
Now... for my dress, I've decided the night before that I'll wear the black one I just bought, it hugs my figure perfectly, spaghetti strap, backless, and its just above me knee. I have to look irresistable! Geez, I sound like I'm desperate here...
I'm putting my perfume on when the door bell suddenly rings, I tense. It's Cloud! He's here!
Inhale. Exhale. Alright! I'm ready!
I glance at the mirror before I make my out of my room, and do some last check ups for my hair then hurry to open the door. God, I'm so nervous.
Cloud is dressed casually, of course. He raises a surprised eyebrow as soon as he sees me. I look down at the ground timidly.
Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea...!!
“Hey...” He finally breaks the awkward silence.
"Um, hey... G-good to see you, Cloud...” I make way for him to come in, “Come in!”
"Are you... going somewhere?” Cloud asks as soon as he comes in, studying my dress. I knew he'd be suspicious, because I rarely wear dresses.
"Um, no...”
"Hn.”
...
Cloud's stomach starts rumbling. I giggle to myself as he blushes bright red, embarassed. He takes a glance at my chuckling figure, then quickly looks down. I smile warmly at his modesty. "Let's eat!”
XXX
The meal is tense and awkward...
I'm contemplating whether I should gather my courage and confess to him about my feelings now, or not. Everytime I try to open my mouth, I find myself unable to utter a single word.
Why am I scared of telling him...? Maybe because deep down I know what his answer will be. I'm living a lie. But, I can't help it. I'm hopelessly in love with this man.
Over and over, the same scenerio repeats itself, I get close to confiding him about my feelings, but I back down in the last minute. But today is the day for change. I'm going to tell him. I'm determined.
"Thanks for the food.” He says finally, preparing to get up.
Come on, Teef! You can do it! This is your chance!!
I stand up abruptly after him, "Cloud, I--”
He looks down, and mutters softly, "I know.”
I freeze, staring at him wide eyed. H-he knows?? Am I that obvious...? I gulp hard, anticipating his answer.
A long, and painful silence follows, one that Cloud manages to break again. My heart beats faster and faster...
"Tifa... I'm sorry.”
And suddenly, I feel like my heart is being stabbed by million daggers.
Tears fill up my eyes in a matter of seconds. My vision is turning blurry, and I try so hard to keep the tears in and dare not expose myself. I knew this was coming... but I can't help feeling disappointed...
"Tifa, I...” He begins, but I cut him in, because I know what he's going to say. And my heart can't take it anymore. “Don't say it! I know. Y-your h-heart belongs to A-aerith. I know... I know...”
But then, why do I keep trying? Why do I still love him?? I want to take this feeling and bury it away. If only..
I look down at my lap, my throat aching. I feel like I need to cry, cry and cry...
"Tifa... are you OK?” I hear Cloud's concerned voice.
Pull yourself together, Teef... for Cloud's sake...
I shoot up my head high and force out one of my sweetest smiles. “Yes! I'm fine! Oh! Look at the time! I have to prepare for tomorrow's class! You should get going too, Cloud!” I push him out toward the door, he looks pretty reluctant though. “Tifa, are you sure... you're fine?”
"Yup!” I practically force him out of my apartment, “Bye!” I lock the door and lean on it, tears coming down freely now. Slowly, I start to sink down, weeping to myself, all alone in my apartment. He didn't even comment on my dress... and I spent so much money on it just to impress him!
All the effort... wasted.
XXX
DAMMIT! I'm late for work! I couldn't get any decent sleep last night. I spent most of it sobbing pathetically to myself.
I rush into the teacher's lounge, Yuffie looks up at me and shakes her head, “You're late again today! What's wrong with you??”
"Sorry, Yuff.” I say in hurry, preparing my stuff for class. “I didn't get enough sleep last night.”
Yuffie studies me carefully, I bet I look like a mess from all that weeping.
“He rejected you, huh? Bastard!” She hisses dangerously, then looks at me with pity, “Aww, Teef! Don't feel bad! I'm sure there are million guys who'll go out with you! Forget about him already!!”
"Thanks, Yuff.” I smile gratefully at her. I'm not sure I'll be able to get over my first love ever that easily. I wasted half my life chasing him.
"What are you waiting for?! You're late for your class!! I bet they're celebrating by now!”
"Right! See ya later!” I cry back at her as I dash out of the room.
XXX
I bust into my classroom, panting from running all the way here. “G...G-good morning class!” I breathe out, making my way toward my desk.
They frown and curse out loud.
"Damn! I thought she was absent!!”
"I guess it's too good to be true...”
"That was SOO close!!”
I smack my desk with my fist to shut them up. “SILENCE! No talking in class!” I bark angrily, glaring at all of them.
I notice Axel, one of my troublesome students, turn around to his partner, Demyx, behind him.
“She probably had a fight with her boyfriend, and now she's venting all her anger on us.” I hear him whisper. My eyes twitch in response, fist clenching tighter.
"Probably the coach, Mr. Chocobo Head!” Demyx whispers back, and they start snickering.
Automatically, I turn around and hit Demyx's face with one of my hard punchs. His head slumps back on his desk and he loses consciousness. The majority of the class laughs at him, calling him a wimp. They just don't really understand how powerful my punch is. Axel smirks at me, but then his smirk ceases when I narrow my eyes at him.
I get on with the lesson normally. Demyx manages to wake up in the midst of it, staring fearfully at me. I roll my eyes in return.
I'm distracted, however, when I notice Riku, the prick, stand up from his seat calmly, hands in his pockets, and make his way out of the class. I stare at him dumbly. Oh, I'm so not in the mood for him and his stupid acts today!!
I stomp angrily after him, out of the classroom, the students go like “Oooh!” But I ignore them, and head out. I reach him at the far end of the hallway.
"Hey, you, mister! Where the HELL do you think YOU'RE going?!” I hiss at him.
He turns around slowly with a bothered expression, “Out.” He replies simply, as if he just answered the most obvious question in the world.
"You gotta be kidding me, prick! You're not getting out there till the bell rings! Didn't I promise you that I will make sure you grace us with your presence every day!?”
He snorts. "Why? My presence is as good as my absence.” He says carelessly, shrugging a bit.
"I said get your ass back there, NOW!” I command, pointing at the direction of our classroom.
His expression turns teasing. “Now you're acting like your true self!” He taunts with a smirk.
XXX
-Riku's POV-
I don't get that chick's story. I mean, all the teachers I've dealt with so far, found it better that I leave anyway. Why does she want me to stick around? Annoying.
She looks pretty damn pissed, too. “Don't change the subject and get back to class or I'll have to beat you up and drag you there!!”
Is she OK in the head? Did she just say 'beat you up'? Heh. She's funny. Now I'm interested.
I turn around fully to face her, and give her a challenging look. “I'd like to see you try!”
She looks at me darkly, eyes narrowing more by the second. What's up with her? Why is she so worked up about it? Seriously, this chick needs some anger management counselling.
All of a sudden, without warning, she punchs the wall next to us, so hard that, in fact, she left a hole in it.
I lose my cool mask, and stare stupidly at the hole she made on the wall, jaw dropping.
That's no ordinary chick, I conclude, feeling truly threatened now. Damn. I don't have any choice but to go back now, or this crazy chick will beat me up for real!
But if I do that... then that'll ruin my cool exit... I hate this! Why can't I have an ordinary boring teacher like usual??
Then the bell rings. Ah, saved by the bell. Phew.
I smirk victoriously at her, and turn around coolly to take my leave. I hear her growl from behind me and smirk wider to myself. I've never had so much fun in school before.
She's... definitely worth my time.
XXX
-Back to Tifa's POV-
GRR! That.. That... ARGH!!
Ugh, I feel like punching something.
Why does the bell always take his side?! Stupid bell! I almost had him!!
I turn around abruptly to punch something and manage to connect with Demyx's face instead while he was rushing out of the classroom. He falls back promptly on the ground, unconcious.
I cover my mouth and look around to see if anyone saw. But there's none. I sigh out with relief. Safe.
I stare down at his body with sympathy. Poor guy. Then I sneak my way out when students start gushing out the classrooms after him.
"Oh, look, Demyx is unconscious again!”
"Ah, leave him. He'll wake up eventually.”
They shrug carelessly and walk over his body. Now I feel REALLY sorry for the guy.
XXX
Next chapter: His Problems. We get to know more about Riku's life. <3 Yay!
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