...Niko was walking on the school corridor. He was looking down. He couldn't see anyone's face. He was feeling like he was alone in the darkness. He sat on his usual spot and just wait for the bell to ring. His soft white hair was messy as always. He stood up and walked till his class. He sat. The teacher entered with a boy. Niko has never seen him before....

Classmate 1: Who Is he?

Classmate 2: I don't know! I think he is new!

Teacher: Hello class. Today we have a surprise. This is Hayate Hirano. He came from Japan. Hayate, have a seat.

...The teacher said. Hayate had black hair like coal and pale skin like snow. His eyes were light blue. He was looking angry. Hayate looked at everyone. There was only one free seat. The seat next to Niko and then was the day everything started....

Niko: Hi... I-I'm... Niko

...Hayate ignored him...

Classmate 1: He is so hot

Classmate 2: I know! Japan boys are the best.

Hayate: You know that I can hear you? Right?

Classmate 3: Poor Hayate... He sat next to the nerd.

Teacher: Quiet please.

Hayate: Where are we?

Niko: Are you asking me?

Hayate: Are you deaf or something?

Niko: No. Sorry. We are on page 23.

...Niko raised his hand....

Niko: May I go out for a while?

Teacher: Of course but stay outside the class

...Niko left the class and sat on the floor. His mind was full of thoughts. It was rough for him to stand on his feet after what happened to his life. A love that he could not let go....

Boy 1: What's wrong, gay lover?!

Boy 2: Did ya boyfriend let you?!

...They were so tall. Far more tall than Niko. The one of them was ready to kick him but someone caught him and punch him on his face. Niko looked at him....

Niko: Hayate... Why did you come out?

Hayate: I only wanted to go the bathroom. You are blocking the door.

Niko: Oh! I'm sorry...

...Niko stood up and opened the door of Hayate....

Hayate: Are you gay?

Niko: Yes...

...Niko was feeling so embarrassed...

Hayate: You don't have to be embarrassed

...He simply said and left....

Niko: (Oh... right... I heard that Japanese aren't as racists as Americans.)

Boy 1: This time, the new guy saved you but he won't be with you next time.

...The two boys left. Hayate came back from the toilet and sat next to Niko....

Hayate: Sorry I was rude back in class. It's just because I just moved here and this is who I am! This is what you have to say when they are making fun of you because of your sexuality. I can't say that I'm supporting Gays though. Being attracted from the same sex is weird, man, isn't it?

Niko: I can't say that. Ask a homophobic.

Hayate: I'm not a homophobic!

Niko: Whatever.

...Niko went to the canteen. He bought a soda....

Niko: Hayate, you wanna something?

Hayate: I would like to drink something.

Niko: And a cold green tea, please.

Canteen man: Here you go.

To be continued...

...Niko was lying on his bed. It was seven in the Morning. He didn't want to go to school. The only thing he wanted was to stay in bed all day. On the bedside table, there was a frame. He caught it and caressed softly....

Niko: You miss me...

...He whispered and kissed at the guy on the photo. Niko and the other guy were cuddling....

Niko: I can't forget you! Help me!

...The door opened. It was his mother....

Niko's mother: Good Morning, sweetheart. You should get out of bed. You'll be late for school. I prepared breakfast. Uh... sweetheart. There is a negative aura around this photo. You should threw it away or at least hide it somewhere...

Niko: NO!

......Niko shouted at his mother and put the frame on the bedside table again. She dressed up and went to the dining room. He ate his breakfast and left for school. When he arrived at school, be sat on his spot. This spot was so peaceful. Outside, on the grass, under a big pretty tree....

Hayate: Hi, Nino.

Niko: It's Niko. Not Nino.

Hayate: Right. Do you have a boyfriend?

Niko: No, I don't. What do you want from my life? Can't you leave me alone?

Hayate: Nuh... I can't. I found you interesting.

Niko: Me? Why?

Hayate: Because you hide something... I like it here. This shadow under the tree is so refreshing.

...Hayate said and lied on the ground next to Niko....

Niko: I know.

Hayate: Why don't you have any friends?

Niko: I used to but you can't trust anyone. Every person I know the only thing he can do is lie. Only lie. Lie about his interests, his feelings and more.

Hayate: Like... you don't hide your feelings?

Niko: No. When I'm feeling something strong, I say it.

Hayate: Right. You are gay. What's the chances of someone saying back "I love you ****too****" Really low. Have you even had ever a boyfriend before or are you like a ******?

Niko: What's wrong with you! That's a personal question!

Hayate: (... um... I am not in a position to offend him... I never had a girlfriend too... Oh wait. He avoided the question! Never mind.)

...The bell rang but Niko didn't move at all. Hayate looked at him weirdly....

Hayate: Shall we?

Niko: I don't want to.

Hayate: Why?

Niko: Look. We are totally strangers and I don't like your character. You are an a$$hole.

Hayate: Oh. I see. You are a racist like all the others. You don't want to be with me because I'm Japanese.

Niko: What?! No! Because you are an a$$hole.

Hayate: Listen. I'm the new guy. Nobody wants to hang out with me. I'm different. I'm not from the same country.

Niko: Your English is almost perfect

Hayate: That's not the point!

...Hayate shouted and covered his face with his jacket. Niko took away the Jacket and looked at him. Niko was above him. He smiled to him. Hayate blushed....

Niko: I know how is to be different but being from another country is something very usual, especially in America. These are the stereotypes we built.

Hayate: Don't they bully you?"

Niko: No. Of course not. Only some closed mind boys. Just be yourself and if you don't want to show your really self in public, you can do it when we are together.

To be continued...