First term of our first year in Junior High, this feels great.  The classes were commencing for already two months and all of us already know each other.

"Good morning, Tanaka." greeted Suzuki.

"Hey, good morning."

That was Suzuki Kotori, my classmate and seatmate. She has the potential to be one of the best students here in our class plus she's really popular in our division.

"Hm~, are you praising me in your mind?" teasingly asked Suzuki.

Did she just read my mind?!

"N….No! I was just thinking things…."

Damn it, Suzuki. Here we go again with your antics.

By the way, I am Kusakabe Tanaka. 13 years living in this lively planet Earth and in the beautiful country of Japan.

What's important is that I am considered as…. the...!!!

"…toughest guy in the class?" asked Suzuki.

"How can you even tell what I was thinking?! Darn it."

"Hahaha! It is written all over your face. Being confident again, hm~?" replied Suzuki.

She's grinning! Since the day we first met, I'm being ridiculed every day.

Why am I considered the toughest guy, you ask? It's because….

"…you often came late even though our teacher is one of the scariest when he's angry." said Suzuki.

"Can you please let me finish what I was thinking? Please?"

"Hahaha! I just said what I am seeing every morning. Am I right, though?" asked Suzuki.

Damn it, Suzuki! I am being ridiculed once again! By you!

"Fufufu… You always have the hobby of teasing other people aren't you, Suzuki? Don't you see yourself as a rude person?"

How about that? I hope you can reflect from the words that I just said.

"Tanaka, you know what? You're the only person that I tease every single day." replied Suzuki.

"Am I supposed to be honore---"

"I LIKE YOU." declared Suzuki.

THAT WAS SUDDEN!!!!

D…..Did she just said that s…she lik...likes ME??!!!!!

No, no, no! There might be a misunderstanding here!

"Look, you're blushing." said Suzuki.

"N….No! It's just…. hot! Aah~ it's so humid here!!"

"Hm~ Is that true~? It doesn't look like to me." teased Suzuki.

She got me again….!!!

"Let's make a bet, Tanaka. Try to guess the reason why you're the only person I always ridicule. If you win, I'll buy you yakisoba before you go home, got it?" said Suzuki.

T…This girl….! But the reward is not that bad, I'm game for this!

I need to think a common reason for this. Hmmm…

What?! I got it.

"Jeez, the answer that you wanna here is a little rude for me to stomach."

"What's your answer?" asked Suzuki.

Fufu. I win this time, Suzuki!

"It's because I am easy to mess with!"

"Then, you just admitted that you are easy to read, huh? Toughest guy, hm?" ridiculed Suzuki.

"NO! I am just assuming what you are thinking as an answer!"

"Hmm, I guess you are 25% right and 75% wrong." replied Suzuki.

What?!

"Fufufu. You think so lowly of me, aren't you Suzuki? I, Kusakabe Tanaka, wouldn't accept being underestimated by someone like you!"

"By the way, if you lose, you need to hold my hand while we are walking down the hallway." replied Suzuki.

W…WHAT?!

T…That would be embarrassing! Anyone will see us as a couple, though everyone here in the class almost thinks we are. But no!

"So, what is your answer, Ta-Na-Ka? Hm? I'm giving you a lifeline, y'know." asked Suzuki.

I….I need to win this!

"C…Can I go to the restroom for a bit?"

"Sure, go ahead." affirmed Suzuki.

This will give me time to think.

"Don't try to ditch me, okay? Or else, you lose~" added Suzuki.

"I won't!"

Jeez, is she teasing me because I am the closest person beside her?

I think not, she's quite sociable so she can befriend and ridicule anyone even the person from the front seat.

"Oh, Kusakabe. Good morning." greeted Koyanagi.

He is Koyanagi, my classmate and my friend. He gives me advice on being a guy who cannot be intimidated.

"You're eating again, haven't you ate your breakfast?"

"I ate, I'm just hungry again." replied Koyanagi.

Seriously, this fat guy….

"I think you are being teased again by Suzuki-san that's why you went out." added Koyanagi.

"H…How can you tell!?"

"I mean, she's doing it every day to you, am I wrong? Even I can stop laughing because you're always the victim." revealed Koyanagi.

"She thinks lowly of me. But, I need to show that I am not to be messed with! HAHAHA!"

"Kusakabe, there's this old rumor that whenever someone likes to tease or is fond of you, it means he/she likes you genuinely." revealed Koyanagi.

W….WHAT DID I JUST HEAR?

D….DOES THAT MEAN…. SUZUKI REALLY LIKES ME?! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!

BUT WHAT IF SHE REALLY….

"Uwah!!!"

"Ah\, he ran. Whatever.*chews*" said Koyanagi.

After 10 minutes, I went back to the classroom.

"Oh, Tanaka. Do you have an answer now?" asked Suzuki.

"I…It's….."

"Hm~?" asked Suzuki.

She's really getting close to my face while I struggle to speak. Damn!

"It's because yo….."

"You're really red like a tomato HAHAHA!" teased again Suzuki.

Darn it! Toughen up, me!

"Ding dong! Time's up!" said Suzuki.

She knows I can't say it!!

But is it really the correct answer?

"Argh..!"

"I wonder what you're thinking, Tanaka. Hmmm…. You really are blushing hard, aren't you? It's funny, hahaha!" said Suzuki.

"What's the answer, then?!"

"Hmm… I won't tell you. Plus, you won't get it anyway." replied Suzuki.

What's this girl thinking?!

"Oh, c'mon… Why are you saying that?"

"Besides, I already told you the answer." added Suzuki.

"Wait, what? When…. Hey… When?"

"Oh, there's Satsuki-sensei, we need to stay quiet and get our books now. Sssh~" said Suzuki.

"Aw, c'mon now…."

"You need to be more observant\, Tanaka. *smiles and laughs softly*" whispered Suzuki.

"Oh, I almost forgot. You lost so I guess we'll execute the punishment today, Tanaka. Hihi." teased Suzuki.

"N…..NO!!!"

And so, another series of embarrassment occurs today.

"DAMN IT!!!!"

"Hey Kusakabe, simmer down!!!" shouted Satsuki-sensei.

"S….Sorry!"

I wonder if this will be a good year. I hope I can be triumphant against her.

YES! I WILL MAKE SURE OF IT!

WATCH AND LEARN, SUZUKI!

---------------END OF CHAPTER 1---------------

10:35 am, English class.

By the way, Tanaka speaking here.

As I gaze in my left, I can see the bright and beautiful sun.

Ah~ The sun! A major source of power of this world!

Maybe it should give me some energy too to mess with Suzuki.

Grr, I don't know but I can't seem to win. Ugh.

Wait, what am I saying?! I will never give up. I have to hear the words, "Okay Tanaka, you win. I am a sore loser.

Wah~" from Suzuki until my last breathe!

Ah~ I've been staring on the sun for a while. I should look at the other side.

As I gaze in the right from my position, Satsuki-sensei is in front o…f m…..e?

"Hey Kusakabe, I know the sun is astonishing to look at, but I think you should also focus your eyes in front while I am discussing, what can you say? Ha?!?" asked by pissed Satsuki-sensei.

"S..SORRY, MISTER SATSUKI!"

Crap, I accidentally apologized in English. And as I gaze in my right again, I can witness Suzuki's quiet yet hysterical laugh.

Darn it, this is embarrassing!

"Hahahaha! Y…Your face out here, it's funny." teased Suzuki.

"Fufu. Suzuki, haven't you realize something? You laugh loud enough for Sensei to hear your voice."

How's that?

"Suzuki, I know it was hilarious earlier but I think you should focus here more than on Kusakabe." said Satsuki-sensei.

"Sorry Sensei, though I've been listening the whole time." replied Suzuki.

Hoho, you're lying, Suzuki. I know you cannot answer when he's going to ask you a question.

"If you think I can't give Sensei a proper answer, wanna make a bet?" asked Suzuki.

She almost read my mind again! Tsk.

"Oh, a challenge. Bring it on. Fufu."

"My bet is I can answer and yours is the opposite. Agree?" replied Suzuki.

"Of course, I am destined to oppose you."

Hehe, I know I can win this!

"Now Suzuki, translate the passage in page 16, the chapter that we stopped, in English." ordered Satsuki-sensei.

HAHAHA! I can imagine Suzuki's priceless reaction when she struggles to look for the part.

"MARIA WENT TO A PARK WITH HER BELOVED, MARSHALL, AND THERE COMMENCED THEIR FIRST EVER DATE. THE FLUSTERED MARIA NEVER AVERTED HER GAZE UPON MARSHALL, WHOM IN RETURN TREATED HER LIKE HOW A PRINCESS SHOULD BE TREATED." answered Suzuki.

"Absolutely correct, Suzuki. You may sit down." said Satsuki-sensei.

W…WHAT?!

"T…That's impossible…."

"Sensei, Kusakabe-san said he wants to read the next passage to atone for his inattentiveness earlier!" shouted Suzuki.

D….DUMMY!!!!!

"Hey, what are you…?!"

"I won, if you can't answer this. Actually, thank me because I'm giving you a chance to retaliate." replied Suzuki.

"Ha! Fine then, it's a wrong move to give your losing opponent a second chance."

"So you admit that you lose?" replied Suzuki.

"N….No!"

Jeez, she's grinning again.

"KUSAKABE! CONTINUE WHAT SHE WAS READING!" shouted Satsuki-sensei.

"At least be calm, sensei…"

"The floor is yours, Tanaka-dono." said Suzuki.

Tsk!!

"BOTH OF THEM PROCEEDED TO THE SEASIDE, WATCHING THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET TOGETHER. THE COOL SEA BREEZE AND THE AMBIANCE OF THE WAVE MADE THE ATMOSPHERE R…ROMANTIC. MARSHALL T…TOUCHED MARIA'S FACE BY HIS PALM. THE TWO LOOKED AT EACH OTHER EYES, FILLED WITH L….LO…."

"WITH…!?" asked Satsuki-sensei.

"L…..LOVE. MARSHALL CAUGHT UP WITH THE MOMENT, KNOWING MARIA ALSO WANTED WHAT'S ON HIS MIND. THEN, THE K….KI...."

I can't mention this word!! It's embarrassing for a growing 13 year old boy like me!!

"Come on, Tanaka. Say it." said Suzuki.

Did she just nonchalantly asked me to say the word?!

"K….KI…..S... Sensei! My heart can't handle this!"

*Everyone in the class laughs hard after Tanaka's reaction.*

"Hahahaha! T…That was….. That was hilarious, M…My tummy hurts." hilariously said Suzuki.

"F…Forget what you saw and heard!"

"I'll erase it from my mind if you said the K word right now. Hm~?" teased Suzuki.

"H…How can I do that?!!"

"Oh boy, oh boy. Tanaka-san is blushing heavily. Can your blood vessels handle that blood surge?" teased again Suzuki.

"S…Stop. It's your win, isn't it enough?"

"If you say so, then I guess I win again this time." replied Suzuki while grinning.

"Jeez, Suzuki. Give me a break, will ya?"

"Hmm, what should I make you do, then? Hm~" teased strongly Suzuki.

P….Please have mercy!

"Just buy me soda later, okay?" asked Suzuki.

"I guess that's fine…"

For about 20 minutes, I keep listening to what our teacher is discussing. Though suddenly, I fell asleep.

"Tanaka, Tanaka, hey Tanaka. Wake up. Class is over." said Suzuki.

"O..Oh, is it? Crap, I didn't know I was sleeping!"

Man, embarrassment to another embarrassment!

"Hey, the Tanaka River has opened again." said Suzuki.

"Tanaka River? What are you talking ab… Wah!!"

My saliva was dripping!!

"Hahahaha! Silly Tanaka, you're still a kid." ridiculed Suzuki.

Tsk, Suzuki!! Huh?

What is this feeling? My legs…..

THEIR NUMB!!!! HOW?!

Maybe because it's on the same position and was stable for a long period of time!

I can't move it!

"Get up, Tanaka. Let's buy food in the cafeteria. It's lunch time. Hmm?" said Suzuki.

This is bad, if she notices that my legs are tingling, she'll deliberately played with it!

"Heavy-ho. *shakes Tanaka's thigh*" does Suzuki.

"N…No!!! Waaahh, my legs!!"

"Ho~ They really are numb." said Suzuki.

She knows it from the start!!

"If you want a comeback, then let's make another bet." suggested Suzuki.

"W…What is it? I think this is not the perfect situation."

"I'll move your leg for about 20 seconds and if you will not expel a reaction, then you are victorious." explained Suzuki.

"F…Fine by me."

"Ok\, let's start. Wush! *moves Tanaka's right leg back and forth sideways*" said Suzuki.

D…Damn you, Suzuki! I can't keep up with your pace!

M…My leg….

NO! I'll win this challenge! Besides, it's been a while since my right leg is numb, this should be a piece of cak-

SHE ALSO SHAKES MY LEFT LEG!!

"Uwaaahckkk!!!"

In the end, I can't endure the tingling sensation.

"I win again, Tanaka." said Suzuki.

T…Tsk! I lost three straight outings today!

"What might just be your penalty for this time? Hmm? Ah!" asked Suzuki.

I hope this punishment is humane.

"Say, do you want to walk with me on the way home?" asked Suzuki.

"W…What?!"

Walking home with a girl...

"You're red again. Hahaha! I said if you wanna walk together on the way home." repeated Suzuki.

Grrrr, Suzuki!

"I…I guess that's not a bad idea."

"So you want to? Hm~?" teased Suzuki.

"N…No! I…I mean I do want but…."

"Hahaha! You really have the hobby of blushing, Tanaka." ridiculed again Suzuki.

I'm really losing here!!

"If you want to be with me, then you should ask me out." said Suzuki.

"A…Ask you out…?!"

"Ask me out to go home with you, dummy." replied Suzuki.

"T…Then,"

Darn it!

"C…can we walk together on o…ur way home?"

I'm too shy for this!

"Sure!" happily responded Suzuki.

I have to admit I am blushing right now as she answered.

But, I think this is a reaction from the embarrassment. No other stuff!

"Is it really?" asked Suzuki.

"W…What are you talking about?!"

Did she just read my mind again?

"Hahaha! Nothing! Come on Tanaka, let's eat." said Suzuki.

"Fine. By the way, why was that the penalty? I mean, you could have suggested to buy you lunch or what."

"Why, you say? Isn't that obvious?" asked Suzuki.

"O….Obvious..??"

"Nothing~ I guess your legs aren't the only ones which were numb as hell." replied Suzuki.

W…What is she talking about…?!

C…Could it be?!

"Let's go, slowpoke. You'll buy me a drink, right?" persuaded Suzuki.

No, it couldn't be!

-----------END OF CHAPTER 2---------

I…It seems I am a little bit earlier than when I should be here in the classroom.

6:30 am, says my clock huh?

I'm in the class duty for today, that's why I need to be early but maybe I overdid it a bit.

"Good morning, Tanaka." greeted Suzuki.

Man, the harbinger of disaster to me is here.

"Morning."

"You seem to be a little early than usual, what's up?" asked Suzuki.

"I'm in the class duty. And you?"

"Who knows~" replied Suzuki.

Anyway, I got something up in my sleeves.

"Hehe, Suzuki. This is a perfect timing for a challenge since it's the only two of us here!"

"Hm~ So you prefer if we're alone together, huh?" teased Suzuki.

"It's not like that, I mean we can use the whole classroom for this!! Jeez, Suzuki."

You think you got me with that tactic, huh?!

"So, what's the game we'll be playing?" asked Suzuki.

"Spinning Top!"

Fufu, this is one of my favourite toys to play with. It doesn't look childish or stuff.

Though I practiced a lot of times just to use this, but I am far from perfect.

That's why….. I brought two tops! The other one is rigged though.

I'll make her use the original and I'll use the modified one. I'll switch it without her noticing!

Perfect plan!

"That sounds fun! Mind if I set the rules?" asked Suzuki.

"You sound that you suck at this, though I can't help you in that part, so please go ahead."

Hehe, I know this is a bit of cheating but…

"Then, the top that spins the longest, wins. Simple as that. If you lose, you'll do anything I say." said Suzuki.

"If I win, then you'll have to record a video message saying, "I lost, Tanaka. Huhu.". Is that fine?"

"Seriously, you want me to do that? You're funny!" responded Suzuki.

"W…Whatever! Let's just go with it!"

You don't know what's coming, Suzuki.

"Mind if I start, too? It would make me feel confident." requested Suzuki.

"The stage is yours. Here's the to- What?!"

She brought her own! How?!

I thought she cannot use it!

"Hm~ Probably you're shocked right now because you thought I can't use this properly, am I wrong?" asked Suzuki.

"C….Correct."

Crap, this is bad!

"Here I go\, then. Ey! *throws the tied top to the ground*" expressed Suzuki.

I…I can't believe this! And it is spinning nicely!

"30 seconds. You're up. You can use your own top, if you want," said Suzuki.

It's time! Woo, I thought I can't use the rigged one.

"Here I go, take thi-"

"Tanaka, why do you think I came so early?"

"….s…"

What is she asking suddenly?!

"Wah! W…What was that, Suzuki? I was in the middle of launching it!"

"Sssshhh, it's in the middle of spinning."

Come to think of it, Suzuki is... somewhat... cute.

WAIT! What am I saying?! Distraction, distraction!

"Hmm, 34 seconds. That's great, Tanaka!" praised Suzuki.

"Did I just won? I won?"

"Yeah, congratulations!" greeted Suzuki.

Well, it was expected. My top is somehow rigged.

But, I don't feel so satisfied about this.

"I was going opt you in using my top to make sure you do not have any rigged top but I thought that you would not cheat just to win against me, am I right?" asked Suzuki.

Ah, that genuine look. I can't beat that.

I guess this isn't right, after all.

It was unfair to her.

"S…Suzuki, I lost. I used a rigged top."

"O…Oh, cheating just to win, huh? Pretty low, Tanaka….." said Suzuki.

"That's why I'm admitting I was wrong. I'm sorry, I must have disappointed you."

"….is what I wanna say, but since you confessed it, then it's fine." added Suzuki.

I am really feeling guilty at the moment.

Suzuki really trusted me. I think I broke it.

"Hm~ Thinking that you broke my trust, eh? So you value me highly, don't you?" asked Suzuki.

Here she goes again with her teasing.

"Hey Tanaka, don't mind it. You weren't able to stomach what you did, so I guess my trust hasn't been broken because you also revealed it to me and apologized. I'm happy." explained Suzuki.

"I…I guess we're good."

"Hmm, since you lost again, you have to do something for me."

"W…What is it?"

"Try to guess the answer to my question earlier." responded Suzuki.

D….Dammit! That question!

"U….Uhmm…"

"What do you think is the reason I came here early today? Hm? I'll give you two chances. " asked Suzuki.

Heh, the answer is too obvious, Suzuki.

"It's because you wanted to play top with me after all!"

"Enk, 1 lifeline remaining." answered Suzuki.

"But, you have your top with you. You were prepared!"

"I always have this in my bag." replied Suzuki.

W….What!? I didn't expect that.

It's either she is on a class duty or…..just wants to spend time with me.

Like the hell I can answer that one!

I'd tell her the most possible and transparent!

"It's because you are also on a class duty!"

"Enk! 0 lives remaining!" said Suzuki.

"E….Ehhh??! Then, what is…"

"I wonder what's the answer~" teasingly replied Suzuki.

"C'mon, spill it out."

"Hm~Maybe what you're thinking is actually right." answered Suzuki.

Then, that means…..

"Good morning, everyone! Oh, it's just the power couple." greeted Riko.

Saionji Riko, our class president.

"Who's in charge of the class duty? He better clean the board now or Sensei will see this." said Riko.

"Crap! I forgot!"

Tsk, I was too centered in the top challenge.

"Make sure you clean the board nice and green, kay?" asked Riko.

"Yes, pres!"

"So, how did it turn out? Did the two of you have a good time?" whispered Riko.

"Yeah, I didn't expect to witness something so pure." answered Suzuki.

"So pure?" replied Riko.

What are those two murmuring about?

"…so pure that I shouldn't share to others what I saw. Hahaha. Thanks for the top, I guess your suggestion came handy." added Suzuki.

"No worries! Just tell me if you need something for school or even for R-O-M-A-N-C-E." answered Riko.

"Then, I will not hesitate. Thanks." said Suzuki.

I'm really getting the feeling they are talking about me!

"Hey Tanaka, you lost by the way so I have to think of another penalty. What might be a good one, hm~?" rugged Suzuki.

"P…Please have mercy…!"

"Hahaha! I'll think about it~"  laughed Suzuki.

--------------------END OF CHAPTER 3-----------------------