Ayanokouji was a man of indifference. Never once did he falter. His unprecedented wit and cunning stemmed from his inability to feel emotions, or at the very least his ability to hide them. His impenetrable defence was what helped him achieve absolute victory, because winning was all that mattered. But recently, someone had managed to slip through the cracks in his iron wall, and shatter his defence like glass.

Her name was Sakura Airi.

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"Your life is over."

Fumbling to get away, the man attempted to escape but stumbled and fell at the feet of the policemen. With a sigh, Ayanokouji pocketed his phone and picked hers up, handing it back to her. Slumped on the floor, clothes dishevelled, Sakura looked up at her savior with tears still in her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

Her shoulders sagged with relief, tears streaking down her cheeks.

"Thank... thank you..."

A gentle hand came to rest on her head, and with a start she gazed into his eyes. They were so hypnotic, so soothing..

She could get addicted.

Removing her spectacles and tousling her hair, she felt his gaze rest upon her as her cheeks reddened.

"Ayanokouji-kun, you've never looked at me in that way before.."

"What? What way?"

"Ah... nevermind."

Maybe it was the evening sunset, or maybe just her imagination, but Sakura thought that she saw a hint of red in his cheeks too.

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"The water's cool and clear, huh…"

Ayanokouji was not in a sports club, or any club for that matter, but he had a well defined body with developed forearms that attracted attention from the girls in his class. He accompanied his friends to the swimming pool to achieve his own ulterior motives, but did not expect him being pulled inside by Horikita.

Splashes and shouts followed as more people jumped in wildly into the pool, hoping to join in the fun.

Ayanokouji decided to leave them be, preferring to wade off and immerse himself in this thoughts.

Then, a splash of water hit his face.

He swiveled around with a cold stare to see a blushing Sakura with pitiful eyes. She looked like an adorable puppy and Ayanokouji had an urge to pet her on the head just like he did a few days ago, but kept his hands to himself, maintaining his cold facade.

"I'm s-s-sorry..." Sakura blurted while hiding herself in the water.

It was cute.

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"Spots are important, I guess.. But moving too hastily to secure them will reveal your leader to others."

Just as he said that, the red haired girl thought it a good idea to scout ahead.

Without a moments' hesitation, Ayanokouji grabbed her wrist and pulled her backwards, covering her mouth with his hand and hugging her tight to his body.

Sakura's face turned red as she protested against his hand. She writhed and squirmed, the close contact to his body making her heat up. It was unbearably embarrassing, and yet she wished she could remain in his arms forever.

She heard the footsteps of someone and tried to hold her breath, her heart pounding against her chest. It was so loud she wondered if it was apparent to Ayanokouji. She whimpered against his palm, and made a mental note that it was cold and smelled faintly like sugar.

After what seemed like ages the man left and Ayanokouji's grip relaxed, leaving Sakura to slump on the ground.

"Sorry, Sakura. Are you okay?"

"I-I'm f-f-fine!" came the reply as she tried not to let her face completely burn out.

With a grunt, Ayanokouji got up and looked around, curious as to if Sakura had noticed that he had hugged her tighter to his body than necessary, and slightly guilty and embarrassed for enjoying the feel of her body against his.

He had a fatal weakness.