Author Notes: I'm still relatively new to using the options on so my apologies if things seem out of order. I edited some sentences to make sure my story pacing is smoother.

Chapter One: Beginnings

Two children were playing in the sandbox, laughing as they built a sand castle together. One was a girl with long, black - violet hair with big brown eyes, wearing a light blue skirt and a yellow tank top. The other was a boy with silver, short hair with bangs that hung over his deep, green, emerald - colored eyes; he wore a white tee-shirt and blue denim jeans.

"Hey, Ryuu-chan …. What are we making?" The little girl asked.

"A sand castle, of course ….as big as possible …." The boy grinned mischievously.

"Ryuu-chan, I heard from my mommy that you're leaving with your daddy…. Is it true?"

The boy showed a pained expression on his face as he replied, "….yes it's true…"

"But I don't want you… to leave Ryuu-chan…; can't you stay here with me?"

"I-" The little boy started to reply but was interrupted by someone who was familiar to him.

A young man – in his teens, wearing a black tux came over, bent down and said, "Ryuuji-sama, it's time to leave now… we wouldn't want Hyouma-sama to wait any longer."

Crestfallen, the little boy got up, dusted himself and started to walk out of the sand box. "I have to go now…. See ya Ko-chan"

Little tears came down on Ko-chan's face as she waved, "goodbye Ryuu-chan," she whispered.

Kotonoha woke up with dried tears in her eyes. The dream felt so real yet her current circumstances would prove them otherwise. She considered herself a normal high school girl who went to school and tried to make new friends, but there was one aspect of her that separated her from the other girls: her fear of men. Boys scared her and she avoided them like the plague, she couldn't bear to be near them much less strike a conversation with them; yet, somehow she was the sole object of their attention. Her slender figure, complimented by long, black hair and a blossoming chest made her the target of every girl's envy and every boy's dream. She wanted to make friends but she was shy and being the girl that every guy wanted to be with didn't help either, it just made her an enemy of all the girls.

As Kotonoha quickly got dressed, she noticed the time; if she didn't hurry, she would miss her train and as class president she couldn't be late…

Makoto had his usual headphones on but was deep in thought shown with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes closed. He thought about the time he met HER. A long, black haired beauty who wore his school's uniform and rode the same train. She was beautiful the moment he first laid his eyes on her and ever since then, she occupied his thoughts. The train stopped moving abruptly and Makoto opened his eyes, the girl he was just thinking about just got on and took her usual seat but still in plain view.

He started fidgeting and making awkward movements. She's here! What can I do to make her notice me? Argh…. think hard Makoto! He could never gather up the courage to greet her even though he saw her every morning. He just didn't know how to approach her or to start up a conversation with her. Damn… I just lost my chance. Why can't I get the courage to talk to her?

How could he get the girl to notice him? Every day was the same routine, he would see her get on the train and then admire her from afar but this time it was slightly different. He took a picture of her on his cell phone and set it as his wallpaper, hoping the rumors were true.

Everyone in high school knew about the myth and everyone talked about it. If someone takes a picture of someone they love on their cell phone and display it as their wallpaper for three weeks without anyone noticing, then those two people will get together and start dating.

XXX

When class was over, Makoto carefully took out his cell phone and admired the picture he took. A big sigh escaped his lips. Just as he was about to put it away, it was snatched out of his hands from a short, brown haired girl, someone he knew too well. She was never seen with a frown on her face and her cheerful demeanor allowed her to make friends with anyone. She wore her brown mid-length hair down, with bangs framing her childish brown eyes.

"Who's this, Makoto? Is she your girlfriend?" The girl's eyes twinkled with mischief as she asked him.

"Oh it's you Sekai….

Another sigh escaped from Makoto's lips.

"It's none of your business…can I have my phone back?" His voice was laced with concern, worried about what she would do once she found out…

Makoto felt a headache coming on because of Sekai's sudden interest. She would never back off until she satisfied her curiosity. He thought he should be used to her strange behaviors by now, since they were childhood friends, but then again, she always surprised him.

"Heeeeh…. You like the girl in this picture don't you? I think I saw her in school…. Do you want me to get some information for you?"

Sekai said in a teasing tone, knowing well that Makoto never had the courage to ask a girl out much less a confession.

"Wait… Sekai… Did you say that she goes to this school?" Makoto's hopes brightened, maybe he will finally get a girlfriend and a beautiful one with that!

"Yes… I'm sure she goes to this school…. There's no way I could forget a face like this."

"Then can you get me some information on her? Please?" Makoto pressed his hands together and bowed his head.

"Ok... leave it to me! But you owe me one… for this favor." Sekai grinned, thinking that Makoto owed her big time.

XXX

Makoto was sitting on a bench at the rooftop of the school eating his lunch when suddenly he couldn't see.

"Guess who?" Sekai giggled, as she covered Makoto's eyes with her hands, hunched over the bench he was sitting on.

"Um…..Sekai?" Makoto blurted the only one he knew that would do this to him.

"Ding-ding! You got it right!" Sekai released her hands and Makoto's visual sight returned.

Makoto turned around and Sekai was there, with a smile goofy smile on her face as if she accomplished the impossible. Suddenly, Sekai thrust out her cell phone in his face and grinned.

"TA-DAA! I'm friends with Katsura-san now! Phone number and email address get!" Sekai then sat down on the bench beside him and leaned over slightly so that they were just barely touching, using Makoto as her support. It was only natural that she had no qualms being this close to him; they were after all, childhood friends….

She started to fill him in on some other things…

"I also found out that Katsura-san doesn't have a boyfriend yet which means you still have a chance, but I also heard that her father is really strict…." Sekai hopped off the bench with her cell phone still in her hand which she placed close to her chin as she recited what she heard about Kotonoha to him.

As he listened, Makoto slouched and his expression darkened. "If that's the case then…I won't say anything and keep it to myself. That way we can still stay friends and-"

It was barely a murmur but it caught Makoto's notice. "Are you an idiot?" Makoto lifted his head to the sound of her voice and as soon as he did….

Sekai Saionji leaned forward and slapped Makoto forcefully on the cheek. The force of it wasn't enough to bruise but it was more than enough to make him wince in pain.

"Huh?" Makoto froze and his right hand reached slowly to feel his cheek if it was still there.

"HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGH THIS?" Sekai was furious.

"Wh—What are you…?" Makoto was confused. Why is she mad?

"Just so you know…Your dreams will never come true if you just sit around wishing for them."

THAT got Makoto's attention and his expression changed. But it was too late and Sekai was running away from him. She reached the door which led to the stairs, opened it abruptly and left.

XXX

"Saionji…!" Sekai stopped and turned around at the bottom of the stairs. Makoto was running down the stairs after her and stopped halfway just as he caught her attention. He said nothing but his gaze was now firm and focused.

The two shared a mutual understanding.

Just by looking at the way he held his gaze told her that he could go for it, nothing could stop him now. She stuck out her fist with a smile on her face and said, "Move forward! Makoto the Great can do anything he sets his mind to!"

Makoto nodded. Tomorrow…I'll confess to Kotonoha…

XXX

The next day was Makoto's opportunity to confess yet it seemed like he was set up by Sekai.

Where was she?

Makoto was sitting on the bench with Kotonoha and Sekai was nowhere to be seen. Sekai…you…

"….I got a message from Saionji-san that said…" Kotonoha started but then noticed that Makoto wasn't paying attention to her.

"Itou-kun?"

Makoto was flustered. "Ah, yeah. S…sorry it's nothing!" He couldn't stop blushing and the fact that his heart was beating rapidly didn't help either. He clapped his hands together and made up his mind. He had to say it; he wouldn't get a better chance than this. He licked his lips and began to speak.

"Uh…you know, after school, I was wondering if you wanted to go to Sakakino. You said you liked books, so I was thinking we could check out the bookstores, and then go to Sakakino hills…H-How about it?"

Makoto was surprised at how calm he sounded. That wasn't so bad…

"That sounds like a good idea." Kotonoha didn't think there was any meaning behind it.

"Really!"

"Oh…but Saionji-san…she said that she had some errands after school…"

Makoto took a step further and gathered his courage. "I meant…just the two of us…" He turned to face her and looked adamantly into her beautiful purple eyes.

Kotonoha blushed at his sudden attention to her and looked away. "You mean like…a… date?"

"…you don't want to?" Makoto looked disappointed and got the feeling that he was going to be rejected.

"…is it… really okay with just me?" Kotonoha replied, wondering if she was good enough to be alone with him.

Makoto jumped out of his seat and stood up. "OF COURSE, IT IS!"

"AH!" Kotonoha was surprised that Makoto felt so strongly about this.

"Katsura….san…I love you…please… go out with me." Makoto said it like he meant it, hoping to convince her that he truly cared for her.

….

Kotonoha thought over his words for a moment. He seemed gentle, much different from other boys she had seen and he seemed sincere with his feelings. She wanted to change, to get over her fear of men and this was a great chance to start. Besides, Kotonoha secretly liked him too. After much consideration, Kotonoha decided to take a risk. She nodded her head meekly in agreement.

"…Okay." Kotonoha's cheeks were still pink as she smiled timidly.

"!" Makoto had a big smile on his face. He couldn't believe it, she accepted. He was going on a date with the girl he's been crushing on since school started. He couldn't hide his excitement on his face but he managed to compose himself and sit back down, enjoying the rest of his lunch with Kotonoha.

XXX

Sekai was walking with Makoto to the train station. They both lived in the same direction and took the same train. During the entire time, Makoto's thoughts were in the clouds and he had a big goofy smile on his face.

She noticed Makoto's good mood and was glad that things worked out between him and Katsura-san.

"Mission complete? Well…I already knew how Katsura-san felt already."

"WHAT! And I was so nervous about it too…" Once they reached the train station, Makoto sat down on a nearby bench with his head hung low and his shoulders hunched over. It looked like he was finally relaxing after a long journey.

Sekai stood in front of him as they continued their conversation.

"You confessed to her on your own so now the feeling is mutual."

"That smack to the face really helped. Seriously, thanks." Makoto smiled as he continued. "I wouldn't be here without you, Sekai. You've helped me so much. Nothing I could do would ever be enough to pay you back."

"Whoa, slow down there." Sekai turned away from him to check if her train was coming.

"I'm just kidding!" Makoto raised his hands up as if she was going to punch him but he noticed that she turned away from him.

"But I do want to pay you back." He laced his hands together as he continued.

"Really? Well…then, what should I ask for?" Sekai turned and faced him. Makoto didn't notice since he pulled out his cell phone and glanced at the time.

"Take your time and think about it carefully. The train's coming."

Sekai dropped her bag which alerted Makoto's attention, grabbed him by the shoulders and leaned forward.

They kissed.

The kiss lasted several seconds… maybe even a minute. Makoto dropped his cell phone.

He was shocked.

As Sekai pulled back from the kiss, she knew she couldn't take it back. She wasn't worried if this would change their relationship. She got what she wanted.

"This should cover it…" Sekai whispered as she pulled away and picked up her bag. Makoto was at a loss for words.

Sekai ran towards the opening doors of the train, turned around and said, "GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DATE!" It took a few moments for Makoto to regain his senses. But by the time he got up, the doors of the train closed and he saw her turn away from him in the window. His eyebrows furrowed in thought, his fingers instinctively touched his lips. The heat from their brief contact still lingered.

Saionji….you…. Makoto gazed towards the direction of the train and was completely confused. He didn't know how he felt towards Saionji, but he didn't have time to think about it. He had to focus on the date with Kotonoha…

XXX

Two days after the date, Makoto and Sekai were laughing together during school at lunchtime. The kiss they shared briefly before Makoto started dating Kotonoha was long forgotten. It was as if it had never happened. They were conversing normally until it led to the discussion of the date that Makoto had with Kotonoha at Sakakino hills. There was nothing they couldn't share with each other. They continued their conversation as they walked down the corridors.

Sekai casually spoke first. "So…? How did the date go?"

Makoto let out a sigh. "…Whenever I saw Katsura-san, I got really nervous…I'd like to at least be able to call her by her first name…"

They stopped at the vending machines near the stairway.

Sekai sighed and shrugged with her palms in the air. "Good grief….How are you going to get any further like this?"

Makoto looked clueless. "Get further…?" Does she mean…?

Sekai was surprised that he didn't know what he meant. It should be something that all adolescent boys thought about. "Eh! Y-You know…" Hiding her embarrassment, Sekai turned away from him and crossed her arms. "D-Doing all kinds of things!"

"You mean like…" Makoto let his head hit the nearest wall to hide his face. He couldn't help blushing. He imagined Kotonoha in a helpless pose with just her undergarments on asking him to be gentle with her. He tried to calm down, convincing himself that Kotonoha would never act like that.

"Ah, Itou-kun." Kotonoha called out to Makoto, hoping that they could have lunch together. However, she didn't notice that Makoto had his back to her, trying to compose himself. "Is something wrong?"

"Hahaha… Ka-Katsura-san. Thanks for the message last night. Sounds like your first date went well." Sekai whispered to Kotonoha at one side, giving Makoto some time to calm his nerves and settle down.

"…yes." Kotonoha gently replied, blushing with a smile. She looked sincerely happy about her first date.

While they were on the topic of the date, Sekai imitated Makoto words, "I'll do the best I can even though I'm inexperienced." Kotonoha laughed, it was more or less one of the reasons why she liked Makoto.

Nearby, Makoto noticed that Sekai made fun of him and he wanted to say something to his defense. "S-shut up Sekai."

Kotonoha was surprised. Itou-kun hasn't called me by my first name yet and we're going out. How close are you two? Only close friends or couples would call each other by their first names. Makoto and Kotonoha were dating, but they still called each other by their last names, making Kotonoha uneasy about their newly created relationship.

Kotonoha felt jealous of Sekai's relationship with Makoto even though he told her that they were just childhood friends. Sekai, sensing the awkward situation, hurried both Makoto and Kotonoha to the rooftop so they could eat their lunch like they usually do. "Ah! I have to go now… I arranged to eat lunch with my friends…. See you two lovebirds later!"

XXX

As they were eating lunch together, no one said anything. Makoto was so nervous he wanted to say something but he couldn't. His heart couldn't stop hammering into his chest and his palms were sweaty. U-uh oh, if this continues, it's just going to be like our date two days ago. I-I need to say something.

"T-two days ago, it was fun." Makoto felt awkward.

"Eh? Ah y-yes!" Kotonoha was nervous as well. Should I say something else?

…..

They then started talking about the place they went for their first date: Sakakino Hills. The atmosphere was still awkward but at least they started talking. They agreed to go there again and then Kotonoha brought up another topic.

"I-Itou-kun, you really seem to get along well with Saionji-san." Kotonoha was nervous again. Almost too well…

"What…?" Makoto wondered where this was going. Me and Sekai? We're just childhood friends…

"Just now you-" How should I explain this to him? I want him to reassure me that he likes me.

"Ohh that, Sekai just likes to make fun of me." Makoto waived it off, unaware that he was using Sekai's first name again.

…..

Makoto did it again. Why can't you see that I'm not comfortable with you calling another girl by her first name? Makoto, you're an idiot.

"Um, well….could you also…call me…" Kotonoha tensed up with her hands on her knees. Just ask him to do the same for you. It's okay. We're dating.

"Um….um…" Kotonoha was flustered. Just ask him.

"Hm...? What?" Makoto wondered what she wanted to ask.

She had his full attention and was about to pose the question when suddenly Makoto jerked and clutched at the cell phone in his pocket.

"Someone texted me? Gimme a second." Makoto pulled out his cell phone.

The text he got was from Sekai, asking him if they were doing anything naughty. He sighed internally. She's really just… But oh well. She helped me…I guess.

"It was from Sekai." Makoto put on an apologetic look as he closed his cell phone and place it back in his front pocket.

Kotonoha sighed. "I-I see…" I lost my chance.

Makoto had no idea of how Kotonoha felt every time he mentioned Sekai. "She's such a pest… So anyway, what were you saying?"

"N-nothing…!" Kotonoha couldn't ask now. She felt miserable, even when they were alone together. Makoto always brought up his friend, Sekai, into the conversation. He didn't know that Kotonoha felt uneasy about his relationship with her, but she couldn't tell him. She didn't want to sound like a clingy girlfriend when they were in the first stages of their relationship.

Kotonoha stood up quickly and gave up on her request, suggesting that they should both to return to their respective classes soon. Makoto noticed her odd behavior and wondered why she was acting a little strange.

Was it because of something he said? He hesitated to ask but the opportunity never came up. He nodded in agreement as they said their good-byes and went their separate ways.

After they departed to their separate classes, Kotonoha sighed. Why do I feel like being in a relationship is so difficult? Being with Makoto-kun makes me nervous and I can never really tell him how I feel. Are all relationships like this? I wish there was someone I could ask about these things. She had never been in a relationship so she didn't know what to do, but she was sure that she liked Makoto and wanted to be closer to him. She hoped that Makoto felt the same.

The ending school bell rang.

School ended and Makoto was worried about Kotonoha's earlier behavior, he wanted to know what she hesitated to ask but he didn't want to be too pushy… especially in his relationship and it was with Kotonoha no less.

They were the same. They were both new to relationships and it was a blessing as well as a curse. Makoto never knew what to say or what to do and Kotonoha was the same; they both felt nervous around each other and it caused rifts in their relationship.

Hence, the reason for their current predicament; like most guys, Makoto was unaware that becoming too familiar with a girl other than his girlfriend made his girlfriend worry about their relationship. Moreover, Kotonoha was unlike other girls because of her fear of men, she needed security in her relationship more so than others.

Makoto's obliviousness didn't help.

He pulled out his ipod and wanted to immerse himself in music to drown out his worries, but it was out of batteries. …Katsura-san… What was she trying to say…? I need to find out… But she said that she has a student council meeting. He sighed and pulled out his cell phone and dialed the first name that came to mind. …What other choice do I have? Maybe Sekai will know…

Sekai was at a burger place with her friends; they were hanging out and gossiping when Sekai's phone rang. When she answered, Makoto started a conversation with her easily and she even invited him to come, but she thought he was with Kotonoha.

However, Sekai could tell something was wrong just by the tone of his voice, he usually wasn't like this. She guessed that he was worried about his relationship with Kotonoha and gave him some advice. She told him that unless they talked to each other, the relationship would fall apart.

Makoto got the message, thanked her and hung up. Geez, Makoto what would you do without me? I wish I could tell you how I felt about you but now it's too late. Good luck with Katsura-san.

The student council meeting ended and Kotonoha was heading out of school. She was about ready to leave when Makoto found her.

He was gasping and out of breath. "Huff…. puff…K-Katsura-san….lets walk home together."

"Wait, did you come back for me?...you're sweating…."

"Yeah…Let's go home together." Makoto was catching his breath. Kotonoha offered a handkerchief but he didn't need it.

She was surprised.

Makoto caught his breath. He looked serious. "I just need a minute. I want to talk to you…"

Kotonoha didn't know how to reply.

"Ah, but of course you don't have to…if you don't want to…" Makoto looked away. I don't want to force her…

"Ah… Okay! Let's go home together!" Kotonoha couldn't help smiling, she was so happy. Oh Makoto, you are so kind. I wasn't wrong when I accepted to be your girlfriend. No one had ever walked home with me.

As they were walking back home together, they started talking again.

"What! That's what made you come back?" Kotonoha was surprised.

"Y…yeah…" Makoto blushed and rubbed his hair.

"…that's sweet…" Kotonoha's face was a tad crimson. Makoto is so cute.

…..

Makoto noticed she stopped walking and turned back to look at her.

"Uh, well…what I was trying to say at lunch was…" She began.

"Ah…yeah…" She had his full attention.

Kotonoha gripped her school bag tightly. Just say it!

"ITOU-KUN, I WANT YOU TO CALL ME BY MY FIRST NAME…" She did it. She finally got it out.

Makoto was touched. "Huh…?"

"It looks like you and Saionji-san get along really well… You even call each other by your first names… so… could you…" She looked really timid, like a small animal. She glanced up at him.

"…is that… a no?"

"Haha, sure I'll call you by your first name." We were both thinking the same exact thing.

"But you do the same for me!" Makoto wanted her to know that he had similar feelings.

"Okay!" Kotonoha had tears in her eyes. She didn't know such a minor thing could make her so happy.

Makoto looked around to make sure that there was no one nearby. He tried calling his girlfriend by her name.

"Then…Kotonoha."

"Y-yes! Makoto-kun!" She replied cheerfully.

They both were beet red, not used to using first names with each other.

"It-it's kind of embarrassing somehow."

"Y…yeah."

They both laughed it off as they headed off to the nearest train station.