I slam the volleyball downwards, spiking it and it hits the floor with a loud smack that reverberates throughout the girls'gym, giving me the winning point. "Haha! I win!" I cheer victoriously as I begin to dance foolishly.

"Damn you, Haruki!" He says huffing.

I had just won a fierce game of volleyball against my rival, Kiba. Everything between us was always a competition. Naturally, we hated each other's guts. I close my eyes in frustration as the ball ricochets off the back of my head.

"Oops." He says facetiously.

Honestly, I didn't really understand why we despised each other so or why we were rivals. We had so much in accordance with each other, we should've been the best of friends. Maybe it was his arrogance and ego or the way he knew he was attractive -I was never ever going to admit that to him- and how he struts his attractiveness around, but he just really really got on my nerves and I got on his.

"Did you hear me, Haruki!" He yells.

I spin around on my heels. "What, flea bag!" My face was flushed and I was sweating uncontrollably, not to mention my hair-ugh.

"Did you not feel that?"

"Control your sore-loser temper." I stick my tongue out him as I pull my jacket on and head out into the cold winter weather. The wind tousled my hair gently but chilled my slender legs. The moon lit up the night and I make my way back to the dorm I shared with Kira. I found myself wondering what it would be like if me and kiba weren't rivals. I smile as I duck my head to protect me from the blistering cold wind. But that could never happen...we would always be rivals. I walk into the room, careful to avoid making any noise.

"Where were you missy?"

Of course Kira knew I was out. "I needed some fresh air." I lie rather terribly.

Her eyes sparkle like twinkling stars in the black of night. "You were with Kiba!"

I lie down in the top bunk. "He challenged me to a game of volleyball. It's not like I could back down. It's not a big deal."

She coos amorously and I throw a pillow at her.

"Shut up." I bury my face in my other pillow to hide the smile that wanted to spread across my face.

~~~~~~~

A 95. The test was sent in the mail and was now lying on the table.

"Do you think you beat Kiba?" Kira asks as she tosses her 87 into the trashcan.

I shrug. "I dunno. You never can tell. But I'm gonna go study at study hall. See you later." I tuck my test into my books and walk out of the room.

~~~~~~~

Term exams were coming up and failure was not an option. I open up my books and begin jotting down notes. Someone snatches my test and I grab the edges before its ripped out of my grip.

I cringe as blood trickles out of a newly formed paper cut.

Kiba laughs as he holds up my test. "Ha! A 95!"

I seize my test from him and frown. "What did you make?" I inquire.

He hands me his test haughtily.

"Go away." I say as I push his 100 into his chest.

"I'm smarter than you! This makes what 31 times I've beaten you?"

"30." I correct. "Now, leave."

"What's the rush?" He says with an artificial frown.

"Um...I dunno maybe because I got a 95! Kiba, this is super important that I make top ten percent. This isn't time to freaking compete and waste my time!"

He throws his hands up in mock surrender. "I can help you study...if you like."

I shake my head furiously. "No. I can't let you do that. No. No, no, no."

"Why not, Haruki? Finally realized I'm better than you." He says jokingly but I couldn't take it lightly. "Haruki, let me help you study. You might have a chance of having a taste of awesomeness."

I swallow back tears gathering at the corners of my eyes and I hurriedly gather my books in my arms as a tear slides down my cheek. "Kiba...no. I cant let you." I scurry past him and head towards my dorm room.

He grabs my wrist and leisurely spins me around to face him. "Haruki, just give me a chance." I look at him, bewildered. "To help you study." He corrects.

I shake my head as he wipes away tears that slipped out without my knowing. "I-I'm sorry."

~~~~~~~

*Knock-knock. Knock-knock.*

Kira was nowhere to be seen. I huff as I crawl out of the top bunk and open up the door. A sigh escapes me and I attempt to slam the door to escape the humiliation.

"Haruki...hear me out. Please." He pleads when I avoid facing him.

"Why? So you can show me how amazing you are, how much better you are than me? Kiba, I already know. Okay..."

He speculates me intently. "Haruki, is that what you're so afraid of? Me being better than you?" Better stumbles out of his mouth like it was a foreign poison. "I always though of it as friendly competition. I never thought you'd be hurt by my words. I'm sorry."

He wipes away more tears that slide gracefully down my cheeks. I push him away. "I-I cant do this." The words were tumbling from my mouth, I had no control over myself.

"Give me a chance to be something to you. I dont want to be rivals. Not anymore."

"Wh-no. No. No, no, no." This was not happening.

"What is it that you're afraid of with me?" He was bewildered. His eyes were whirlwinds of emotions.

"You...I dont want to get attached."

He chuckles. "I think- I think we already are."

I laugh. He was right. We already were attached.

"So...give me a chance?" He asks shyly.

I nod as a grin plasters itself on my face. "Yeah...one chance couldn't hurt."

He leans forward, placing his lips against mine. A small notion of a kiss but it held so much emotion. I kiss back with a smile as he pulls me closer to him. Our lips moved in unison and I followed Kiba's lead as he gently bit my bottom lip. I pull away, breathless. I place a chaste kiss on his lips and giggle as a wide eyed Kira walks up to us, squealing.

"OH. MY. GOD! YOU AND KIBA!!!"

I smile. "Me and Kiba."