Tori: Hello everyone~! We're back with the second part of 'A Frozen Heart'.

Ryouhei: We're back, sorry this took a while.

Tori: I'm so sorry! *bows* I underestimated how much work I have to do... I'm really, really sorry!

Ryouhei: Yea. But now we're back with the second part.

Fuusuke: Last chapter things got a little bit hectic.

Tori: Yup! I wonder what you're going to do after (Y/n) told you what happened~?

Ryouhei: No you don't *smirks* The reader will though.

Tori: It's called anticipation.

Ryouhei & Tori: *talking about stuff*

Fuusuke: This'll take a while... I guess I'll start it. If you haven't read the first part, we suggest you do so you'll understand what's going on. And now, let's start the chapter.

(Y/n) - Your name

-Recap-

"The Flame Striker..."

"What does Flame Striker have to do now? (Y/n) tell me, what happe-" He immediately went silent and and his bangs covered his eyes when I said the following,

"... was actually someone from Aliea Academy... We thought he was the Flame Striker so we devised a test for him. It got a bit out of hand after the match... He kicked a black ball and there was huge gusts of wind... Some of us got hurt from the match and some from the wind. I was watching the match, so I fell and got hurt when the wind hit my direction..."

"What did he look like?" He asked sounding irritated.

"What're you talking about, Suzuno? Are you okay?" I grew slightly uncomfortable.

"Just answer the question! What did this fake Flame Striker look like?" His tone got louder and sounded cold and demanding. I've never seen this side of him... It's scary...

Startled, I answered him, "H-he had crimson hair and gold colored eyes..." An angry expression erupted from him.

"Sorry (Y/n), I have to go now. I have something I need to do." He walked away, a deadly glint in his eyes, leaving me there alone.

_______________________________________

Fuusuke's POV

I walked along the halls of Aliea Academy's base and barged into a certain room,

"What's the meaning of this?!" I slammed the door open.

"Wow! No need to slam my door down, Gazel. And what in the world are you talking about?" He raise his brow.

"Don't play dumb with me, Burn. You challenged Raimon?" I glare at him.

"Oh that... I did. And so what of it? It's non of your business, Gazel." He smirked. Using the words I did last time. I grew irritated seeing that smirk of his. But sad as it is, he was right. It wasn't my business. Why am I so pissed off?

"Why do you care so much that I challenged Raimon? Were you afraid I'll defeat Raimon before you and Prominence will earn the title of Genesis? Or maybe..."

He stood up and walked beside me and gripped my shoulder. "There was someone you don't want to get hurt?" He whispered next to me and I whipped my head towards him.

"What the hell are you talking abou-"

"Don't try to hide it, Gazel. I know you've been meeting up with that (h/c)nette." My eyes widen. I was trying to keep those meetings a secret.

"You actually think I wouldn't notice your absence for the last few weeks?" He sighed.

"I don't see what does (Y/n) have to do with any of this." I spat.

"Hmm~ So (Y/n)'s her name. If I remember correctly, she was also the one who hurt herself, no?" A burning sensation came over my body upon hearing what he said.

Burn's POV

"I was merely kicking the ball around, too. It was pathetic really, she was so weak and pathet-"

"Speak another word and I swear you'll get it, Burn." Gazel grabbed my collar tightly, threatening me. And man, if looks could kill, I'd probably be dead by now.

I look at him unfazed and sighed, lets see if my theory is correct...

"You sure have gotten weaker."

"What are you playing at, you basta-"

"It's that (Y/n) girl isn't it? You've gotten attached to her." His eyes widen, and guessing by the reaction, I'm right.

"You're telling me that Gazel of Diamond Dust is actually attached to someone?" I laughed in disbelief.

My laughter died down and walked over to the door and opened it, "A word of advice, Gazel. Stay away from her. Who knows would happen if she gets caught up with this, right~?" I finished and left the room with my signature smirk.

Gazel should be pretty pissed right about now.

(Y/n)'s POV

A few weeks passed by ever since Suzuno left suddenly last time and I haven't seen him since. I tried to contact him but he would never answer.

I knew at this point... He's avoiding me. Did I break a promise? Did I say something wrong? Why is he avoiding me? The guilt of feeling that I was the reason why was heart breaking.

Today, Umihara and Raimon have another practice match to prepare against Aliea Academy. Since I didn't have anything to do today, I went to spectate the match.

I sat on a nearby bench and watched the match. The game was good but my mind was somewhere else. Probably obvious, huh. My mind was on Suzuno. I broke out of my thoughts when a pair of managers came towards me.

"Hello, Kino-san, Otonashi-san." I greeted them and moved aside a little.

"Haruna and Aki is fine. How's it going (Y/n)?" Haruna-san sat between me and Aki-san.

"I'm fine." I said a bit weakly.

"Are you sure? You haven't been as active lately.." Aki-san asked.

I thought to myself for a moment before replying with, "I... I don't really know to be honest.."

"What's wrong, (Y/n)-chan? You can tell us." A worried look plastered on their faces.

"Well... I used to hang out with a friend of mine. We'd always be together.. But lately, we haven't. I feel that he's avoiding me and that it might be my fault. And now, I don't know what should I do.." I finished with a sigh.

"I see. Hmm... Tell me (Y/n), what do you think about this boy?" Aki-san asked.

"Well... He's cold, unfriendly, rude, and a pretty mean," I explained.

"He sure doesn't sound like a pretty friendly gu-" "Is what most would think when they meet him..." I cut Haruna-san off, 

"He's actually... Pretty nice... Sure, he is a jerk who tease and make fun of me all the time, but he's not all bad. It's always the small, kind things he does for me that makes me happy. More than they should..." I felt warm feeling on my cheeks as memories of all the fond memories we made together flowed into my head.

Hearing a couple of giggles, I looked towards the two, "Oh (Y/n), it sounds to me that you think of him more than just 'a best friend'." Aki-san chimed as Haruna-san nodded along. I tilt my head slightly in confusion.

"You're confused aren't you? To prove our theory is correct, how do you feel around him?" Haruna-san asked.

"How do I feel? Well, I feel pretty happy, and surprisingly safe. If I have a bad day, just being around him makes me feel happy. He also gives off this aura as well. It's different from the ones you guys have, it makes me feel calm and safe and stuff." They looked at each other and giggled.

"How cute! (Y/n)-chan, you have a crush on him!!" Haruna-san squealed as red exploded onto my face.

"C-crush?! N-no way! There's no way I could have a crush on Suzuno!" I flailed my arms around.

"Come on! Face it! You do~ Come on! Tell me more about him! I'll give you tons of advice and will totally support you guys!!" Stars seemed to appear on her eyes.

"L-like I'm saying it's not like tha-" A familiar black soccer ball crashed down from the sky and silhouettes of eleven people can be seemed through the smoke.

"Episilon!" Endou-san yelled and everyone snapped her gazes over as another match between Raimon and Episilon began.

The game was very intense and everyone gave it their all. Screams and shouts from both sides erupted throughout the match. I was at the edge of my seat as I watched Episilon scored more goals. Though in the end, the game that felt like forever ended in a tie.

The captain of Episilon - Desarm and Endou-san was about to shake hands when a bright light distracted all of us  and a single figure stood within the mist.

"Gazel-sama!" Desarm shouted as all eyes were attached to the figure dubbed "Gazel".

"I'm Gazel, the one in charge of the master rank team, Diamond Dust," A very familiar voice echoed throughout the field.

'That voice... It can't be!'

The figure became more visible as the mist dies down. You could see that he have grey hair swept sideways while crossing his arm. A cold gaze in his eyes.

"So you are Endou?" He stared at Endou-san, "I've found my new practice opponent. With this loss, Episilon has become completely useless," Gazel continued and raises his hand up high. Shocked faces appeared on the members of Episilon.

Gazel pointed at Episilon and a black ball flew towards them as a bright light covered our vision. Afterward, not only did the light disappeared... Episilon did, too.

"What did you do to them?!" Endou shouted and glared at him. Gazel looked back at him with cold eyes.

"I have come to do my job - To exile those who failed Aliea Academy. Such as Gemini Storm and in this case, Episilon." Gazel replied flatly.

"You won't get away with this!!" Endou furious stated.

"We shall see. You are very interesting Endou Mamoru. I look forward to the day where I can fight you." He was about to disappear again when-

Fuusuke's POV

"We shall see. You are very interesting Endou Mamoru. I look forward to the day where I can fight you." I was about to leave when-

"Suzuno!!" -a voice called out to me. I turned towards the direction of the voice to see her.

(Y/n)...

A look of horror spread onto her face as the sunlight reflected tears that was in the brink of her eyes. Surprised and confused looks came towards us.

"I-it's you, isn't it?" I could stare at her whilst pushing out the anxiety in me, "W-what's going on...? What's up with this 'Gazel'...?" She took small steps towards me while I took steps back.

"(Y/n)! Stay back! He's dangerous!!" One of the members of Raimon shouted.

"He's not!!" She shouted back at him, "He's part of Aliea Academy! You don't understand!!" Another said.

A look of disbelief crossed her and with a meek voice she asked, "I-it's a lie isn't it...? Suzuno.." The words I wanted to say stayed put on my throat. Instead I said

"It's no lie. I'm part of Aliea Academy." A crestfallen face spread oh her face, "It's a huge nuisance to keep up the act as Suzuno Fuusuke really. I would suggest you give this up, it's pretty annoying." I turned around and light engulfed me and transported back at the base.

'Please forgive me, (Y/n)...'

(Y/n)'s POV

So it's all a lie... 

Everything that we shared was a lie...

A facade to keep his identity hidden...

My mind was blank as I try to process the information. Tears start to well up and drop by drop fell onto the ground.

Ever since that day, I became depressed. I hardly speak to anyone, eat, even get a wink of sleep. I didn't know what was up with me. Why is this affecting me so much? Why can't I seem to smile like I use to?

The day that the 'event', Endou and the others were going to go back to Inazuma Town. I asked them if I could tag along with them, I needed a distraction to get my head of him. With consent from the team and Raiden-nii, I joined them. And now here I am, leaning against a pole while my mind wander of to him, again. 

'Why are you affecting me this much?'

Flashback

"How cute! (Y/n)-chan, you have a crush on him!!"

"C-crush?! N-no way! There's no way I could have a crush on Suzuno!"

Flashback end

A crush...? On... Suzuno? That can't be right. He lied to you. He betrayed you. He didn't felt anything towards you. You weren't his friend. It was all just... A lie.

Tears blurred my vision as I head back.

Midway there, I saw the team staring at a black soccer ball. There's no mistaking it, that soccer ball belongs to Suzuno. No... It's Gazel's. The message played saying that the team will have to face against Diamond Dust or else the city of Tokyo will be annihilated.

Without further questions asked, we all headed to the stadium where we awaited Diamond Dust's arrival. It didn't take long as they appeared as soon as we stepped foot on the field.

I looked at Gazel dead straight in the eyes and he did the same. A flicker of something crossed them before going back to their originally cold looking ones,

"We are Aliea Academy's master rank team - Diamond Dust." Gazel claimed, "Endou. I'll show you how cold the freezing dark can be." He challenged and the game soon began.

The game started of fierce and Diamond Dust was destroying Raimon. Thankfully, a blonde boy nicked Aphrodi came to our aid and the game started going to our side. By the end of the match, Raimon had won! 

They celebrated their victory while my gaze was caught towards someone else. His gaze was too, caught towards something, or someone else. I looked at where's he looking at and I saw two figures. Two red-heads, one of them being Burn of Aliea Academy and another I'm not familiar with.

He glared at them before proceeding to walk elsewhere. Before my mind even got a chance to think, my body moved on it's own and proceeded to follow him. 

I walked silently and slowly so that he won't notice me, he made a turn into a darker corner of the corridor while I took small peak. He was there with the two people from earlier. Hiding behind the wall, I listened into their conversation.

"That was quite a disappointing match, Gazel." The golden-eyed male said, "Honestly, seeing this match was a waste of my time." 

"Now now, Burn. He was trying his best after all. We shouldn't be too cold on him now." An unfamiliar voice spoke. Must be the other figure I saw earlier.

"That's rich considering he is the coldest one here. Heck, maybe even frozen," Burn retorted, "Anyways, like I said earlier. This was a waste of my time. I'm leaving," the sound of foot steps echoed throughout the corridor.

The foot steps were slowly getting louder. He's coming towards my direction. Panicking, I tried to run away as quietly as possible but then I was pulled back into something hard. 

Looking up, I saw a pair of feisty golden eyes. I shook off his grip on me and stepped back. After analyzing me, his gaze softened and was filled with amusement, "What do we have here~?" He chuckled.

"Burn? Is there something wrong?" The other red-head came and stood beside Burn, "A girl? Oh wait, you're that girl that Endou brought along from Okinawa.. Mind telling us what you're doing here? It's rude to eavesdrop you know," He cocked a brow with a sly grin.

"I-I... I was- I was..." My legs started trembling in fear of what they'll do to me if I don't get out of here fast. 

"I'm quite impatient y'know," Burn's came towards me and gripped my wrist hard pulling me close, his face inches away from mine as his lips curved into a cocky and threatening grin, "So you better talk quickly now." 

His face inching closer slowly and I shut my eyes tight. I felt a force shoved him away to the floor and bringing me close to them. I slowly opened my eyes to see who it was, but deep inside I already knew it was you - Suzuno.

His gaze burned and as fierce as Burn's. His brows furrowed and his teeth gritted.

"Lay your filthy hands off, Burn." He said his name with so much hate lanced into them.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, huh, Gazel?" Burn rubbed his hand. After looking at the position we're in - me flushed against him and Suzuno throwing his arms around me protectively, he knew immediately what happened.

"So this is your choice, bowing down 'cause of a woman, serisouly?" He spat mockingly, "I was really expecting more from yo-"

"Yes," Suzuno's voice cut Burn's, "I have fallen for her and I'm not afraid to admit it. Call me pathetic and a coward, mock me all you'd like, I don't care.

But don't you dare lay a finger on her. I'd do anything to keep her safe. And that's my final decision." Suzuno grabbed my hand and ran away from the two who were yelling at him, giving me no chance to speak.

After quite the run, we stopped at a nearby park panting. Taking a deep breath, I looked towards Suzuno and spoke, "Did you mean what you said earlier?" My cheeks glowed red recalling the memory.

A small silence grew around he spooned me, resting his head on my shoulders, "Do you really think I'd lie about something like that?" His voiced soothing me.

I wrapped my arms around him as we savored the warmth between us, "Why didn't you tell me of this?" I questioned.

His body tensed slightly, "... When I was younger, I used to get picked on all the time since I was pretty shy. But I had a couple of friends who would stick up for me. They were great and will always stay by me,

is what I thought. One day, those bullies started spreading rumors of how I was using my friends. They didn't believe at first but then eventually did, and... started bullying me too. After I moved school, I was so scared that I'd experience that again that I act cold towards others so that I wouldn't get attached to someone, that way I won't get hurt if they betrayed me." His voice became lower every sentence.

As he was telling his past, tears slowly blurred my vision. I held them back while rubbing circles on Suzuno's back to comfort him. I didn't want to cry, not now in front of Suzuno - who is in more pain that I am, but able to stay so strong.

As I kept rubbing circles on his back, he held my shoulders with a firm yet gentle hold, "But," He pulled back and looked at me, "You were different," His teal orbs held sincerity.

"I acted like a jerk to you and make fun of you lots of times... And yet, you never left me. I always called you annoying for following me around and that it's bothersome, when in fact I was super happy that you didn't leave me. And even now, after I lied to you, hurt you, betrayed you... You never betrayed me," He held my cheeks and cradled them softly, with his thumb wiping the small drops of tears that were escaping my eyes and leaned closer.

3rd Person POV

"Thank you. For never leaving me, (Y/n)." Suzuno's lips met (Y/n)'s in a gentle kiss. She kissed him back just before they parted.

"Guess I'm the person that melted your so-called frozen heart then." (Y/n) playfully teased while Suzuno chuckled softly instead.

"I guess so." Suzuno opened his arms and (Y/n) complied and dove right back into his arms.

Chuckles and giggles erupted from the newly-made couple as they stayed there in the cold corridor, warm in each other arms.

'In fact, you've melted my frozen heart a long time ago...' Was what the certain male was thinking.

___________________________________

Tori: I'm finally finished!!

Ryouhei: Good job *kiss forehead*

Tori: Hehe~ Thanks! What do you think, Fuusuke?

Fuusuke: That last part was embarrassing..

Tori: But it's true, right~? *tease*

Fuusuke: *blush* I'm not going to answer that.

Ryouhei: Tori, your battery's going to die.

Tori: Better wrap this up quick! Well, thanks everyone for reading and sorry again, for the wait. Thanks for the support you've shown and have a nice day/night wherever you are! Bye~!

Ryouhei & Fuusuke: *waves*

05.06.2019
Word Counter: 3500