"Tuto kissed me."

"WHAT? BEL, NO! Just no, please tell me this is a joke." Ava's brown eyes were huge with disbelief.

"It's not a joke. He literally pulled up when I was walking home. Well, I hadn't even gotten to the road when he stopped and told me he'd take me home. So I got in."

"Where did it happen?"

"In the driveway. He parked and we talked for a minute. Then it just happened."

"What, didn't you push him away Bel, yuk."

"It wasn't yuk, Ava. It was sweet." Belicia shrugged at Ava's look of disbelief. "I don't knowwww, I'm just telling you, and I need to talk to someone about it."

Ava shook her head. "I think you're going to regret it. Kissing Tuto is like waking up a beast Bel. He's never going to leave you alone and when Desiree hears about it, oh my God, she's gonna go ballistic."

"I don't give a damn about Desiree. Maybe that's why I did it. It will give me a reason to stomp her ass. I've had enough of her crap. Ever since she moved here she's had it out for me and I've never done one thing to her!"

"That's for sure. If Desiree isn't the center of attention she'll make something up out of thin air to go viral."

"Mmm." Bel agreed.

"But look, let's stay at my house tonight just in case Tuto tries to come back later. Anyway, I have to take my sister to school in the morning because my mom works early."

"That sounds good to me, let me pack a few things."

"Well pack something really cute and sexy because next week is spring break," Ava sang. "And we're going to Noah's big spring break rave," she wiggled her eyebrows.

"Oh God Ava, I don't want to go. I hate those parties and you know it."

"You're going. It will be the perfect thing to distract you from all of this," Ava told her stiffly. "I'm not taking no for an answer. Koya needs to see that you aren't some patsy wallflower, and that will be the perfect way."

"Honestly I don't care what Koya thinks."

"I know but Noah specifically asked. He wants you to come," Ava said, putting on a cutesy face with her hands under her chin.

"Noah asked? For real?"

Ava nodded excitedly. "Yup. Anyway the party is gonna be at their lake house and there's going to be catered food! And a band."

Belicia sighed loudly. "I don't know Ava, I hate big parties like that," she rolled her eyes. "Everyone always acts stupid and there's always a fight or someone getting drunk and being obnoxious."

"Bel. You have to learn to ignore that shit. Like, who cares what someone else does. It will be fun and you're going. Now let's go through your clothes and see what to wear!" She squeaked.

Belicia relented and they both crammed into her walk in closet to browse. "I dunno Bel, we might have to go shopping this weekend. I think this party calls for new outfits."

Belicia frowned and shook her head. "Whatever Av." Bel resigned herself to the fact that Ava was never going to let her skip another party as long as she lived.

She grabbed a duffel and stuffed a bunch of clothes in it and they left. She was relieved to be staying anywhere but home tonight. Maybe, just maybe Koya's thoughts wouldn't stretch far enough to reach her there, but she wouldn't be holding her breath.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

For the sake of all things normal, Koya went back to school. He wasn't feeling it, but he did it for one reason only. For Belicia.

After Desiree's little stunt in the lunchroom this morning he didn't want any more rumors boiling in the pot.

He completely ignored anyone and everyone the rest of day, noticing that Ava hadn't returned after lunch. She would be with Bel right now and the idea gave him peace, knowing that Tuto was roaming around out there. His feelings were burnt to a crisp because he knew Bel had kissed Tuto.

Of course, he was sure she felt like he deserved it, even though she probably thought he didn't know. She'd likely use it as a weapon against him if he pushed her too much so his objective would be not to do that.

When the day ended at three o'clock, Koya was at his locker, getting ready to leave for the day when he saw Desiree approaching. He stiffened up with trepidation. What did she want? Hadn't she already caused enough problems for him. His body language didn't manage to register his unease to see her and she walked up placing a hand on his shoulder.

He shrugged her off and she gave him a sarcastic smile. "What? You're not mad are you?"

"What do you think Desi?" he snapped.

"It was just a joke Koya, but I'm not gonna lie you're a good kisser."

"Gods Desi, really? You have no shame do you? You knew what you were doing. Just get out of my face already."

"What do you mean Koya? You kissed me," she argued. "Now you want to just ignore me?"

"Are you kidding me right now Desiree Dunn? You're unbelievable and I don't have time for this-," he started to walk away.

"You liked it Koya," she pressed closer, blocking his way.

Koya wanted to push her out of the way, but he backed up hoping she would get the hint, but she followed him and as he backed up to the lockers taking a casual stance she pressed her hips against him.

"You know you liked it Koya," she whispered just inches from his face. When he didn't respond to her coy little comment she leaned closer and kissed him lightly increasing her boldness when he did not push her away. She ran her tongue along his lips and got the reaction she was seeking. Koya's lips pressed against hers and she wound her hands into his long hair and pressed her body all the way against his. Her mouth opened to him and he pulled her head closer holding her tightly and devoured what she offered. Their tongues played over each other's lips and Koya fell into her spell, turning to switch places with her he pressed her against the wall of lockers and crashed his lips against hers hungrily. He kissed her until her breath was coming in little gasps and then he pulled away, turned and left her standing there panting.

Fury filled her as she realized what he had done. He had played her own game on her, changing positions and then left her like she was so much garbage.

Her fists clenched in anger.

"That's fine Koya. I'll give you that one but you won't walk away so easily next time," she whispered. She straightened her hair and strolled off with a sly smile. "I have great plans for us," she laughed at his slick move.