And there Mai sat there in the dark. Her phone a little more than an arm reach. She started to sweat as the wheels turned. The girl knew what she felt. And knew what she had to do. Alright. Wow. I can't believe I'm saying this. I have a crush. His name is Marik Iwakuma and he's dreamy with a little work. She exhaled and starred at the phone. It was first in front of her. His number in the previous call list. The sweat was getting to her as she couldn't make herself move forward and pick it up. So is this what it feels like? Love that is? It's strange and tingly. This is how it is. Rather weird. To think I'm getting goosebumps from a broken jock I saved because I just wanted to know what his game was. And I guess to him and the girls I make a good game of hard to get. Why am I such a bitch? C'mon I'm stalling. Here goes nothing.

She breathes heavily as she picks up her phone. And sure enough, the last person she called was Kuma. She hits send and the phone rings. It rings twice and it's picked up.

< Hello. >

< Hey! > That wasn't Kuma. That was a girl's voice.

< Oh hey. Haru, it's Mai... >

"Oh my goodness. Hi Mai if you could hear me." Said Kuma in the background.

< Ummm, hi Haru. >

< He says hi. So what's up? >

< Just laying here in the dark. How's your, you know... >

< Date? Rather well thanks. Just hanging out in her room before dinner. >

Her face and voice fell. < Oh. That's nice. >

< You okay over there? You seem not yourself. >

< I thought I told you not to worry about me. >

< How can I not? >

< You're on a date. >

< Weeeeeeelllllllllll funny story about that... >

< Funny as in something happened or the haha kind of funny? >

< The first one. >

She facepalmed. < I see. Well I guess I'm happy for you then. >

< What? >

< That two of you make out and do lovey dovey stuff. >

< Woah. I'm sorry. Come again? >

< Aren't you two- >

< Yeah hi. You want him? >

< Huh? >

< You want him or not? >

< So sudden? >

< Yes, or, no!? >

< Uhhh... >

< Waiting. >

< I... I... >

< Tick tick. Tick tick. >

< YES! YES! OKAY? > Mai covers her mouth and her eyes open wide. What on this Earth did I just say?

< Good. I'll warm him up for you. Bye Mai. >

< No wait. >

She got hung up on. "What does that mean?" Mai cried.

Over towards Haru's house Kuma is just as shocked as Mai is.

"What's going on?" He asked.

"You are going to sweep her off her feet." Insisted Haru.

His jaw stood there open as Haru winked at him. "Are you out of your mind woman?"

"She is for not snatching you up. She's lucky I'm her friend. You're quality material Doll. But I've had my wastes of times. You wouldn't be one of them. But both of you need lessons in love."

Kuma blushed. "The fact she's never been kissed."

"Yet."

"Me?"

"Yes Marik."

"Why is it you two call me by my real name?"

"It gets your attention really quick."

"Not triggered. Just stand in attention."

"Exactly."

"Well played."

"So you want Mai?"

"I guess I do. I feel warm around her. Even though never have gotten any hints."

"The healing?"

"Well that's true. I can tell she has what she says she has. Things I can't explain. I couldn't repay her if I tried to."

"But you can Sweetheart. And me, Aiko, and Gen saw this. Everyone kind of saw it. You are so easily read that even Momo, Aiko's mom wanted you around."

"Me and Aiko? Uhhh... I just don't see it. She's a bit wild for me."

"Gen?"

"She does her own thing."

"And me? I know about me. Me and Mai in looks are similar. But if she doesn't take you, we are making out on this bed to make you forget. Got it?"

"You like me that much?" He blushed.

"I think more the lines of cute and would want to try beneficial friends first."

"But back out if you don't see it?"

"Yup."

"I guess. Although I thought my first kiss would be different."

"Let's just go."

"Where?"

"The Tanaka residence. Tighten your belt you naughty boy."

~~~~~

Kuma saw her knock as he stood back ever so nervously. "Haru what the hell are we doing here?"

"Getting answers dear boy."

"What are you thinking?"

"That I will find out tonight."

"About?"

"If she's yours or we decide what we do tonight other than make babies."

"What the hell!?" So sudden and very bold.

"Shut up. Someone's coming."

No wonder why Mai was scared about Haru. Or Eri. Can't lie I'm shook.

The door opens. It's Mr. Tanaka. "Haru? Marik? What brings you two here on your date this evening?"

"Hi sir, we need to see Mai quick." Asked Haru.

"Good luck Haru. She's been caved in there since she basically got home. At least from what my wife told me. Go for it." Mr Tanaka let them in.

"Thank you, Mr. Tanaka." Nodded Kuma.

"My pleasure Marik. Hope you remember what I said at work." He flashed a smile.

"I do. See you shortly."

They walk up the stairs nervously. Haru seems pretty confident about this whole thing as Kuma starts sweating. "And door number two. Shall I? Or you man enough?"

"Ummm..."

"Not a confident answer." She knocked on Mai's door.

"Girl you crazy?" He cringed.

"Every girl is at least a little bit. C'mon shy boy."

"Who is it?" Said Mai from the other side of the door.

Kuma stays silent. Haru laughed. "Your lover."

"Haru?" Gasped Mai still behind the door. "No way."

The door bursts open as Mai is shocked seeing the two.

"Hey girl." Haru waved.

Kuma stood there trying to smile. "Hi..."

"Wait does this mean you two..." Mai covered her mouth.

"Came to see you? Yeah. Was my idea."

"Sorry to bother you." Kuma blushed.

"Shouldn't you two be on a date?" Asked Mai annoyed.

"Mai what's wrong?" He asked.

"It just hurts Kuma."

"It's why Haru dragged me here."

"To introduce you early?"

"No to open up to each other."

"Huh? You mean how we feel?" Mai didn't think that this could ever happened. But her friend saved her chances.

"Yes Mai. Feelings. You're tough but sweet."

"Feel about love? Absurd." No matter what vocabulary she can't deny anymore.

"Okay Mai. What if I said I love you?" He owned up.

The room got cold and time slowed down. Haru smiled and smirked at Mai. Knew she did.

"Say that one more time." Mai was lost in awe.

"I love you Mai."

"How? I'm a bitch. I smack you around. I'm not... come here." She ran over and hugged him. A short line of tears ran down her face.

"I got you Mai. You make me want to motivate. You keep me going and I know you are caring enough though you're a bit tough." He tightly hugged around him.

"So this is..."

"Love? I think so."

"Kiss?"

"Well..." She made contact with his lips. He just happened to be off guard. Kuma was caught off guard. Mai stuck right to his lips and chilled there. The kiss separated and they looked in each other's eyes.

I love her.

I love him.

"Well you two let's introduce the two now officially out of the dating pool." Haru went behind and pushed them towards the staircase. "Don't force against it now."

Wait what the hell is happening?

I kiss him and he's my boyfriend? Not that I don't mind of course.

Down the stairs Mr. Tanaka puts down his paper and smiles. "What's going on here? And good job removing her from her room."

"Well sir it's ummm..." Kuma was losing it. He blushed brightly and couldn't find the words.

"We're a thing." Mai hugged him.

"Eh?" Mr. Tanaka scratched his head.

"Huh?" Gasped Miss Tanaka.

"Yay." Cheered Haru.

Different reactions from all over the room. This was a difficult situation to all explained.

"Well I'm glad I saw this in advance." Mr. Tanaka smiled.

"Dear you predicted this?"

"You learn a lot of a man's work habits. Marik is caring, understandable, and with a boost of confidence. Mai you are the confidence and finally opened up. Now is everyone staying for dinner?"

"Please."

As plates were made Mai and Kuma couldn't look at each without blushing. It was like flicking a different switch. I guess love does make you act different.

Haru laughed as everyone sat down. "Thank you for the food."

The conversation was being put right into place there was no ignoring it. And it was the first time in a long time Mai couldn't speak because of the circumstance.

"So Mai when were you going to tell us?" Asked her mother.

"About?"

"You and Marik being a thing."

"I think we just-" Kuma stopped mid-sentence.

"Okay then." Haru smiled. "I will translate for the evening. But to bring everyone to speed it was my idea to come here and spill it out of her. I knew if I could make her feelings come out before our planned stuff for tomorrow it would work better."

"What plan?" Concerned Mai.

"Us pretending to be a couple. Kisses on the cheek, holding hands, and such."

"Can you not?" Mai grumbled.

"I can't. He's your boyfriend. Not my job to do that and would be wrong for me to do that."

"Boyfriend?" Gasped Kuma.

"Yes why?"

"Hard term to swallow. Never been called that." Boyfriend." Oh man. I don't believe it. I'm taken. I have a girlfriend. No more bad dates. But wait. What expectations do they have for me? How can I keep her happy? Going to have to keep two jobs. And I am expected not to be good enough. Oh man. I guess we'll see.