Coach Koga finally blew his whistle, announcing the end of the team's practice. Jane dropped to her knees, and breathed heavily; and wipped the drops of sweat from her forehead. The sun was already setting, and everyone on the team were beat to their bones. After a few minutes, she stood up, while being followed by Caleb, David, and Joseph. Nathan silently watched them, as they walked out of the stadium and once they disappeared from his sight, he followed swiftly.

"Coach pressured us well today," Joseph mumbled, taking a large sip of his water bottle.

             The other three players nodded in agreement. By The time they were out of the academy, Nathan kept sneaking behind them, without them even noticing. His steps were barely heard, even his breathing was low.

"From what I heard, Seishou Academy is a rough team. It might be even harder to defeat them including the fact that they have Jude on their side. Don't you think so mister captain?" Caleb babbled, while placing his hand on David's shoulder.

"That's none of your concern," Joseph butted in, pulling Caleb away from the irritated captain, and smacking his head.

          Jane walked in front of them, and sighed. They were acting like children, but her thoughts were disturbed once Caleb wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and smirked, "Even Jane agrees that your not worthy of being captain!"

         The girl looked confusingly at the idiot beside her, before turning her attention to David and Joesph. She was simply confused and no idea what they were talking about. Caleb did not seem to care, and played with the locks of her hazel hair. Jane simply stared awkwardly at him.

"She has no idea what your saying Caleb," David hissed, as his hands formed fists.

The boy simply chuckled, and kissed the locks of the confused girl, while whispering, " I already know that idiot."

        Once those words escaped Caleb's mouth, Jane's hands moved unconsciously, and pushed him away from her. Her eyes showed disapproval. Joseph glanced at David, but the captain had a satisfied smile. For some reason he felt a bit uncomfortable about that smile.

"You so twisted!" Jane exploded, grabbing Caleb by his collar, but he showed no emotion.

" You a cute chick, it can't be helped," he smiled, but suddenly someone pulled the girl away from the idiot.

          Not only was Jane surprised by this sudden event, but so was David, Joseph, and Caleb. The girl glanced at the person behind her, and was stunned to see Torch. His eyes showed rebelliousness as usual, and his sun-like eyes were locked on Caleb.

"My advice is that you stay away," he hissed, with his grip tightening on Jane's shoulder.

" What's wrong Caleb?" David asked, and gave his team-mate a fake, pitiful expression.

            Silence fell, and the last rays of light disappeared. Caleb huffed carelessly, and walked away. Joseph, and David gave Jane a regretful smile, before catching up to their team-mate.

"I could have handled him by myself," Torch turned his attention to Jane, who was lightly tugging his shirt.

          Her cheeks were red from embaresment and frustration. The red-head was about to pat her head, but moved his hand to her chin hesitatedly, and lifted it upwards. A slight blush was formed on Torch's face. He was not ready yet. Jane's tomato face vanished, once noticing the boy's irritation. She stood on her tip-toes, and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. Torch jumped backwards, and started rubbing them nervously. He was embarrassed,  and that was certainly a rare sight for anyone.

"You play it rough," he complained, while scratching the back of his head.

Jane purely giggled, and punched his arm lightly, "Your the rough one."

          Nathan silently watched and felt his chest tighten, but jumped out of his thoughts once sensing someone behind him. Slowly and carefully, he turned sideways, and saw Xavier standing beside him with a displeased expression. He had no idea how they both fitted in a tiny bush, not even knowing when his friend even arrived.

"So that idiot still aims for her, guess I cannot sit back anymore," Xavier mumbled, and gave Nathan a bright smile, before leaving so suddenly.

"Does he like Jane? No, do I like Jane?" He wondered, while staring at Torch ,as he ruffled the girl's hair.

○°○°○°○

           In the end Torch lead Jane back home, but insisted on holding her hand, no matter how many times she detected his request. Torch always found a way to disturb the awkward silence between them, and even betted on a kiss if Royal lost to Seishou Acadmey. Feeling overconfident, Jane agreed to his bet.
Once they reached the doorstep of her house, he lifted her hand, and kissed the back of it teasingly, before they parted ways.

           Sighing in relief, Jane made her way to the living room. All she could think about was the stack of homework she had to finish and upcoming exams, but another surprise was waiting there. Once opening the door, she couldn't believe the three people chatting in there. Xavier, Gazel, and her mother sat opposite each other. Gazel was silent, and cold. Xavier had that same friendly smile of his, and her mom continued babbling about exams and grades.

"Your finally here Jane! You have two unexpected guests today! Go and lead them to your room young lady!" Her mom squeaked, and rushed to her daughter's side.

"They are quite the gentlemen," she whispered into her ear, before scurrying into to the kitchen.

         Jane nervously motioned them to follow her, and they did as she pleased. They all stepped into her room. Xavier had his eyes curiously admiring the beautiful paintings that hung from the wall. Gazel on the other hand, kept staring at Jane with his dull eyes.

"Umm so what brings you here?" The young teen girl asked, offering them to sit on her fancey round bed.

Xavier was first to answer, "This idiot here wants to give up on soccer."

           Jane flinched at his words, and turned to Gazel. He has changed, and in a worse state than when he was in Alias Academy. He showed no feelings, only lifeless, cold eyes. Things were taking a bad turn with him, it was not normal for him to lose so so much in a small time.

"I want it back," he whispered, " I want love."

          The girl was only able to here the last three words, and looked regretfully at him. He did not even sound human, nor looked like he was alive even. Xavier narrowed his eyes at the silver-headed boy, and sensed danger, but Jane ignored it. She walked towards him, and shook her head sideways. It was his turn to save himself from the darkness. A small tear streamed down his face. He was not going accept it. Grabbing Jane's arm, he pulled her into a tight hug, until tears socked her green jersey.

"I want you to show me lo-" but Xavier do not allow it, he pulled Jane away from him defensively.

"You relied on no one in the beginning,
and that pulled you into hell. Relying on someone too much is the same thing," he hissed, furiously.

          Jane could not agree anymore with what Xavier was saying, it was true, and it could not be changed.