kemper01@ix.netcom.com (David Rubino)

KOR2 is a fanfiction about Kazuya, Kyosuke's younger cousin, set in
the KOR universe.  Much work has been done to maintain the original
KOR feeling and humor so please enjoy.  Comments can be directed to
kemper01@ix.netcom.com and check out the KOR2 homepage at
http://www.thunder.ocis.temple.edu/~tha/kor/kor2/kor2.html


KOR 2 : ANOTHER DAY

Episode 6 : Push of Fate. Misunderstood kiss?

"Kazuya!  I hate you forever!" Miyuki said as she swirled her arm
around Eichi.  I jumped back in shock, my backpack dangled loosely
from my fingers.

"What?!  Why?!"  Eichi laughed as he pulled Miyuki closer to himself.

"You know why, Kazuya.  Youre nothing but a pathetic loser!"  Miyuki
seemed to have lost interest in me and looked up at Eichi, her eyes
glimmered with adoration.

"But I..."  I had nothing to say, I knew deep inside that I had
failed.  Then to emphasize the fact, they began to laugh at me.  It
hurt.

I didnt know how to react, it was the first time I wasnt in control
of the situation.  I dropped to the ground and huddled into a little
ball, crushing my backpack against my chest.

"Miyuki!!!"

"Kazuya!!"  I looked up and the image of Eichi and Miyuki shattered
leaving me lying in my bed crushing a screaming Jingimi to my chest.
I released my arms and let him go.  The bed shook when Jingimi leapt
off and cowered in a corner of my room.  It was still dark and the
digital display on my clock read 5:06 a.m.

"Kazuya, I said get the door!!!"  It was Akane screaming from her
room.  I looked at my clock again.  Who could it be this early in the
morning?  My stomach dropped.  I hoped it wasnt Miyuki, I couldnt
face her right now.  She probably hates me after yesterdays match.

I yawned and finally got out of bed, fumbling my way down the stairs.
I heard a repeated banging against the door.  Strange, Miyuki usually
rings the bell three times.  The thought that it couldve been a
dangerous stranger was actually more comforting than the presence of
Miyuki.

Now with a little more ease, I approached the front door.  I checked
myself in the hallway mirror, my hair was shooting out into all kinds
of directions.  I was so tired I didnt even bother to fix myself up,
I dont think I ever got up this early before.  I swung open the door.
It took a few seconds to register the face.

"Takashi?  What are you doing here?"

He put a big smile on his face and said, "Hey, Kazuya!" then shot down
to waist level and charged forward toward me.  What?  He grabbed my
body and ran with it, then slammed me into my couch.

"UUGHGH!!  What?!  Are you nuts??" I screamed at him.  He gave me his
patented Takashis insanity look.  

"Are you blind, did you not see yourself yesterday?  You were
horrible!  You need me to train you into becoming one of the best
wrestlers!!"

"What?  No way, the last thing I need to do is embarrass myself in
front of more people, Im quitting the team today."

"Oh, so now youre not only a loser but youre also a quitter."

"No, its not like that."

"Youre right, its not like that, theres more."  Takashi finally got
off of me and stood up.  "As soon as you quit, youll be the biggest
slacker in the school.  Then what will my friends think of my greatest
student?"  He looked up at the ceiling as if he saw some dream that I
couldnt.

"Ummm..."  Takashi snapped back.  

"Even though its understandable to lose against the captain of the
wrestling team, its not understandable to just give up."  The thought
sunk in, I had never thought of it that way.  He was actually starting
to make sense.

"Maybe youre right, maybe I will give it another shot."  Maybe if I
became good enough, I would be good enough to beat Eichi.

"No, youre right.  Youll just make a bigger idiot out of yourself."
As usual, Takashi shocked me.

"But... but then why are you here at 5 oclock in the morning?  Why
are you always doing this to me?"

"Kazuya, calm down.  Ive only known you for a little over a day, how
could I always do this to you.  The reason I really came by here is to
get the notes I missed since I wasnt in school the first few days."
This guy is just more and more aggravating, but I cant let it bother
me.  I really should worry about what Im going to say to Miyuki.

"Okay, fine, Ill get you my notes."  I started walking up the stairs
until I realized that Takashi was right behind me.  Did he think he
was coming into my room too?

"Kazuya?  What are you waiting for?  Hurry up, I have many important
things to take care of."  I decided to just ignore his presence and
let him follow me up the stairs.  Akanes door opened, and she
stumbled out lazily rubbing her eyes.

"Kazuya, who is it?"  Takashi shot her one of his insanity smiles and
Akane decided to go back into her room and shut the door before I had
a chance to say anything.  I envied that she was smart enough to avoid
someone like him and I wasnt.

I let Takashi into my room as I looked for my backpack that held my
notebook.  As I expected, he walked around and touched whatever he
felt like.  I hurried up and finally got my backpack and flung it
open, pulling out my school notebook.  I turned around and Takashi was
holding a picture frame that I had on my dresser.

"Hey, Kazuya.  Isnt this that girl that Eichi likes?  Miyuki, right?"
I thrust the notebook into his hand and grabbed the picture.

"Miyuki is my girlfriend.  I dont care what Eichi thinks."  Takashi
puts his hands up in a defensive motion.

"Calm down, Kazuya!  I didnt know, honestly."  Takashi flipped
through the pages of my notebook, apparently trying to find something
to do.  I knew he was thinking about Eichi, and I was going to find
out exactly what.  I started to probe into his mind and read his
thoughts.

Kazuya is sure in for a hard time, Eichi seems like the guy that
always gets what he wants...

"Mai?"  My concentration broke at the mention of her name.  What did
he know about her?

Takashi held up the notebook for me to see, clearly written in the
corner of a page was a bad attempt to erase her name.  I forgot that
it was even there.

"Kazuya.  I have to tell you something, this bothers me a lot."  I got
nervous, I didnt know how to explain what I thought of Mai, how she
was the girl in my dreams.  How somehow I can never get her out of my
mind.

"Kazuya... for Teacher Ishiguros class you only have one paragraph,
and a bunch of doodles!  How am I supposed to use this?"  I was
relieved that he didnt pressure me but then I realized that I would
be the worst one in class to ask for notes.

"Your notes are worse than your wrestling."  Takashi handing the
notebook back to me.  "Maybe Ill just get the notes from Eichi.
After all, he owes me the favor."

"Yeah," I said, somewhat ashamed.

"Whatever."  Takashi turned away and let himself out of the room, but
then poked his head back in.  "So, Kazuya, think about what I said."
He then gave me that crazy smile again and finally left.  I was now
determined he was insane.

******************

Before school started, I waited for Miyuki at the top of the
staircase.  Standing here made me remember yesterday, after the match.
Miyuki was waiting for me here, she had wanted to talk to me.  

"Kazuya, I just wanted to let you know that Im proud of you."

"What?  How could you be?  I lost."

"But you tried.  What happened couldnt be helped.  After all, Eichi
is the captain and hes stronger.  You tried your best and thats what
matters to me."

Just the mention of Eichi filled me with anger.  I couldnt stand
hearing Miyuki talk well about him.  I couldnt help saying what I
did.

"Just forget it!  I quit!  I dont ever want to wrestle again.  Go
ahead and celebrate with Eichi, hes the one that really wants you
there!"  I ran away before giving her a chance to speak but I knew
that I hurt her feelings.

And so now here I am, waiting for Miyuki... but she never came.  I was
afraid of my dream coming true so, as much as I was afraid of
confronting her, I wanted to get it over with.  Waiting there made me
more uncertain, and late for class.  I decided I would talk to her
after History when we normally passed each other in the hallway.

Sitting in class was horrifying, my thoughts grew to the reality of
the dream.  I was more sure that she hated me at this point.  I had to
tell her I wouldnt quit the team.  She would be proud of me, and
everything would remain okay.

The bell finally rang, and I shot out the door before anyone else.  I
waited for her right outside of her class door to be sure that I
wouldnt miss her.  I just stood there counting the people that came
out.  And finally, she came.  As soon as I saw her, though, I forgot
everything I was about to say.

She shot me a wicked glance and kept on walking.  I ran after her.

"Miyuki, I need to talk to you."

"Its okay, Kazuya.  I understand its not your fault, you just cant
help yourself.  I totally understand."  She kept walking faster trying
to lose me.

"Wait!  I know youre mad and Im sorry, but Ive got something to
tell you.  Please."  She stopped and for a split second her expression
softened.  "Meet me right outside of the cafeteria after your lunch
period."  She paused for a few moments that felt like a lifetime.

"Okay, Ill be there," she said, looking a little better.  This was
good, she wasnt as mad as I thought she would be.

I continued down the hall, walking to my next class with a little
relief that at least I was on the right track.  Ill just tell her
about me not quitting and everything would be fine."

"Slick move."

"What?"  I turned around to see who said it, it was Takashi.  He was
beginning not to surprise me.

"Youre not as much of a coward as I thought you were.  It also seems
that youre using my idea.  Good move, now you owe me twice."  He
continued down the hall with a little skip to his walk, and humming a
tune.  I really didnt have a clue what I owed him for.  

It seemed that watching Takashi caught his attention again and before
he went far he spun around and headed back towards me.  

"Kazuya, I had wanted to ask you something," he called out.  Just
then, I heard another familiar voice call out to me.

"Kazuya?"  I turned around and it was Mai, she was looking as cute as
ever.

"Mai!"  I couldnt help but give a nervous laugh as Takashi stood next
to us and staring as if he should be there.  "How are you?"

"Fine!  I wanted to treat you to an ice cream at Abcb, as sort of a
second place prize for your match yesterday."  Takashi looked at her
and then at me.  He face contorted into his insane grin which only
told me that he knew that this was the Mai that was written in my
notebook.

"Well.. I.. uh.."  If I was anyone else, I would have been smart
enough to say no.  But I was Kazuya Kasuga, and I never heard of the
word.  "Sure, I wouldnt mind."

"Great!  See you then!"  She gave my arm a little squeeze and walked
to her class.  Takashi continued staring.  I just ignored him and left
him there, pretending he didnt see any of that.

All in all, everything was going well.  No one insulted me for losing
yesterdays match and I still didnt lose Miyuki.  I guess Miyukis
reaction to Eichi though, sort of meant that we both lost that round.
I continued walking to my next class.

************

Lunch had just ended for Miyuki, everything had to be perfect.  I ran
down the stairs from Mathematics class and headed for the cafeteria to
meet her.  I wanted to get down there before the mad rush of students
hit the halls.  I got there almost before anyone had left, I was out
of breath from running.  I leaned against the wall and tried to calm
down.

"Kazuya?"  I shot my head up realizing it wasnt Miyuki.

"Oh, Mai, whats up?"  It was nice to see her, it was sort of a
relief.  Then I realized that Miyuki would be coming pretty soon and I
started to get a little uncomfortable.  Mai stood a little closer as
the students started to pour out of the cafeteria.  She smiled.

"How is everything going?"

"Well, I guess..."  I noticed her body slowly pushing towards mine.
What is she doing?  Then all of a sudden, her chest shot forward and
pressed up against mine, as well as her lips pressing into mine.  I
went into shock.  Every other student froze and stared at us.  Just
before I blinked, I saw Takashi standing behind her with his hand
pushing her into me.

"Mmmuuuu..."  We pulled apart the second Takashi let go.  I didnt
know what to do, I couldnt help but give a nervous smile.  

Then I felt it.  It was like a powerful force slammed into me and if I
wasnt already leaning against a wall I would have fallen.  I became
conscious of everyones stares, of their shocked expressions.  Of one
stare, one expression in particular.  I slowly turned my head to the
side just to see Miyuki staring at us.  Oh, this is definitely not
good. 

"Oh, I get it now, this is what you wanted me to see!  KAZUYA, YOU
IDIOT!!!"  Miyuki screamed at the top of her lungs.  When she was mad,
she let everyone know it.  She threw her books down and stormed down
the hall, pushing away anyone who got in her path.

I was still in shock, it all happened so fast.  My mouth was wide
open, I looked back and forth and just saw Takashi looking at us.

He held his hand on his chin and said, "Hmmm, interesting."  And then
I just watched him walk away.  I couldnt believe it.  I looked down
and saw that Mai was turning completely red.  She was breathing heavy
as if all the air had been knocked out of her.  She looked up, her
dazed expression quickly turning into anger.  I saw fire burning in
her eyes.

"I.. I.. uh," I didnt know what to say.  Takashi, that jerk!  Ill...


My thoughts were broken by Mai,  she was trembling now.  She screamed
as loud as Miyuki.

"KAZUYA, YOU JERK!!!"  But Mai didnt run away like Miyuki, instead I
saw her right hand fly into position.  I saw that before and I was
scared.  I looked to her for mercy but I could see that there wasnt
any room for that in her eyes.  I closed my eyes and prayed.  It
didnt help.

SSLLAAPP!!!

This was definitely the worst.

***********

The bell rang, finally.  I finished my lunch alone, pondering over the
events that just happened.  I stood and gathered together my books
along with the books that Miyuki left behind.  I had a feeling that
she wasnt going to the rest of her classes anyway, she was so upset.
I had to clear up this situation although I couldnt see it getting
any worse.

I walked out into the hallway and walked into, to my surprise,
Ryosuke.  He had the most aggravated look on his face that Ive ever
seen.

"What did you do, Kazuya?!"  he demanded.  He must have heard of what
happened but I played dumb.

"What do you mean?"  Ryosukes little body was on the verge of
exploding, veins protruded from his forehead.

"You upset Mai, and my darling Miyuki!"  The last thing I needed was
for Ryosuke to get involved.  "I know were friends... but I cant
just watch you hurt them."

I couldnt believe that out of all people, he is saying this to me.
"Where did you hear that from?"

"Takashi told me all about what you pulled."  What?  Takashi - he
started this whole mess.  I had to talk to a Miyuki now to straighten
this out before things get worse.  I ran past Ryosuke.

"Hey!  Im not done!  I.. wait for me!"  I could hear Ryosuke
squealing behind me.

I quickly shot down the hall and looked everywhere for Miyuki but I
couldnt find her.  I almost ran into Eichi, he was talking to
Takashi.  Oh no, can it be that Takashi is doing all of this to help
Eichi.  Thoughts of my dream becoming a reality tormented me, I
couldnt bear to have Miyuki hate me.  I didnt want to face Eichi
now, I had to find Miyuki before he had a chance to do anything.  I
tried to get away as quickly as possible, but Eichi was turning to
walk my way - he was going to see me.  I reached my hand out and felt
against the wall, looking for a door handle.  Luckily, I found one!  I
threw open the door and jumped inside just as I was sure Eichi would
have seen me.

The room was unnaturally silent and yet somehow, familiar.  I looked
around and saw mirrors, a towel dispenser, sinks, and stalls.. not the
kind that boys use.  The realization of where I was hit me.  

Unwittingly, I ran into the girls bathroom in an honest but mistaken
effort to avoid Eichi.  I was fortunate that the room was empty but I
knew that it was only a coincidence that wouldnt last for long.  I
frantically ran for the door, I had to get out now!

Just as I was about to push on the door handle, I saw the door move.
It opened a crack and the sound of girls echoed inside.  I jumped back
and fell unceremoniously to the floor, I wasnt getting any breaks
today.  I could only see how humiliating it would be if I was driven
out by a horde of angry and insulted girl students who insisted I was
a pervert.

I shot my head around as if I could see an exit that wasnt there.
The door opened fully and there were more girls than I could imagine
about to walk right in.  They were talking to each other and laughing,
obviously not realizing that I was inside.  In a moment, they would
look and it would all be over.  I put out my hands in a defensive
motion and closed my eyes.  Again, I prayed.

This time, something happened.

I felt the air in the room pull towards me with a whoosh and the
lights flickered once.  I felt as if the walls were trying to collapse
inward with me as its center.  The force pushed at my chest and my
back and stopped my breath.  In slow motion, I saw the first girl turn
her head towards me and her eyes widened... and then she disappeared.

I was surrounded by darkness and it felt as if a powerful wind was
lifting me up and away, past the ceiling, past anything solid.  I
thought to myself and it was if I was speaking aloud.  So, this is
teleportation.

**********

I felt the warmth of the sun upon my face and I squinted when I opened
my eyes.  I was sitting against a brick wall and when I looked around
I could see that I was on the school roof.  I knew this was a place
where students went to eat lunch, spend time with a friend, or just be
alone.  On the other end of the roof kneeled Miyuki, facing away and
softly sobbing.

It hurt to see Miyuki sad, I wished I never had gotten into these
messes.  This time I was going to set matters right.  I stood up and
walked across the cement, strangely confident.  It was as if I knew
what to do, which was a strange feeling for someone as uncertain as
me.  I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"Miyuki," I said softly.  She turned to look at me, her eyes were red
and it was clear that she had been crying.

"Kazuya?  How did you know I was here?" she managed to ask.  "What are
you doing here?"

"Miyuki this whole thing is a misunderstanding.  I came to the
cafeteria to tell you something important.  Mai came over to say
hello, and Takashi pushed her into me.  Nothing happened, honestly."

She looked at me with water-filled eyes, "Really?"

"Honestly, I..."  Suddenly, Miyuki exploded into rage.  I jumped back.

"Why should I believe you?!  I saw you!  You werent fighting it, you
always give up!"  She backed me into the fence and at that moment I
did want to give up.  I didnt want to fight her, but I knew I had to
do something or I would regret it.

"Honestly, I felt horrible about yesterday.  Im so sorry, and I
realized something.  That is was alright that I lost, but Im not
giving up.  Im staying on the team, and Im not giving up on you.
Ill do everything to prove that I can protect you."  I couldnt
believe I was saying this, I never felt so corny in my life.

Miyuki shot me another warning glance, and then smiled.

"Oh, Kazuya!"  She jumped into me and hugged me, almost crushing my
whole body.  I was finally relieved, it was finally over.

Just then, I saw the door at the far end of the roof open and Eichi
appeared.  Apparently, he must have been expecting to see only Miyuki
here.  I looked to see his reaction.  He just played it cool, and
swung his hair back.  He smiled once at me, a challenge smile that
admitted he lost this round, and then left.

An instant later, Takashi appeared as well.  I thought he would be mad
seeing that Eichis plans were ruined but instead he gave me that
insane smile and a thumbs-up.  What an idiot!  Instead of disappearing
like Eichi, he just waited by the door until Miyuki finally let go and
we walked back together.  He put his hand on my shoulder.

"Way to go, Kazuya!  I knew you werent a quitter."  I was getting mad
seeing him just smile at me, especially after what he did.

"Why did you push me into Mai, Takashi?"  I growled.

"Come on, Kazuya.  I told you what you had to do, but it wouldnt be
fun if I didnt liven things up.  Admit it, you need me."  I swept his
hand off of my shoulder and continued down the stairs with Miyuki.

"I dont need you, Takashi."  Takashi stood there as if considering
what I said, then excitedly bellowed down the stairs.

"Oh, by the way, first thing after school on Monday is practice,
youre up against me!"   I knew this wouldnt last long, now I have to
wrestle this maniac.  Oh well, its probably better than wrestling
Eichi.

***************

I caught up with Miyuki on the way home, right before she reached the
top of the hundred stairs, and we walked down quietly together.
Somehow, I could tell she was still a little annoyed at something
because she wouldnt say anything.  We walked about halfway down the
stairs before she stopped, I was three steps below her.

"Whats wrong?" I asked.  I could just feel that it had to do with
Mai.  She turned and looked at me, she almost looked embarrassed.

"I dont know what it is, Kazuya, but when I saw you kiss Mai..."

"Eh?"  I interrupted.  "I didnt..."

"I know, when you accidentally kissed Mai, I wasnt just mad.  I was
sort of jealous."  I then realized that I had never kissed Miyuki, our
relationship wasnt like that, yet.

Miyuki stepped down one, two, then three steps before she was at face
level with me.  She looked up at me and gave me a small smile, she
looked so innocent and sweet.  She closed her eyes and leaned a little
closer to me.

Outside, I was expressionless.  Inside, I was exploding.  I both
wanted to grab her and kiss her or just run away and not look back.  I
couldnt move if I wanted to, fear had completely overcome me.  Isnt
this what I always wanted?  I decided to stop thinking.

I closed my eyes and leaned forward, I knew that in just a moment I
would be kissing Miyuki.  What she hadnt known would be my first real
kiss.  I was so close...

"KAZUYA!!!"  Miyuki jumped back and I fell forward, almost completely
losing my balance.  We both looked up and saw an enraged Ryosuke
running down the stairs.

"Kazuya!  What are you doing to my dear Miyuki?!"  Miyuki looked
pretty mad at the interruption, I felt bad for what she would probably
do to Ryosuke when he finally reached us.  As if on cue, Ryosuke was
screaming out Miyukis name and lost his footing.  He toppled over and
over until he reached a landing.  I wondered if he was getting used to
this by now.

Miyuki was at first surprised, then a smile formed on her face.  She
began to giggle at how pathetic Ryosuke looked, a crumpled form
moaning out her name.  She quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me after
her, running down the stairs.  We ran home like that together, and I
just watched her.  Miyuki was always able to do that, forget about the
past and just enjoy the moment.

I guess thats why I love her so much.

- End of Episode 6 -