"Hoshi-chan, how many times do I have to tell you-" she started as she turned around. But it wasn't Hoshi.
She stood up in surprise. "K- Kaido-sempai!"
"Such beautiful hair," he said. "Now why would you want to ever to hide something so beautiful?"
Her cheeks turned red as she lowered her eyes. No guy had ever paid attention to her like this, and Kaido was a first year high school student,, while she was only in junior high. Not to mention that the guy was quite the bishonen. His long purple hair never seemed to get out of place and he had a great smile that all the girls seemed to fall for.
Neko struggled to find words - any words - but she could only manage a weak "Arigatou."
He smiled charismatically as he released her hair. "I'll see you later," he said with a wink.
He left just as Mi-chan and Hoshi walked up behind Neko.
"Wasn't that Kaido-sempai?" asked Mi-chan.
Neko nodded, not bothering to look at Mi-chan. She knew her face was still red and didn't want to be teased for her shyness.
Instantly the two girls wanted to know the details of Kaido's visit.
"Kaido-sempai is interested in you?!" Hoshi squealed in delight. "He's so cute, and he's really popular with the high school girls! You're so lucky, Neko-chan." She looked at both of the twins. "I'm jealous. You guys get all the luck. You don't need braces or glasses or anything and you're all athletic and stuff, and high school boys are already interested in you."
"He just complimented me on my hair," Neko protested timidly. Truth was she didn't know how she felt about him liking her. Sure, he was cute and all, but she wanted more out of a relationship than just looks. And she didn't know much about his personality.
"Oh, but he's such a flirt. I'm sure he'll ask you out next time! You're so lucky! He's so cool!!!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day Neko had all but forgotten the incident earlier. She had much important things to think about - things like soccer practice and her English language test the next day.
She put her textbooks in her locker, thinking about how to conjugate English verbs and not paying attention to Kaido approaching her from behind.
"So�" he said as he leaned against the locker next to hers, "where shall we go on our date tonight?"
She hesitated, both confused and reluctant to disagree with an older schoolmate. She was pretty sure that he hadn't mentioned a date before. "We don't have a date, Kaido-sempai," she said, but the uncertainty in her voice was clear.
"Of course we do," he replied as he took a step towards her His dark eyes glinted, full of confidence. "You don't think I'd let someone as beautiful as you get away from me without at least asking you out, do you?"
"Ano�" Her heart was beating wildly. *What are you waiting for?* she chastised herself. *He's good looking, charming, older, and interested in you. What do you want? A written invitation?* But still something made her hesitate.
"Come on, Koneko-chan. What do you say?"
"Ano, actually, I don't like that name," she said softly. She felt really uncomfortable speaking back to a high school student, especially one that seemed to like her.
"Ok, fine, Neko-chan. I only wish to please you." He looked her in the eyes as he leaned closer to her. "You do want to go out with me, don't you." It was more of a statement of fact than a question.
