Someone is always exposed (Kouji)

[Mia Bell]

Mia arched her back as she stretched out as she laid on her bed her arms over her head as she stretched. She had been sitting on her bed for too long, she was starting to feel restless. She looked at the ceiling, it was late at night, not too late but late enough to know there was really nothing to do now. She wondered who else was still in the dorm, or maybe she could sneak off to the auditorium, but she felt too lazy to do that. She sighed; she couldn’t lay here and do nothing, she will start to think, and for her thinking led to one thing that led to another.

Mia sat up and looked around her room, she bit her bottom lip; her room was so boring. She looked at the lavender towel, sighing again she got up, grabbed her pair of PJs off her bed as well as fresh underwear and her night arm warmers, before grabbing the lavender towel off the back of her desk chair and leaving her room. Mia looked around the common room, no one was out here; It wasn’t strange for her common room to be empty. They all did their own thing though they were times they did get together and hang out and watch movies or tv.

Mia head to the bathroom, closing the door behind her but not locking it; she planned on taking a bath, and when she did so she took a bubble bath that way if someone needed to use the restroom they could. Mia didn’t care, though she was pretty sure her roommates did. She turned on the water and then placed her clothes on the toilet seat, then placed her towel on the towel rack. She waited for the water to get warm before pushing on the drain plug to stop the water from going down the drain. Mia added the bubble bath to the water and smiled at the lovely bubbles. Once the tub was filled with water she got undressed and slipped into the bathtub. Laying in the bathtub enough to where the bubbles hid everything that needed to be hiden (her scars/cuts and lady parts..) just in case someone walked in. All that wasn’t covered by the bubbles was her wrists but that was an easy fix she could just place her arms in the water. Mia tilted her head back to rest it against the wall; relaxing in the warm water.

[Kouji Yajima]

Kouji was just getting back to the dorms; he had gone out to dinner with Tak, thus making him a little late back. He hadn’t had plans with either or his dorm mates, so he didn’t consider it to be a problem. He walked into the common room of the dorm to find nobody in sight; maybe Mia and David were busy for the evening, though he wasn’t sure. Instead of pondering it further, he went into his room and changed into pajamas, which consisted of just pajama pants. For some reason, he didn’t enjoy wearing a shirt to bed – it was just one more item to worry about during laundry day.

Once changed, he headed towards the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face so he wouldn’t have to worry about that when he got tired and too lazy to do so. Not even noticing that the light was on, Kouji reached for the doorknob and walked in, and there Mia was in the tub. Fortunately, bubbles saved them from a more awkward situation. Although, after sharing a dorm with Mia for so long, Kouji wasn’t embarrassed at the sight of her naked. He thought that Mia was a very pretty girl, but didn’t see her in a sexual way, and he knew that she didn’t see him like that either, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about. “I gotta brush my teeth.” He said, stepping into the bathroom towards the sink and grabbing his toothbrush like it was the most ordinary thing in the world. “How was your day?” He inquired while squeezing his toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

[Mia Bell]

Mia had her eyes closed when she heard someone open the door. She was quite calm; she casually put her arms in the water covering her wrist with the bubbles. She was comfortable where she was and knew if she had let herself be startled she would be showing more of her body than she ever intended to which would defeat the purpose of the bubbles and the door not being locked.

Mia looked at the guy who walked into the bathroom and smiled “Oh! Heyy Kouji! are you trying to get back at me for seeing you naked?” Yeah she was teasing him and couldn’t help giggling over it. Yes she had seen him naked, it was inevitable with his power but she didn’t make it out to be a big deal because it really wasn’t. It wasn’t even a big deal that he was standing in the bathroom while she was naked, strange how that occurred. “Oh Don’t let me stop you.” Not that she really could… She was quite comfortable with Kouji and she knew he was comfortable around her which is probably why he didn’t make a big deal about her being in the bathtub while he was brushing his teeth. They have only been roommates since July but that had been a long time.

Mia thought Kouji was very good looking himself, so she didn’t mind him going around shirtless; he was nice to look at to say the least. No, she didn’t have feelings for him, yeah they cuddled sometimes but nothing romantic was going on between them, they were just friends. She believed he felt the same way, they both were had strong feelings for different people, he was completely in love with Tak, and Cameron had a weird hold over Mia and she wasn’t even sure why either. But Mia was determined to get Kouji to date different people, even if he didn’t like it. “Oh it was boring.. Nothing different really happened. How was your date?” Yeah she knew about it, how could she not? She was here when he had left; which was pretty sad for her, considering she had done nothing between the time he had left and the time he had gotten back.

[Kouji Yajima]

Kouji gave a laugh, trying to hide his embarrassment. Mia would never let him live that moment down. Within the first day of meeting Mia, he had turned from his kitten form back into his normal self on accident right in front of her. Unfortunately, when he checked back from kitten form, he lacked clothing, and Mia saw absolutely everything. Although, if that had never happened, Kouji probably wouldn’t be as comfortable around Mia as he was now, because instead of making things awkward, Kouji did his best to just make it seem normal. Plus, nakedness was normal. Kind of. If Tak was naked in front of him, then it would probably get awkward very quickly.

Speaking of Tak, Mia asked how his date with her had gone. “Oh, we weren’t on a date. We’re just friends.” He said quickly before starting to brush his teeth. He always ended up saying that, more or less to try and convince himself more than anyone else. Though him and Tak technically called it a dinner date, he knew that they were just going out as friends, as much as he wanted it to be more. But that was just his relationship with Tak, and tried not to let it get him down – after all, he was a very positive person. “’ut it wa’ fu’!” He spoke around his toothbrush, but then quickly realized it wasn’t a very effective way to talk, so he spat. “We had gone out for burgers.” He added in, “A bubble bath doesn’t sound too boring if you ask me. Sounds like a nice way to spend the evening."

[Mia Bell]

Mia liked teasing people, and he had given her something to tease him about; though it never crossed a line, it was all fun. If she did ever cross the line than she would be utterly and truly sorry. But she didn’t mind the nakedness that had occurred that day, her mother was a doctor who made sure her children weren’t going to be embarrassed about the human anatomy; other than that she had walked into the bathroom with her brother in it and pretty much saw everything that would scare a little sister for life. After that had happened she wasn’t able to look at her older brother for a week till she had gotten over it. It had been different with Kouji just because of the fact they weren’t related, sorry there were some things siblings were never meant to see.

“Mhmm… Well alright then..” She personally didn’t know much about Tak but knew about everything people have been saying about her. Though Mia had come to learn to never trust gossip and rumors; she had to learn that the hard way. “so if it wasn’t a date what was it?” Friends could go on dates couldn’t they? It was all the same, hanging out was just a friendly way of saying were on a date, unless if it included more than two people. “You should really see other people though… “ She didn’t think it was healthy for him to have a fascination with someone that didn’t share it. He needed to get over her eventually; they really hadn’t talked about it but Mia could tell he liked her as more than just a friend. Mia looked at him with an eyebrow raised “Excuse me?” She didn’t really get what he said, though she thought she had gotten the gist of it. “Oh nice.” Not her ideal food, considering she was a health nut. Mia chuckled “Hmm I guess you have a point, but really if I had something else to do, I wouldn’t be doing this..” Really she had only taken a bath because she was bored. She started playing with the bubbles being careful not to show off her wrists.

[Kouji Yajima]

Kouji continued to brush his teeth, giving him a bit more time to think over the answer to Mia’s question. He knew that friends could go on dates, but whenever he heard the word ‘date’ he always thought of it being in a romantic setting. He finished brushing his teeth and spat once again, rinsing his mouth and toothbrush. “We were just hanging, that’s all.” He shrugged, not sure how else to put it. “I see plenty of other people…” A hint of whining was starting to show in his voice. Yes, he saw other people, only if physically seeing people counted. As for going out on dates or any of that stuff? Kouji wasn’t really all that interested. Yeah, it wasn’t very healthy, but he was happy, so that was okay, right?

Speaking of Tak though, Kouji had been tossing over a comment she had made a day ago in his mind for a while now. He placed his hands on the bathroom counter and leaned back slightly, trying to figure out how to best ease into the subject. Not that while Mia was taking a nice relaxing bath was the best time to bring up such things, but it was bugging him. “Sooo… How are things with you and Cam?” He gave a nervous, yet curious glance in Mia’s direction. He hoped they had broke it off to save for a less awkward conversation, but he assumed that if they did, Mia would have mentioned it. Not to mention, if they hadn’t, Kouji wouldn’t be sure what to do. He wasn't the best in these situations.

[Mia Bell]

Mia felt the same way about dates, except her first date with Cameron and the last date she had went on with her ex. Both weren’t very romantic. “Well fine, if that’s all it is. Are you really okay with that? Don’t you want something more? With someone not as Tak-ish?” She didn’t want to say slutty, because she thought that would have offended him. Mia rolled her eyes “You know what I meant when I said that and you are not actually seeing people the way I mean it.” It was not healthy at all and she didn’t agree with it. How long was he going to be head over heels for Tak? They both are going to graduate Hammel and most likely going to different colleges or back to whatever state they came from, either way they won’t be around each other forever. Mia was pretty sure he could be even happier if he just looked around.

Mia looked at him curiously “Fine I guess… Still dating.” She was still having doubts about whether or not they were just too different for Mia to date him. Their first date just wasn’t sitting too well for her. “Why do you ask?” She didn’t feel the need to ask him how his relationship was going, she already knew. But Mia didn’t know about Tak or any of Cameron’s other ‘interests’ because if she did they would even be dating right now, not at all. She wasn’t interested in competing for Cameron’s or anyone’s attention, she didn’t feel like she should have to.

[Kouji Yajima]

A little pout started to tug at Kouji’s lips. It was pretty clear that Mia wanted him to get over Tak, and that she didn’t seem to like Tak in general – at least that was the idea that Kouji got. “Why do I need to be in a relationship?” He whined, turning around and leaning against the sink. He sounded similar to a boy who didn’t want to catch cooties. “Girls are complicated…” That wasn’t a lie; girls were complicated, and Kouji was one who didn’t really care for life complications. He knew that he would probably would end up happier if he went through the effort to try and get over Tak and meet other people, but doing that would be painful and a lot of work. That didn’t sound too fun.

“Oh… I was just wondering…” He continued carefully, speaking slowly to make sure he chose the right words. “Maaaaybe he isn’t the best choice for you… you know?” He bit his tongue lightly and watched Mia to make sure he was saying what he wanted to was put as nicely as possible. “I, uh… kinda heard he was, um… Don’t be upset, okay? But I heard he was kinda fooling off with other people.” He finished his last sentence as quickly as possible and frowned. He hated delivering bad news, but he cared a lot about Mia.

[Mia Bell]

He was right, Mia didn’t like Tak; she really wasn’t sure why. Just something about the girl she just didn’t like, maybe it was just because she was jealous of how hot the girl was. Mia knew Tak was the hottest chick in the school, she wouldn’t deny that. But that didn’t mean she had to like it. “You don’t need to be in a relationship. But it’s also not healthy for you to be so hung up on Tak.” Mia sighed, “I know girls are complicated and so are boys thank you.” She was probably the most complicated girl in this school. She was pretty sure if Kouji actually tried getting out and dating other people and have an open mind it would be a lot easier than he thinks.

Mia tilted her head a bit, there was something weird going on with him. “Weird… I keep saying the same thing to you about Tak.” Maybe that was a little harsh and she didn’t mean for it to, but she had a point. Then he kept going on and she looked at him eyes watering. “What do you mean fooling around? Are you sure, that’s just a rumor?” She didn’t want it to be true, Cameron knew how sensitive she was and he knew how hard it was for her to get back into dating.

[Kouji Yajima]

Kouji sighed, running a hand through his hair. Was he hung up on Tak? Yes. Completely. Would he deny it for all of his life? “I’m not hung up on herrrr.” Yes. He would. “Just because I have a friend who is a girl doesn’t mean I’m infatuated.” He crossed his arms and pouted quite cutely, “I’m friends with plenty of girls, you being one of them, and I’m not hung up on any of them.” He was possibly getting a little too defensive about his case at that point, but he tended to do so when it came to denying his feelings for Tak.

Kouji let out a groan at the sharp reply, knowing very well that Mia had a point, but at least him and Tak weren’t dating – so it was perfectly acceptable for her to sleep with whomever she wanted… right? He rubbed the back of his neck, really wishing he wasn’t the one that had to give Mia this news. “I’m sure it’s not a rumor.” He confirmed softly. “I’m really sorry, Mia… but I thought you deserved to know.”

[Mia Bell]

Mia rolled her eyes a bit at him becoming defensive. “Kouji, this is the hottest chick in the school were talking about. There isn’t a guy who isn’t hung up on her first off, well except the gays but they don’t count. Second, you’re the easiest guy to read… How many times have you guys hung out this week?” She was determined to make her point with Kouji. “You don’t have to deny it with me. We’re friends right? If you don’t want anyone to know I won’t tell anyone. I can keep a secret.” It was hard hiding things like this with Mia, she noticed the little things and put them together and besides that she was a very curious teenager and always asked her roommates what their plans were or where they were going if they left the dorm. It was just how she was. "Yes but, you act differently when it comes to Tak. If you want to prove to me you aren’t hung up on Tak than let me set you up on a date.”

If Kouji kept standing his ground with not wanting to date because of Tak, she would start to accept his feelings. The heart wants what the heart wants, but she just didn’t want to see him get hurt and wanted him to be happy just like she wanted all her friends to be happy. But her mind wondered when Kouji said he was sure it wasn’t a rumor and she trusted the boy. Tears started to roll down her cheeks; she had a feeling something like this was going to happen. “I guess I’m just not enough for him, or anyone…” She mumbled through the tears. “Can you leave the bathroom so I can get dressed?” They weren’t dating exclusively at least she didn’t think they were. But it still hurt.

[Kouji Yajima]

Kouji let out another groan, unsure how to respond. Yes, he knew that Tak was the hottest girl in the school, but that didn’t matter. Tak also preferred thinking of Tak as beautiful, not hot. Calling someone hot was a compliment these days, but Kouji felt like it was sort of rude at the same time. Mia had him pinned. If he denied his feelings for Tak, then he’d have to be set up on a date, and if he didn’t want to be set up on a date, he’d have to deny his feelings for Tak. Lose-lose situation. He let out a sigh. “Look, maybe I’ll let you set me up sometime, okay?” He mumbled, giving in because he knew that would make Mia feel a bit better after hearing such bad news.

Seeing Mia cry broke Kouji’s heart. He hated seeing people cry, and he knew that Mia was particularly sensitive when it came to these things. It was a bad situation to begin with. “Don’t say that…” he stepped forward, unsure what to do, “You’re a great person, Mia. Cam is just a jerk.” He tried to give a friendly smile to her, and nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right in the common room, okay?” He paused for a moment before turning around and closing the door behind him softly.

[Mia Bell]

Okay, Beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, hot, all described Tak; it didn’t matter which one someone used it was still there. Maybe she was saying this all out of jealousy; but didn’t she have a right to feel jealous? Tak could have any guy she wanted and Mia couldn’t even keep one guy interested and she wasn’t just thinking about Cameron. Either she kept falling for the wrong guys or she was just meant to be alone. She was so tired of being hurt. “okay…” She really wasn’t in the mood now, how could she set someone up when didn’t have the greatest relationship experience.

Mia was so tired of this, for once she just wanted things to turn out okay. Without the heartbreak or hurting; was she ever going to be good enough for anyone? She just wanted one person, one person to just see only her and be enough for that one person. She didn’t say anything to Kouji, she just watched him leave, when he left. She stood up putting the shower on and unplugged the drain. She rinsed her body and hair, then stepped out of the shower, dried off and put her clothes on. After brushing her hair, she walked out of the bathroom and sat of the sofa. She looked at Kouji. “If I’m a great person why do I keep getting hurt? It hasn’t been just Cameron…” tears rolled down her cheeks at the thought of her ex boyfriend. She hugged her knees to her chest and rested her head on her knees.

[Kouji Yajima]

As soon as Kouji closed the bathroom door, he quickly headed to his room. He knew he only had so much time before Mia would be out of the bathroom, so he hurried as quietly as he could. Quickly, he threw on a comfortable shirt and grabbed a bunch of silly movies and television box sets from his shelf. He brought everything back to the common room, placed it on the table in front of the sofa, and ran back to his dorm to grab a big blanket off his bed.

Kouji tossed the blanket on the sofa and headed towards the mini fridge and opened the freezer, pulling out a carton of ice cream. He didn’t bother with getting bowls, but instead just grabbed two spoons. Just as Mia was exiting the bathroom, he flopped down on the sofa. When Mia sat down, he wrapped the blanket around both of them and wrapped an arm around Mia, pulling her close. “Because you just haven’t found the right person yet. They’re just jerks – it’s not you, they treat everyone like that.” He wasn’t particularly sure of that statement, but he was sure it was at least somewhat accurate. “Here,” Kouji grabbed the ice cream and offered Mia one of the spoons, “I know you don’t like sweets too much, but I think ice cream makes everything a little better.”

[Mia Bell]

Mia snuggled close to Kouji, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arm around his torso. She looked up at him “What should I do now then…” She didn’t want to stay with someone who didn’t want to be with just her. But she couldn’t help but think the was all that she was going to get in a relationship. She whipped her tears off her cheeks; she was tired of crying because of Cameron. She heard the soft down pour of rain on the roof. She wondered if Cameron could hear it, hear her sadness, she wondered if he was thinking of her right now because of it. “I feel sorry for the people outside right now…”

Mia sighed as she took the spoon “What if I’m just meant to be alone?” She took a spoonful of ice cream “If we’re both single after we graduate Hammel can we get an apartment together and still be roommates?” Of course that would only count if they’re both staying in Pilot Ridge, she knew she was. But right now that didn’t matter to Mia, Because she just liked the idea of it and it gave her something to look forward to. She ate more of the ice cream “Ice cream is fine, I’m not really in the mood to care..” She kissed Kouji on the cheek. “Thank you…”