One Punk Man

8.

"Today is the day," Arthur muttered nervously as he stared into the looking glass. It was November and physical education was being held in the swimming arena. He had thought about several excuses to be present in the lesson but to not participate. He would claim that he had caught a cold even though his health was completely fine. Before the Brit exited his room, his eyes fell on the picture on his nightstand next to his bed. The photo had been made during the trip in Paris, on the Eiffel Tower; a selfie of his sisters, Sakura and him. The corners of his mouth formed a smile. He could not deny the fact that he really loved this piece of photography. "Iggy, move ya lazy ass, we will be late!" Emily shouted impatiently from downstairs, "And we do not wish to let Miss Honda wait". Upon hearing her commanding – yet mocking – voice, Arthur countered back in a less happy tone. "What did you say?"

"I said, set your behind in motion, otherwise we will arrive fashionably late," she repeated herself with a mocking British accent, leaving out the part where Sakura was mentioned. He glared at her but decided to ignore her reply. Marguerite watched them uninterestingly; the girl was used to this exchange of "affection".

The habitual activities of listening loud music in the car, picking up Sakura and arriving at school, were accomplished as quickly as ever. Although the air around Arthur grew tenser the closer the physical education came.

Sakura on the other hand, felt his uncomfortableness but did not question him. She was aware of his "hate" for swimming. His body language indicated all signs of awkwardness. Before she could utter anything, the sports teacher arrived in front of the dressing rooms. While he unlocked the doors, he shot Arthur a flabbergasted look. The teacher knew of the Punk's hate for sports, especially swimming. "Oh... Mr Kirkland," he muttered hesitantly. "I did not expect you to participate in the class." He was a gentle man but did not really care who attended his lessons and who did not.

"I won't."

He looked at the Brit, not understanding why he would even show up if he won't take part in the lesson. "Okay." the teacher decided to ignore him. "Alright, but you will have to compensate your marks with an essay about swimming technics."

The Brit rolled his eyes but accepted nonetheless. "That was easier than I thought," the Brit spoke, relieved over the teacher's nice reply and reaction. Francis, who had listened to everything, leaned himself with his elbow on the Brit's shoulder. "Well yes, but I can observe the girls from near," he bragged, expecting Arthur do shove him away. The Englishman glared at him, moving away from him.

He sat on the bench, next to some girls from his class who had declared to have received their monthly present from mother nature. They were just as surprised as the rest of the class as they saw him in this specific sports lesson. The Englishman felt their weird staring and glared back; a warning to everyone who would question him. He felt awkward enough to be in the same room with Francis who was wearing his swimsuit with pride. "Oh Lord–"

He could not finish his exclamation as his eyes fell on the Japanese, who had just exited the dressing rooms with a swimsuit and a towel. He ignored everyone else coming out to get ready for swimming. She caught his staring and blushed heavily. Sakura quickly diverted her attention to the other classmates. His staring did not cease; he was too much enchanted by her.

Every pupil felt his positive atmosphere; over the weeks their classmates had noticed his different behaviour and suspected him to be in love with the Japanese. Even the teachers had discovered his odd change. Every one, except for both who were concerned, realised that cupid had hit his arrows perfectly. Never had the pupils of the school expected or foreseen such an event; the rebellious Punk falling in love with the new cute and quiet Japanese student.