*Back to present*

Today was the day that Kay was going to start Step One: Deepening Friendship.

Today, it was Xing Han that was on 'duty' as Ali had football practice. Kay and Sarah decided that instead of spending their study time at the library, they were going to watch the football practice. As support for Ali and Kyle who were practicing for the inter-school match that would be held after the finals. Well, that was what they told Xing Han anyway.

In reality, it was also a chance to meet up with Jason, who was also practicing with them. He wasn't part of the team, but they allowed him to join their practice sessions. Every exchange student had to be active in the extra-curricular activities as well, you see. Kay knew that it was risky to do this, but it was also the best move. You know what they say about hiding something in plain sight?

This was Kay's move and she would have a safe, legitimate reason for knowing Jason. Kay was also well aware of the fact that Kyle would have a good chance of getting to know Jason as well through football, but she also knew that she had a better chance of developing a stronger friendship. Seniors tended to ignore or not take the first year's seriously, you see, unless they truly did 'click' ... or had an ulterior motive.

Kay didn't doubt that Kyle would have made plans of his own to replace Operation Honey Trap, and she deliberately did not ask him about his alternative plans since it did not involve her. She wanted to compete with him. Operation Kay vs Operation What-ever-of-Kyle's. She will use this to prove to him that she is as good as him, if not better - at least, in some aspects.

When they arrived at the field, Kyle was surprised to see them there. As they walked to the stands, Kay told Xing Han, "I'll be here with Sarah the whole time Kyle's in practice. So you can go back or go to the library. I'll just walk back with Kyle."

"Hey," protested Xing Han, "Have you forgotten that I stay with Kyle as well? Staying with you here or going off wouldn't change a thing."

Kay smiled as she sat down, with Sarah on her right and Xing Han sat on her left, "It isn't that, Xing Han. I'm sure you have stuff to do as well. Why don't you go and do them while we are sitting here? Then we can always meet up after Kyle's practice and have dinner together."

Xing Han thought about it and nodded, "Yeah, I do have that report to do ... need to check up a few things at the library. Alright then. See you later?"

"Sure, Xing Han. I'll be good and stay right here," Kay said with a sweet smile.

Sarah almost choked beside her but managed to keep it down and Xing Han didn't realise a thing. Xing Han went down and shouted to Kyle who was dribbling, "KYLE! Going back to the library! See you at 5!"

Kyle waved, indicating he heard and was okay with it. He glanced up and saw Kay at the stands with Sarah, and she waved at him. [Dribble that ball properly!!]

Kyle laughed, shook his head and continued.

Kay watched Kyle for a while, then, without moving her head, her eyes drifted to where Jason was. He was at the other end of the field, taking turns to kick the ball to the goalkeeper. He hadn't noticed that she was there yet, as his back had been to her the entire time. Kay was content with that, for she couldn't talk to him anyway with Kyle around. So far, so good.

What Kay didn't know was that, in fact, Jason DID realise that she was there. He had known from the moment she had entered near the field. He just pretended not to have known for he didn't want Ogre Kyle to suspect anything. He was getting impatient that his Fairy didn't contact him to take him up on the offer to get to know the other LaSelle boys - yet, he was quite happy that they didn't know her yet. He had been the first to have seen her and the first to have talked to her so he felt he had the first dibs on knowing her better.

Jason felt frustrated though that he couldn't get to meet up with her since then. He would always catch a glimpse of her before and after class, and he slowly learned her routine. Most of the time she didn't see him but he was fine with that as he could stare at her unabashedly. He was careful not to be caught by that dark-skinned guy who was always with her though.

He was also getting more and more annoyed at Ogre Kyle who was so close to her even though he knew that the latter was her brother. Although he could have gotten to know Kay through Kyle, he had a feeling that Kyle may not be so receptive to that thought. He had been quietly observing them as well for the past month and she was never alone. In fact, he was the happiest during that one week that the twins were not on speaking terms.

It was his turn again and Jason jogged up to the ball. This time, he kicked it much harder than normal out of annoyance when he remembered the time the twins were hugging. It was too damn long and they looked too damn intimate. If ... no, when ... he got closer to Kay, he is going to make sure that the siblings won't be doing such close things again. She would have him, and Kyle should step back.

After practice was over, Jason deliberately stayed back to 'help' pick up the scattered balls and cones. This was actually the job for the football manager, but he insisted while saying that he should help in return since he's just there for the few months. They let him since he was so firm about it. However, the moment Kyle went off the field to bathe and change, Jason stopped picking up any balls and walked up to the stands.

"Hey, Kay. We meet again," said Jason politely with a smile.

"Oh, Jason," Kay replied with a soft, shy smile, "How have you been? Enjoying Sakura Academy so far?"

"It's nice," Jason commented, sitting down next to her. Looking at her in the eyes, he then said, "Though it's much nicer now."

Kay blushed, looking down then turned her head away to look at the field. In her mind though, she was cringing at the cheesy pick-up line. Still, it meant that her efforts of constantly being within his sights every day were working. She even deliberately did the same thing each day so that he would know her 'routine'. Sure enough, she soon did not need to 'accidentally' pass by just as he walked out of Blossom Wing or when he was heading to the cafeteria.

"Sorry, you should be going now. My brother will be out soon," Kay said apologetically.

"Why should I go if he does?" Jason asked with a frown. Though he did plan to leave before Kyle came out, he didn't like it when Kay actually told him to go.

He watched with interest as she bit her bottom lip, then she leaned forward to explain to him, "My brother can be a bit over-protective. So ... erm, well."

Jason gave a displeased expression, and then sighed, "But he can't stop you from making friends, can he?"

Kay looked troubled then said, "Look, how about this. I have another study session at the library in two days time. Why don't we meet then?"

"Two days, huh?" Jason said, thinking about his schedule, "Sure. It's a date."

"It's not a date!" Kay hissed, her voice low, her cheeks red.

Jason just smiled then asked for her phone. Puzzled, she gave it to him and he called his phone and gave it back to her. "There. It would make planning things easier," he explained. Kay saved his number and Jason gave her a huge smile before he jogged back down the stands.

***--***---***---

That night, back at the dorms, Sarah was brushing her hair and thinking, "Kay, is Jason the one you have a crush on?"

"We-ll ... I don't know if it's a crush, but I do want to get to know him more. Doesn't he seem nice?"

"I don't know," Sarah admitted. "It's too soon to tell. But he doesn't seem to like Kyle ..."

"Who would, if that stubborn fool is blocking the path to getting to know me?" queried Kay.

"I know, I know," Sarah commented, agreeing. Yet, as she continued to brush her hair, she couldn't help but think: if you wanted to get the sister, why are you avoiding the brother? And a twin, no less. A caring, dependable and handsome twin who practically broke down when his sister ignored him. Such a sweet, sensitive yet strong man. Sarah didn't realise the smile she had on her face when she started thinking about Kyle.

**--**--

The next day, there was an unexpected announcement. It was during the second period when the bell chimes sounded, indicating a public announcement was to be made. All the teachers stopped their lessons and everyone quietened down as they waited for it to be made.

"Good morning everyone, this is Acting Principal Hannah speaking. I am pleased to announce that our new Principal, Mr. Godric Gryffindor, will officially start tomorrow. There will not be any lessons in the first period as there will be a special morning assembly at that time to welcome Principal Godric. Thank you."

Kyle leaned back in his chair with interest.

[Will get MIB to do a background check on new Principal] Kay sent to Kyle

[Great. I'll need to report by tonight.]

Kay groaned. MIB could do the basic groundwork check at in that time, but it would be on her to get the dirt, [Short notice much?]

Kyle just laughed [As always].