Chapter 1

"So can you help me Yumi?" Matthais asked intently. Yumi savored the thought while slipping a quarter which dispensed a cola in return.

"Of course, on one condition, "Matthais smile faded." you buy me a coke next time."She smiled.

Matthais returned the smile and laughed. "Thank you so much! You're the best, so we start today?" Yumi nodded, sipping her soda lightly.

Ulrich, Odd and Aleita were seated at their usual table eating this week's special, pancakes with sausage. Jeremie was typing swiftly on his computer.

"Hey Ulrich, can I have you're the rest of your pancakes?" Odd looked over at Ulrich who had pushed away his breakfast.

"Yeah, don't you ever stop eating?" Ulrich cracked a smile.

"Hah! Never!"Odd laughed and scooped up a pile of soaked pancakes.

"Hello everyone,"Yumi slid quickly into a seat next to Jeremie. Matthais took a chair from another table setting it near Yumi. Everyone exchanged confused glances.

"Anything new?'' Yumi looked at everyones plate. "Ahh, the special huh? Pancakes and sausage!"

"Yeah! Do you want a bite?" Odd forked a pancake slice in front of Yumi. She declined.

"Nah, you need that energy Odd!" Yumi smiled making Ulrich straighten up. Alieta and Jeremie were staring at Matthais.

"I'll be right back ok, Yumi?" Matthais stood up and walked to the breakfast line.

"Matthais seems lost…"Aleita smiled and glanced at Ulrich. "Why is h-"

"I can't make it tonight, if there's a XANA attack, ok?" Yumi intervened.

"Why?" Jeremie took his eyes off of his computer screen.

"Parents again, you know that I have to stay home sometimes." Yumi continued "There getting curious again." She rolled her eyes with a twinkle of guilt.

"We can manage without you for a night." Alieta assured "But whats with…"

Before Aleita could finish, Matthais sat back in his seat, smiling. Yumi sat back and stared at Matthais. Ulrich kept his eyes darted at Matthais.

"So Matthais, why are you sitting with us?" Odd blurted out. Everyone gave him a look.

"Um," Matthais stared at everyone then quickly looked at his watch and then at Yumi who was picking at her thumb.

"Come on Matthais, I got to talk to you!" Yumi smiled softly and got up grabbing his hand. The table was silent with shock. They left walking hand in hand. Aleita cleared her throat. Jeremey shifted his computer.

'What was that?" Ulrich asked frustrated. None of them could answer.

'That was great!" Matthias smiled hugging Yumi "She was totally giving the worry weird look!"

"Yeah, just follow the direction and Caroline will be at your feet!" Yumi started untangling and walking. "But don't treat her like dirt?"

"I'm very sorry if your friends are or will be mad at you." Matthias said.

"Oh, it's fine, they'll get over it!" Yumi took a deep breath, knowing that they were all confused especially Ulrich. Thank god William hadn't seen them together yet, he's probably writing love letter! Yumi smiled.

(To be con.)