~Normal POV~

Ikuto casually walked across the brick road that led to the Royal Garden. He was dressed in his usual assortment of black clothing, dumpty key, and violin strapped loosely to his back. He had gone into the school to ask for Amu. They had told him that she was in a Guardians' meeting and not to disturb her, but he didn't care. He had something to tell her. And it was important. He wouldn't let this chance slip through his fingers. Not again. He shook his head and continued slowly walking up the path. Step by step, he grew more anxious. 'What if she says no? What if she just walks away? What if…' Ikuto mentally kicked himself for thinking such negative thoughts.

"I can do this. I need to let her know how I feel."

~Amu POV~

I laughed. Yaya could always make us laugh, no matter how dank the situation may be. I glanced over at Tadase subconsciously. He was staring at her face. They both quieted, blushed, and looked down. Rima and Yaya whispered, "Eh? What's this? In the mood, aren't we?" my face reddened even more and I stood up yelling.

"Come back here you cowards! You won't get away this time!" Tadase and Nagi sweat dropped, but Kukai (who was visiting) laughed. Finally I gave up on chasing the two nuisances. Though much smaller than her, Rima could still put up a heck of a race. I panted heavily and tried to get up, but was too tired and fell back down. I was gonna face plant, but I was too tired to care. A pair of strong arms caught me. I turned my head to see…Ikuto! Ikuto was here! But wait…why was he here?

"Hmph. The 'cool and spicy' Hinamori Amu wipes out after a little run. I wonder what that'd do to your rep."

I just stuck my bottom lip out, kicked my way free of his grasp, and went back to my chair across from Tadase. Ikuto put on a fake frown and walked over to me, complaining.

"Ahem." Kukai cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. We all looked at him.

"Well we WERE in the middle of a meeting. But now that HE's here I don't think Amu'll be able to concentrate." He said, smirking. My eyes had been closed, for emphasis on my anger. Now, my glare directed at Kukai, I slowly opened them, revealing the burning fire inside them. Kukai stopped laughing when he saw my cold stare and gulped.

I slammed my hands down on the table and pushed myself out of my chair. Fatigue had been replaced by anger, which was good, too. "Souma!"

"H-hai!"

"Outside. Now."

~Kukai POV~

Three words. Ho-ly crap. What the heck had I been thinking? I sighed. Now Hinamori is gonna kill me. Literally. I followed her outside, nearly running into her when she abruptly turned around.

"WHAT IN THE FRIGGIN' HECK WERE YOU FRIGGIN' THINKING? EMBARASSING ME LIKE THAT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! OH, DON'T WORRY! I'M GONNA GIVE YOU WHATS COMIN' TO YOU!"

Shiz. I pulled my collar away from my neck a little, nervous.

"Yeah, about that…I was just kidding and-"

"I DON'T GIVE A FREAK! NOW COME HERE!"

She stomped towards me, pure anger on her face. Gosh, I was only joking! I mean was it really that big of a deal? Oh well. You know Hinamori, always acting on a whim.

Amu continued towards me, determined to make me pay. She bundled her fist up and I got ready.