From the moment he first saw her, it was like a new light had shone in his eyes. He had never felt that way about anyone before. Have I seen her before? he thought. I think I have. Oh, right. Her name is Hikaru Hasama. How can one forget such beauty?

Ryuga had been staring at Hikaru for the past 15 minutes. He was pondering whether or not he should go over to her and strike up a conversation.

She was alone, sitting on a bench at the local park and focused on reading a rather thick book.

Of course she would be reading a book, Ryuga thought. She seems like such a bright girl. Someone who has dreams… wishes. Should I go over to her and sit down beside her? What if she thinks I'm trying to bother her, given the last time that we met? I wasn't myself then. I was under the control of the Dark Power. Ryuga's palms had been sweating and he wiped them on his pants. His heart skipped a beat. Okay, here goes nothing.

Ryuga casually walked over to Hikaru and sat at a comfortable distance away from her, feeling nervous, but confident.

Hikaru was busy reading Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Will I ever do what Anna did just for the sake of true love? Will I ever do anything for love? she wondered. She saw someone sit down next to her from the corner of her eye. It'd better not be Ryo. My break isn't over yet. She looked up to see who it was. She let out a loud gasp. NO!

"R-Ryuga! What are you doing here?! What do you want from me?!"

Ryuga tried to mask his surprise. He was a bit taken aback by her reaction. He hasn't even said one word to her and she is already terrified. Okay, maybe she does remember me after all…

He spoke calmly. "Hey. I would never want to hurt you again. Believe me. I'm sorry."

Hikaru wondered, What is his angle? He's not acting like his usual scary self.

"O-okay then. H-hi Ryuga."

He could tell she was very frightened. Shit...

"Hey, Hikaru. How have you been?"

He seems so different. Maybe I'm overreacting. Hikaru thought about what she should say next.

"I'm, uh, great. I've given up beyblading, but I'm working for the WBBA now." Why the hell do I sound so stupid?

Huh? "Why have you given up beyblading?"

Should I be honest?

"Ummm... because of what happened at Battle Bladers."

"Oh. I told you. I'm really, really sorry about that. I wasn't myself then. You know that."

He's apologizing again. It's cute actually. He's cute... Wait, did I just think that?

"Uh, yeah. It's cool."

Oh, thank heavens. "That's great. I, uh, actually... I was wondering if you wanted to meet up and talk sometime."

Hikaru wanted to slap herself. Did the great and powerful Ryuga just ask me out on a date? Why? Do I wanna go on a date with him? He really doesn't seem like his old self. Is he okay? Oh my goodness... does he like me? Do I feel that way about him? Guess there's only one way to find out.

"S-sure," she said shakily. Jeez, be cool, Hikaru! she thought to herself.

Whoa. Did she just say 'yes' to me? Ryuga couldn't believe it.

"That's great. When are you available?"

"Let's see... tomorrow after work at 4 would be fine."

"Cool. Let's meet up at the café by the BeyPark."

"Yeah." Crap! My break is almost over!

"I'm really sorry, but my break is about to be over. I gotta head back to WBBA. It was nice talking to you," Hikaru said sincerely.

"You too." Ryuga flashed a genuine smile.

Wow. Hikaru's heart skipped a beat. I never thought that I'd ever see such a beautiful smile... Now I really can't wait for that date!

A/N: Hey, guys. This is my first story. Please follow, favorite, and/or review. I need your feedback! Thanks so much for reading! :) xoxo