Hello everyone. Again.

I know, I know, I'm such an utter failure but I Ihad no choice. Life happened and I had to forsake Chihayafuru entirely because I couldn't focus on anything else. This series is so interwoven with me and my emotions that it really gets in my way sometimes. Anyway, it still isn't an excuse, I know I suck, but I hope all you wonderful readers from before will continue to stick to my story.

I cant even begin to expresse how much your words mean to me. Even now, I got the courage to post this chapter only because I reread your kind comments and it made me so so SO happy. I felt like a new person. Life had been getting to me, and the words you left for me to come back to have given me confidence in myself again. I love you all for that. Words are indeed the most powerful weapons.

Anyway, to all you wonderful people, I am eternally grateful for your support. You just wont believe how much.

Hope you like this second chapter too. I'd love to hear your comments.

Apologising for my absence again, onward.

The frail woman sitting in her wheelchair brushed her fingers along the cloth of a beautiful lavender kimono draped across her lap. She was younger that she looked, this woman. Once beautiful. But a weak heart tore her spirit to shreds and left her a pile of skin and bones now; still a sight to see, but none of the healthy glow remained on her face. Fighting against this was hard; taxing.

But as she traced the embroidery on the soft cloth, her lips lifted into a smile. A light that had long since been extinguished flickered to life in her eyes.

"Okaaaaaa-San, you forgot this." A dark haired, grey eyed young man walked into the room, holding a packet of pills in his hand. He looked exasperated. " That's the third time this week. Should I start getting Ayumi- ba chan to remind you?"

The old woman spun around to face him, smiling despite herself. At the prospect of adding another burden onto the shoulders of their house keeper, the woman quickly shook her head and held out her hand for the tablets. "Okaeri, Takeshi."

"Tadaima." He muttered, dropping to his knees beside her chair and handing over her little plastic bag of an assortment of pills she was supposed to take. Watching them fall into her bony hand, something tightened in his throat. He cleared it quickly. "Why do you keep looking at this thing? You've worn it once already."

"Ah...but this is special. It's the first time you've given me a gift and brought a girl home."

" 'Kaa-san." Kazama blew out a breath, shutting his eyes. Unwillingly, a picture of the younger girl his mother was talking about flashed in his mind— the straight hair, darkened lashes and a little button nose. His grip on her armrest tightened. "It's not what you think."

The woman simply smiled, running a hand through her son's hair. " Maybe not. Forgive an old woman's aspirations."

"That's exactly why I don't date." Kazama grumbled, opening his eyes, looking worn down. "You expect too much. I can't just — I need time to—"

"I know, Takeshi. And I'm sorry you feel that way. But don't mind me. I just can't help but wonder...will I be around long enough..."

"Yes you will. You're not going anywhere."

She smiled. Despite her prominent cheekbones and baggy eyes, the warmth only a mother can exude radiated off her and Kazama greedily took it in. Her hand now squeezed his cheeks inward. " You're such a handsome boy."

He flashed her a grin around her fingers. " Thanks."

"Ah, well. Too bad you're a coward." She said playfully, dropped her grip and Kazama pouted. "I just wish I could see you happy and in love...like your friend!"

"I have a lot of friends, mom..."

"Oh, no, I'm talking about the gorgeous one, who went with you to London."

Kazama sweatdropped. Looks like even the older ladies weren't immune to the phenomenon they all thought his friend to be. Except...he was just an ordinary boy.

"Mashima?"

"Yes, exactly."

A grin cracked on his face and he rested his chin on the armrest. "Oh he's happy alright. And he deserves to be."

"I sense a story." The old woman smiled, a long forgotten sparkle of youth shining in her eyes. Kazama latched onto it like it was a life line. Popping the pills into her mouth and swallowing with the faintest of winces, the woman ran her fingers through her son's hair. "But first tell me, why are you home early?"

"Just felt like speeding back. Good thing too." He nodded at the tablets. "Everyone else is getting ready for their trip to Omi Jingu."

"Hmm...? Omi...Jingu?"

"Its a looooong story, mom. Let's just say it all began when a small boy from Fukui decided to move into the big bad city, and he tangled himself up in some pretty deep roots..."

"Oh my Gosh, Chi-chan, that looks so good on you!"

Chihaya blushed, taking off the beanie and putting it back on her friend's head. "Arigatou, Eri-chan. But it looks better on you."

Rin, a lot more observant, detected the false enthusiasm and sparks of jealousy in the eyes of the girls standing next to her and Chihaya. But even so, she nodded to the side. "Chi-chan is more of a wide brimmed hat kind of girl...ne?" A sly smile cracked on the tall dark haired girl's face as a perfect opportunity to knock down their companions came to mind. "Like the one your boyfriend once got you. "

Instantly, Chihaya's mind flashed back to the wide black threaded hat Taichi had bought back from Hokkaido, and she grinned. "Oh, yeah! That one's so pretty, Chitose's been trying to get her hands on it herself!"

Rin, having failed at making her react in a more...feminine way, like a blush or at least a spot of coyness on her face, grumbled to herself. Thankfully, the other girls surrounding them had caught on to her bait. "Hold on? Chi-chan's got a...boyfriend?"

Rin perked up, and then nodded proudly before Chihaya could say anything. "Yep! And he's the biggest jackpot ever!"

"Eeeeeeeh?" Erika leaned into Chihaya's face, eyes wide with interest. "Who is it?!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Kimiko crossed her arms and looked a little offended. "Why haven't we met him yet?!"

"Well, he's a little busier than us..." Chihaya began, uncertain about the intense gazes of her friends. She had no clue what was going on. "Uh...he's in med school."

"Whaaaaat?!" they chorused, eyes bright. Imaginary boxes of criteria popped up next to them, and they instantly compared this new character to Chihaya. " He's the smart kind?!"

Oblivious, Chihaya smiled innocently. "He is." She said proudly. " He's also got crazy good talent for Soccer, and Karuta of course." She put a finger to her chin as if thinking, not noticing the growing hearts in her audience's eyes or the check marks in the boxes. " And other things like the Piano, Judo, Swimming etc, etc. I think he can speak about seven or eight languages...and he cooks. Really well." She made a face out of momentary jealousy, then shrugged. "List goes on."

"Plus, he's loaded." Rin threw in smugly.

Innocent soul that she was, Chihaya had no idea that to the others, she was probably bragging. Rin sighed fondly. The auburn eyes were clear of any such ill intentions — she was just telling them how awesome her best friend was. The other two girls exchanged glances and raised their brows. "You haven't said anything about his looks."

Chihaya sighed with an envy she really had no business feeling. "Like a supermodel. It's annoying sometimes."

Disbelief coloured the girls' faces. "Impossible." Erika muttered. Kimiko nodded. "No one should be that perfect..."

"What?" the chestnut haired girl blinked, and then smiled confusedly. "What do you—"

The trilling of her cell phone cut her off and she pulled it out of her pocket. Watching the photo flash on the screen, her lips curved in response like they always did, and Rin knew instantly who it was. She'd seen that smile many times. "Aha! Gimme that!"

Snatching the phone away from the bewildered young woman, she thrust it towards their disbelieving friends. "Feast your eyes!" A smug grin adorned her face as their jaws dropped. And then Erika melted, something like a whimper escaping her lips.

Rin pulled the phone away before they could pounce and thrust it back towards a clueless Chihaya, who happily accepted the call. " Taichi!"

"What took you so long?"

"Harsh." Came Kazuto's voice in the background. Chihaya heard another voice murmuring, and she guessed it to be Arata.

"Rin-chan was playing around with my phone." She replied carelessly. A spark of excitement shone in her eyes. "Where are you?"

"Outside, baka. Do you want us to miss the train?"

"Nooo..." she drawled, glancing at her wrist watch. "Oops. Sorry. I'll be right out."

"Hurry." His voice softened. "We need to stop by the hospital first, remember?"

The excitement dimmed inside her. Chihaya's shoulders slumped, and she kicked lightly at the ground. "I remember. We'll see you soon."

Watching her hang up, Rin winced slightly.

Harada-sensei had been taken in for another check-up only yesterday. After that second fainting episode, they weren't taking any chances. Although Rin suspected it might be bigger that their practised excuse— that it was simply fatigue— Taichi was remaining tight lipped about it, so she didn't wish to pry. Even so, it was hard to ignore the tremendous amount of worry shining in his eyes when he looked at their old Sensei...or the guilt when he turned to Chihaya.

She broke out of her thoughts when Kimiko started speaking "...introduce us!"

Chihaya nodded. "Sure. He's waiting outside. Arata and Kazu-kun too, Ri-chan. Let's go."

Turning around swiftly, the girls darted to the front doors of their department. Erika and Kimiko followed close, looking apprehensive. Rin rolled her eyes at their whispering. Idiots.

Sure enough, waiting by that familiar black Porsche were three figures they knew very well. Arata spotted them first, and tossed them a wave, before a flash of confusion passed over his face. Probably wondering who the other two were. Taichi was leant against the door of his car, seemingly engrossed in a discussion with an animated Kazuto.

Rin grinned and announced loudly, " Here we are!"

Both the boys snapped their heads to look at the entourage, and Erika and Kimiko gasped a little behind them. One of them even whispered, "He's real..."

Their continued disbelief was really getting on Rin's nerves.

Oblivious to it all, Chihaya managed to perk up at the sight of her friends. Just as she bounced forward, Kazuto jogged past her to intercept Rin, and pulled the unsuspecting girl into a slightly sloppy kiss. Rin squeaked, while Chihaya giggled as she stepped directly into Taichi's side, hands twining instantly out of practise, and exchanged a fist bump with an amused Arata. His midnight blue eyes darted from her to the couple behind them, and he wrinkled his nose. Taichi spared Kazuto a glance and rolled his eyes. " I swear he's just trying to annoy me."

"Probably. Or maybe you're just too uptight about PDA." Arata mused quietly. He smiled at Chihaya. "Where were you?"

As if that statement reminded him, Taichi fixed his glare on the girl completely. "Yeah, what took you so long?! We were supposed to be at the hospital five minutes ago!"

"I said sorry, didn't I?" She pouted, landing a kick on his ankle. "I was just talking to my friends who were... Where'd they— Oh. Eri-chan! Come here."

The two girls had been lingering next to Rin uneasily, staring at the other three all the while. At Chihaya's beckoning, they hesitantly walked forward. Stepping closer, Kimiko clutched Erika's hand tightly, and received a squeeze back.

" Meet Erika-chan and Kimiko-chan." She announced proudly, flourishing a wave. Chihaya smiled up at Taichi. "I've talked about them before."

" I remember. You did the poster for Literature Day together, didn't you? It looked amazing." He smiled politely at the girls and dipped his head in a tiny bow. "Hajimemashite."

Flushes rose up both their necks and Arata disguised his smirk as a cough. A spark of unease shone in Taichi's eye, and he tossed his best friend a glare for his amusement. "H-Hajimemashite." Kimiko spoke up. "We're sorry for keeping her inside for so long."

"Yeah," Erika muttered with a sheepish smile, despite Taichi's haphazard hand waving their concerns away. "We just never thought Chihaya-chan could— I meanWOULD—have a boyfriend. You know, since she's so busy all the...time...Ehehehe..."

Taichi tried not to, but his eyes still narrowed infinitesimally. Arata sobered up too, looking a tad unimpressed now. Looks like Eri-chan and Kimiko-chan belonged to the majority of people who were clearly too shallow to appreciate the character their air headed childhood friend had. "Well, she does." The black haired boy spoke up quietly, making the girls wrench their eyes away from their object of interest and fasten them onto him. He could see their gazes appraising him, judging every inch.

Arata fought the urge to roll his eyes. City girls were so shallow sometimes.

"That's Wataya Arata." Chihaya, still completely oblivious, smiled brightly. Enthusiastically, she proceeded with her introductions. "He's in business management. Arata's the Master at the game I play! Rin-chan's told you that before. And you know Kazu-kun."

"How can we not?" Erika giggled. "He's always around."

They all turned to see a flushed looking Rin being towed back by a carefree Kazuto. "Yo! Shall we get going? It's already 5:20."

The information jolted Taichi out of his momentary Chihaya-induced bubble of peace and all the things that had been worrying him came rushing back. He quickly straightened himself from the door, sliding his free hand into his pocket to grab his keys. One of the girls, whoever it was, dropped her gaze to his fingers that were still under Chihaya's custody, and he detected a flash of disapproval. Having had enough, the young doctor-to-be exchanged a glance with a silently watchful Arata, and plastered on another smile. "He's right. We have to get going now."

"Gah! We're late already!" Chihaya jumped. "Gomenne, Eri-chan, Kimi-chan. We'll talk some other time."

"It's okay." Kimiko smiled, looking a tad disappointed. "Itterashai."

Tossing them a rather obligatory smile, Taichi let go of Chihaya and unlocked the car. Arata jogged over to the passenger side while Chihaya pushed Kazuto into the backseat, and hopped in herself, tossing the girls a final wave. Rin got in last, shutting the door.

The engine purred to life, and the black car pulled out of the campus, merging smoothly into the traffic outside.

Erika sighed. "What a waste."

"I know..." Kimiko said mournfully. "He's got everything going for him...hell, even his voice was perfect. Lucky Chihaya-chan."

That didn't sit well with her friend. Cheeks colouring from jealousy and a misplaced sense of injustice, Erika fisted her hands. "No, don't say that. Did you see them together? He barely even kissed her. Someone as perfect as that is way out of Chihaya's league. All she has going for her is the looks...and even that's not very prominent." She huffed. "They obviously fight a lot. And she's too air headed. She can't even cook or do anything lady-like!"

Kimiko remained silent, wincing on the inside. As much as what others thought, she wasn't as shallow as her friend. She could see, she had eyes. As far as she was concerned, they had just witnessed a relationship with a deep past, and a firmly built up friendship. It doesn't get any better than that.

It was obvious to her that breaking them up for good would be next to impossible.

Harada-sensei watched his wife grab her bag and leave the hospital room with a smile on her face. As soon as the door shut behind her, he heaved a sigh.

"That's too heavy a sigh for you, sensei." Hiroshi Tsuboguchi muttered from where he was lounging on one of the chairs. "You'll be free to leave tomorrow."

"Hopefully." Harada sensei muttered back, leaning back against his propped up pillows. "Or maybe they'll keep me in another day or two. You never know."

"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure we'll still be able to watch the matches on screen."

"That's not the same as being there to support them." The old man mumbled, picking at a loose thread on the hospital bedsheets pooling around his knee. "I wish I was ten years younger."

"Sensei..." Hiroshi chided. "Wrong train of thought, old man. Get off."

He chuckled, reaching for a drink of water. At first, Harada sensei thought: Old age...it'll bring its aches and pains. When his knee acted up, he figured that would be the cause of his falling back on the sport he loved. For a few years, it quite was. But now...now it's another organ which, quite frankly, had him reeling.

Never would he have expected a full on blow of CAD. And now that he was sure that's what it was...Harada sensei sighed.

His wife sure was distraught. But like always, she sported that serene smile and silently helped him get through it. She never let go of his hand. Hiroshi was constantly around, ever dutiful and loyal, and his face and peppy attitude and determination gave the old man some peace.

Then there were his kids.

No one knew. No one was supposed to. But he should've known he couldn't fool all of them. While Matsuge kun had cottoned on immediately, Komano and Rin took their time. But as per his wishes, none of them had breathed a word to Chihaya.

Harada sensei was sometimes a selfish man. Ever since that last game, which she had almost won, he had made it his mission to get her through this however soon as possible. Ignoring that first attack, brushing it aside, he hid the fact from her so that she wouldn't worry about it. But now, so close to her match, here it was again. He couldn't reveal everything now, not so close to the competition. Which was why he still asked Taichi to remain mum...and that was selfish because the boy clearly didn't like it.

He had insisted through out the course of time after the first attack to just come out with it and tell her, but sensei never could. His pride didn't allow him. He was her hero, Chihaya-chan's mentor. Him, getting knocked down by a weak heart? Hah.

And yet here he was at the hospital, checking up on his organs.

Taichi didn't like lying to the girl. He squirmed and frowned and looked insanely guilty each time this topic came up, but Harada sensei wanted him to keep up the charade for a while longer, just so he could see Chihaya reach her goal. No one knew the scatterbrained girl as well as Taichi did, so naturally, it was upon his shoulders to make sure she didn't learn of this predicament of theirs. It ate away at him, but he respected his sensei's wishes, albeit reluctantly.

For the third time that evening, Harada sensei sighed.

The door cracked open, making both the men look up, and a familiar chestnut haired head poked it. "Yo."

Breaking into warm smiles, Hiroshi and Harada sensei glanced at each other. The door opened wider and Chihaya skipped in, perching on the edge of her teacher's bed. Rin, Kazuto and Arata all followed, while Taichi brought up the rear, shutting the door again behind him.

"My, my it's crowded in here." Harada sensei chuckled, peering at them all. "When are you leaving?"

"Tonight." Rin answered, smiling worriedly. "There's a train at ni—"

"Eight." Taichi cut her off, throwing her a look. All the others, except Chihaya, threw him equally confused looks and he put a finger on his lips quickly, eyes darting to the oblivious girl on the bed. Realisation flashed over Rin's face before she nodded. "Yeah, eight."

"How are you, old man?" Chihaya patted her teacher's leg, smiling despite the frown on her face. "Sensei's turning into a girl, fainting all the time."

"Oi." The old man grumbled. "I'm old, okay? Give me a break."

Arata cracked a smile at that, leaning against the wall by Tsuboguchi San's chair. Kazuto and Rin were standing next to him, peering through concerned gazes. Taichi, refusing to meet his eye for now, leaned against the railing at the foot of the bed and took the performance chart into his hands, golden eyes darting across the page swiftly. The miniscule tightening of his jaw was something Harada Sensei had been watching for. "Does it all make sense to you now, Matsuge-kun?"

Taichi looked up slowly, smiling despite himself. "Not everything, but yeah."

Chihaya watched him too, looking curious. "I've always wanted to understand what's in it. Taichi, maybe—"

"Nope." He cut her off, flipping a page. "You need at least half a brain to understand this."

She puffed her cheeks out. "You're such a hypocrite! Only last week you told me my Math had improved really good!"

Trapped, Taichi raised his eyes from the clip board and fixed her with a slightly uncertain stare. "That...was math. This is different. Besides, there are things here that you should never have to learn about your sensei— you'll be scarred for life. Wanna see?"

She shrank back when he extended the board toward her, looking at it, then uneasily glancing back at him. Taichi had his brows raised, face blank otherwise, and she knew that look. "No thanks."

"That's what I thought." He muttered, taking it back and returning to his scrutiny.

Unnoticed by everyone else, more guilt flashed in his eyes and he peeked at his teacher from behind his lashes for a split second, catching the old man's smile, before quickly dropping his eyes back onto the papers. Very unhappy with everything.

Harada sensei entertained his students for a few more minutes. They kept up a cheerful atmosphere, laughing and cracking jokes and arguing lightly among themselves. It lightened his heart. His wife always said these kids were good for him, and he knew it was the truth. Looking at them, all his hopes and dreams came alive, and a will to hold on remerged within.

Eventually, as the clock struck half past six, they decided to leave. Having their bags packed already, all they needed to do was shower up and then be there on time. Chihaya looked a little panicked at the mention of luggage, and it didn't escape anyone that she had probably forgotten...

As they made their way out, Harada sensei signalled Taichi to hang back. He did, slipping inside once everyone else had trickled outside. Hiroshi had gone out with them, as a lookout. Now alone, the young man paled freely. "Sensei—"

"Hey, don't worry." Harada sensei chuckled. Beckoning him closer, the old man looked up at him fondly. "The ECG is better than it looks."

"No it's not." Taichi hissed, eyes clouded with worry. "CAD's no joke."

"No, it isn't. But I'll get a bypass, don't worry."

"Sensei." He sighed wearily. "That's no joke either."

"It is if your father's the one doing the surgery." The old man shrugged, " He came by yesterday too."

"I know." The younger male grumbled, a little pacified. Remembering that his father would be the one wielding the knives was a relief—he was one of the best. Demeanour changing to an accusatory one, he crossed his arms. "You really should just tell her. Tell them all."

"Oh, okay. Go get Chihaya-chan. I'll do it right away."

Taichi opened his mouth, then closed it, looking torn. "That's not fair."

"Exactly. Just let this game blow over, Matsuge kun...its just a few weeks more. Then you can stop lying to your innocent, sweet, beloved—"

"Ooookay, put a sock in it." Taichi rubbed hand over the side of his face. "She's going to be really mad at me."

"You'll get through it." The old man said silently. Catching his silence which could only translate to doubt, Harada sensei sharpened his tone. "Matsuge-kun. You need to put more faith in what you two have."

"I do, I do." Taichi said quickly, but a tinge of uncertainty lingered in his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair. " I have to get going now. Don't...don't stress yourself. She's going to win."

"You make sure of it."

"Yep."

"And you should give Megane-kun a good fight too. But take care of him."

"..I'll try." He smiled a little. " See you soon, sensei."

"Sooner than you think, son. Run along now. Give her a kiss from me."

Grinning cheekily at the sudden faint burst of colour and expression of slightly flustered disbelief on his student's face, Harada sensei watched him walk gracefully out the room. The door shut behind him softly, and the old man let his smile drop.

"We're dead."

"...and who's fault is that?"

"Mine, completely mine." Chihaya whimpered. "I'm so sorry, Taichi. I swear, I was going to pack yesterday, but...things came up and—"

"Okay, okay. We're here. Go get started, freshen yourself up and I'll be back here in about... Thirty minutes and we'll leave, okay?"

"Thirty?" she gulped, eyes wide with panic. "B-But that's not enough—"

"Just relax and get it done." He came to a stop in front of her apartment and gave her a warm, softer smile. "We'll make it, I promise."

Her pulse quickened, but she calmed down at the same time. That smile right there was hers alone—exclusive. Something she was on the receiving end of only when they were alone, or during rare moments outside, when he lost his guard. It still made her heart race and stomach flip, because it spoke a lot of things; things so obvious now, she couldn't believe he'd been able to keep it all at bay when they were younger. It must've taken a lot of effort. Chihaya, she knew, would never have been able to hide her feelings like that no matter where they were. Grinning back, welcoming the flutters in her stomach, she grabbed his collar and pulled him in, pressing a kiss to his cheek in reply. "See you soon."

"Yup. Now get out."

Cheeks puffing at his tone, she stuck out her tongue, with vehemence, conveying her defiance to him, before throwing open the door and jumping out. For once, she didn't waste any time lingering, and shot upstairs with one last wave. Taichi watched her shirt whip out of sight, before revving the engine and backing up to go back to his own apartment...

...and...er...pack.

Justifying that he wouldn't take as long as her to find his things, he weaved through the traffic quick enough and waited impatiently in the lift to reach his floor. Then he was a whirlwind, bringing out his bag, clothes being slid in deftly, all the while talking to his father on the phone.

"You little sneak." Mashima sensei accused from the other side. " You had no right to be so hard on her then. I'm going to call up Chihaya-chan—"

"Dad!" Taichi hissed, "Keep your nose outof my business."

" Then you shouldn't have just told me that. Now I've got dirt on you, son."

"No you don't, because I'll admit it as soon as the time is right. And hey, you're the who kept grilling me for details."

"Now that, I believe. So she still thinks the train is at eight? Cruel boy. Is this how I raised you?"

A biting comment popped up in his head as an automatic response, you didn't raise me at all, and he felt guilty about it instantly. Even though he let go of all the chains in his past, their clanging still reverberated unwantedly in his mind at times. It was kind of like PTSD. Taichi sighed quietly. "Yes. Quit laughing please and tell mom I'm leaving. Rika too." He added as an after thought. "I'll call you later."

"Sure, sure." The older man sounded amused. "Tell your GIRLFRIEND I said Hi—"

"Dad."

"What?" the older man feigned innocence. Taichi rubbed his face exasperatedly. " If you love someone, you need to embrace it. Shout it out to the skies and—"

"Great, you're secretly a thirteen year old. Rika's better than you, father."

"My kids are so grave and sombre." He sighed mournfully in reply, "Oh well. Good luck with your matches...maybe I'll come visit. I haven't seen it yet, these games..."

Despite everything that was going on, a smile cracked over Taichi's face and he paused his task for a minute. "I think I'd like that...just don't embarrass me, or I swear—"

"Yikes. Okay, hot head. Now I gotta go. Your mom's making me a special dinner and then we have the whole night to—"

" Right, okay, bye dad!"

He heard the faint sound of his father's evil laugh as he wrenched the phone away from his ear. Cheeks burning for a minute, he took a deep breath. God, his father was nothing like him sometimes! The man had his moments, but inside, he was just a very spirited old guy. Even more annoying was the fact that Taichi himself was reduced to a teenager in his presence, getting all riled up so easily. Sighing, contemplating calling his sister and warning her to make a run for it tonight, lest she be scarred, he headed to the bathroom to fix himself a shower.

Letting the warm water run through his hair, Taichi closed his eyes, mind shooting back to the conversation. It was never comfortable for him to speak openly to anyone about his love life, certainly not his father if he was going to say things like shoutit to the skies — Taichishuddered. He knew his dad was just teasing but yeesh. It may be true ideally, but life doesn't work like that. He had his fences. It wasn't like anyone actually understood the flavour of his relationship with Chihaya anyway. No one would except the two of them themselves.

And thinking about that, he almost groaned again. He was going to get in so much trouble when she found out.

Irrational panic gripped his heart mildly and adverse consequences ran through his brain. Like before, even though he'd shaken of his insecurities, they still reverberated in his mind at the most unlikeliest of times, a reminder of how things used to be.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he shook his head. There was no time. Already, a good twenty minutes had passed. In the traffic, he'd run even later.

Hopping out in five, grabbing his bag and slinging it across his back, Taichi bid goodbye to his apartment. Hair still damp from the shower, he attempted to get it dry as he walked to his car, ruffling the light brown locks. Unfortunately, it still dripped water. Mourning the damage that would do to his seats, he got in anyway, and turned on the heater. It wasn't cold, but he wanted to feel a little toasty by the time he got there.

Finally, when he knocked at the door to the little apartment Chihaya and Chitose shared, hair having dried to a good limit and looking even more ruffled and messy, the door was answered by Chitose.

"Mashima-kun." She smiled slightly, appraising his appearance. "You look ruffled."

"I feel ruffled."

She laughed. "Come in. She's still in the shower and she's only just packed up...which means half the things are still outside. You're going to miss your train anyway."

"Oh, no we're not." Taichi glanced at the clock in the living room as he passed. Twenty minutes to eight.

Chitose raised a brow as she sauntered into the kitchen. "Huh? Can you teleport? Because otherwise..."

"I lied to your sister, train's at nine." He shrugged, falling easily into the sofa. Taichi grinned at Chitose's impressed look. "It had to be done."

"Smart move. You're always a step ahead aren't you?" Chitose shook her head, hiding a smile. "Tea— oh, no wait, coffee?"

Taichi laughed shortly. " You don't have to bother."

"Humour me, young man."

"Okaaaay...Tea is fine, thank you."

Nodding to herself, Chitose moved about the kitchen, humming to herself and setting up the kettle. Taichi smiled a little at the change in attitude Chihaya's elder sister now had. Life sure does strange things to you. With the haughty air mostly gone, Chitose was now just a regular snarky older sister, who was a lot better at taking care of her sibling.

"I'm heading out right now." She informed him, opening a drawer and pulling out a tea bag. "Spending the weekend with my boyfriend."

"I did not need to know that."

She grinned to herself. What was he, still a saint? A sly tone touched her smile and she continued as if he hadn't said anything " I'm so lucky to have nabbed him. Sometimes it's like all the bones in his body are romantic. Right now, he's got us a get away trip to a resort. Sort of like a mini honeymoon—"

" Wow. Okay, please stop talking..." she glanced back and saw him press his hand to his forehead. "God, what is it with everyone today?!"

Breaking into light laughter, Chitose poured out his cup of tea into a mug an walked over, finding his slightly flustered expression endearing. Coupled with that half dry messy hair, he looked soft and younger. Shaking her head, she put down the mug. "Now I know for sure that we can leave that idiot with you anytime, anywhere. You're a bloody saint. "

"Yes, I am." He snapped back, cheeks still slightly pink. " Be thankful."

"Oh, we are, kid." Her demeanour switched and she muttered softly, "We definitely are."

Sobering at her tone, he followed her movements carefully. Chitose grabbed her bag and phone and checked herself in a mirror one last time. "Right. I'm off. Have fun, you two. Good luck." And then she put her head into her sister's room, yelling "Chihaya, he's here, and you're LATE."

A muffled reply came out, and Chitose rolled her eyes, tossing the boy a wave. "Go get her, she's hiding. Bye, Taichi."

"See you around." He waved her off, hearing the click of the door as she shut it behind her.

Picking up his mug, he decided to wait in the living room until she made herself available. Familiar with the house by now, he was comfortable with being left alone. Calmly sipping on his tea, he watched the little park outside their window, deserted now, but lit up by street lamps. A couple of teenagers hung around, just lounging.

The sound of a door creaking open made him silently eye the direction he knew to be Chihaya's room. Her head poked out cautiously, and upon catching sight of him near the window, her eyes widened and she hesitated.

Taichi set down his cup, and beckoned her forwards. "Come here."

A slight pout remained on her lips as she shuffled over, little guilty tears pooled at the corners of her eyes and even though they were completely an overreaction, he loosened his expression and pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her middle. Fresh out of the shower, but hair newly dried, she smelled like that mixed berries scent he never understood. Chihaya sniffed. "The train's gone."

He bit back a smirk. " See? This is why you should get things done beforehand."

"I'm sorry." She whined, dropping her head into his sternum a tad painfully. " Don't be mad at me."

" Kinda hard not to."

"Pleeeaaaseeee." she mumbled into his jacket. "I'll make it up to you somehow— I'll book the tickets for our next train!"

"You can make it up to me by promising to do things earlier."

"Yep! I swear!" she looked up, tears all gone. Sneak. "From this moment on, I shall never ever procrastinate ever again!"

He snorted. "Right. Anyway, if you grab your bag, we can still catch that train."

"Eh?"

"It's at nine."

"EH?!"

"I may or may not have tweaked the timings a bit so we don't end up getting late."

"You—you fiend!" she broke away from him and pointed an accusing finger, cheeks flushed. "You lied! You tricked me! Hold on, all of you did!"

"Just me and Rin. And yes, we did. It was necessary, see? You're still not on time."

"B-But I was so worried! And in such a hurry to get it done." She deflated, looking a little genuinely upset and guilt twinged in his heart. " Ugh, now I feel silly."

" I'm sorry." He said sincerely, making her look up in slight surprise. Holding out a hand, an invitation, he looked sheepish. "I knew you'd be late so we just wanted to make sure you don't miss the train. But I swear, I feel bad."

"No, you have that smug look in your eye." She grumbled, but took his hand anyway and pulled herself back into him. "Idiot."

"Hey, you're the one who's never on time."

"But I am today, see?"

"Yeah, thanks to the lie I cooked up. Admit it, Chihaya, if I'd told you the train was at nine, you would've dawdled and lazed around and put everything off until the last minute."

"No I wouldn't have!"

His eyes narrowed. "Your stupid bear is on TV for half an hour around this time and you would've spent ages over your clothes because you can't find your tracks. Tell me I'm wrong."

Chihaya looked sour. It was true, every word he said was right. The urge to childishly run away from owning up to her mistakes was bubbling inside her, but she was a twenty year old woman! Time to man up, Ayase Chihaya. "Fine. You're right." She grumbled, looking away. "I'm sorry."

Fingers tipped her chin back up to look at him, and she saw the glint of amusement, coupled with slight regret in his eyes. A little calmer, she realised that what he'd done was for the better. He was always taking care of her that way— being watchful and thinking a step ahead.

Unexpectedly, he kissed her.

He may have been a little harsh in his words, but she knew very well that that was what he did— dole out some tough love. With her character being the way it is, that was the only thing that worked. She tasted apology on his lips, the softness coupled with something a little stronger, something that made his fingers thread into her hair and pull her up closer than usual, but still being gentle. Something that made her press into him in response, forgetting about air. Wonderful flips in her stomach sent a rush of blood and something feathery up her arms, into her cheeks, heating her ears. Goosebumps erupted over the places, her toes curling slightly when his mouth moved slowly over hers; wordlessly conveying everything.

It was always like that. He didn't kiss her like this often; usually just showed affection through hugs and meaningful, gentle brushes of his lips to her forehead or temple or jaw or somewhere equally sweet. He may have been holding back, but she really didn't mind. Completely new to this even now, their relationship was slow, and she liked it that way. There were still things she was only just beginning to figure out about herself. Before throwing themselves into this, she knew she had to find herself first. Taichi was lucky; he already knew himself pretty well. As for her, since Karuta had taken up most of her days before, she was only just beginning to understand who she was. It was confusing, gruelling, exasperating, but much to her relief and gratitude, he was always right there, picking her up and giving her a push. Never imposing his thoughts on her, but just watching over her carefully while she figured it out for herself, and beaming at her when she did.

The feeling of his hands on her waist, through her soft locks, or fingertips brushing her cheek and jaw, the hot pressure of his mouth over hers, soft, easy and careful...it reminded her of just how lucky she was to have him right there. It made her think better, through the haze of human frustrations or negativity that life throws you sometimes. No one was perfect. She snapped at him, got annoyed for no reason at all, and sometimes even lashed out, but being a lot more in control of his emotions, he always patiently brushed it away and waited for her to shake it off and come back to herself. Only lately had she been thinking...he was patient alright, but what if it was making him uneasy too? What if her little episodes were pushing him away ever so slightly, until finally he was lost to her once again? That put ice in her heart. One of her greatest fears these days was just that— what if she wasn't paying enough attention to him?

And yet, when moments like these arose, where she was wrapped snugly in his arms, being cherished like she was, everything seemed silly. All her worries, her fears. Because he spoke through his actions. Each hug, every kiss, sometimes even the unguarded look he would give her, or a simple slow brush of his thumb along her knuckles was meaningful. Rich. Abundant. It showed her he had so much more love to give, and that made her heart soar and blood rush to her head, giddy joy bubbling in her chest.

Unknowingly, she had pushed herself up on her toes to the maximum, caught up in the moment. The arm around her waist propped up most of her weight, pressing her into his stomach. The strain of her neck upward was melting under the warm fingers along it. Chihaya finally sighed contently into his parted mouth, her fingers curling in his soft damp hair, making her shiver. His lips pulled away for a second, before coming back at her tug, thrown a little deeper into it than they expected. Both his arms now wrapped snugly around her waist, pulling her in and up closer than before, chests pressed together. Her hands wove into his hair. It tripled their already spiked heart beats, took away the last of their air, and dizziness set in their heads. Drawing it out till the last, she wondered what would happen if she didn't let go, but unfortunately, it remained a mystery.

Taichi pulled away and dropped his face into her neck immediately, still holding her close, struggling for air.

Refusing to open her eyes, she pressed her face into his hair too, fingers of one hand moving though the locks absentmindedly. The world spun behind her lids, she couldn't catch her breath, but there was so much warmth in her chest, down in her stomach. The goosebumps refused to settle down, making her hypersensitive, so when his lips absently brushed the base of her neck, her eyes fluttered and her breath caught gently, arching into him when he repeated the motion with a little more confidence.

So caught up in the haze of how she made him feel, he didn't remind himself when to stop. He couldn't. Rational thoughts had disappeared, leaving him intoxicated, and now it was all instinctual, moving forward by reading her reactions. When her chest pressed into his in response, his mouth trailed slowly up the side of her neck, earning himself a tremble. Pausing at the spot beneath her ear for a split second, he pressed another hot touch to her skin.

And she folded against him, knees buckling.

Because he hadn't been the only one caught up in the haze. Poor girl was completely blown away.

Startled out of his daze, Taichi took her weight while she struggled for a moment. He shook off the last of his cloudiness, a little breathless. Damn, so much for being excellent at self control. "Chihaya?"

Her stomach heated at the slight huskiness to his voice. "I'm alive." She pressed her face into his chest, taking her own weight now, but leaning into him warmly. " Or maybe not."

" Are you okay?"

"Just peachy." She mumbled, feeling a little sleepy all wrapped in his arms.

She felt his lips press to her head, then his chin rested on the spot. She also heard his faint grin, the slight amusement. "I can't believe you almost fainted."

Chihaya closed her eyes. "I did not."

"Explain what just happened then."

"I was...uh...a little breathless, that's all. Ran out of air. Carbon dioxide levels spiked, my brain lacked oxygen and momentary dizziness resulted."

"Wow." He pulled back, looking slightly alarmed. "I think I'm rubbing off on you!"

She pretended to look offended. "Great. Now I'm a nerd."

"What's wrong with being a nerd?" he accused, regaining his breath. There was a sparkle in both their eyes, a smile on both their lips...which they chose to ignore and resume arguing. He poked her cheek. "Social stereotypes are overrated."

"Sure, sure." She muttered under her breath. "As if I know what that even means."

Catching it well, grinning faintly to himself, he glanced at the clock. Eight ten. "You hungry?"

"Yes!"

" There's no time for anything elaborate...how about we grab a sandwich on the way?"

"Yes!"

"Have you finished packing?"

"Yes."

"You sound like a broken record."

A silly grin bloomed on her face, and she nuzzled her face against his, eyes twinkling. "Yes."

"Great.You're not going to stop, are you?"

"Y—"

"I will poison your drinks. I swear."

"No you won't. You love me."

He rolled his eyes at her triumphant face looking up at him expectantly, and then gave in, pressing his lips to her forehead, smiling despite himself. "Unfortunately, I do."

"Seeee?" she put her chin on his chest. " I'm safe."

"That's what you think." He shook his head. " You never know...one day I might just snap and go crazy and run a pocket knife through your gut."

She shuddered, burying her face back in his jacket. "You have such horrible thoughts sometimes, I worry."

"Yeah, well, on a different note, I'm going to tell you a secret." He bit back a smile when she pulled away slightly to look up at him, eyes wide. "I'd forgotten to pack too."

"Whaaaaat?!"

"Now before you get all riled up, bear in mind that I still made it on time and would've easily caught the train even if it was at eight." His fingers brushed her cheek. She was a little distracted by his actions to notice the glint in his eye. "Girls take longer to pack—no, don't argue. You have more things to take with you, right?"

She frowned unhappily, but it was lighthearted. "I thought you weren't supposed to lie when you're in a relationship." She sounded accusatory. " Isn't that right?"

A pinch of panic gripped his heart, and his fingertips ran cold over her T-shirt. "It is... But sometimes, little white lies for your own good are passable."

She narrowed her eyes, but then let it go, dropping her head back into his chest for the millionth time that evening. "Just as long as it's little and white, okay? Don't make me sic my dog on you."

"Just as long as it's little and white." He echoed hollowly "Got it."

Oe Kanade was surprised.

Blinking twice, then leaning forward to peer at the scene before her, she caught her breath. For sure, that was Nikuman-kun inside the cafe.

But who was the girl?

"Kana-chan..."

"Shhh." She put a finger on her lips, not turning to look at her boyfriend. Komano fell silent unwillingly, stuffing his hands in his pockets, looking elsewhere. Though they were standing outside the cafe and peering in through the glass, he still felt uncomfortable.

Inside, a little blush erupted on Nishida's face and Kana chan exhaled softly, straightening. "Sugoi."

"Who is it?"

"I have no clue. But this is great!"

Komano pursed his lips at her excited smile to keep his own at bay. Contrary to what others thought, he had known very well that two years ago, when he'd plucked up the courage to confess his feelings for Kanade, Nishida had...well, he'd been very selfless. And all through the time that followed, the young man had been worried...was he okay? Did he move on? While he never had the courage to just go up ad ask him, he had been watching the meat-bun fan quite carefully, with a special fondness in his heart.

And seeing him today, with another woman, looking happy, Komano felt a relief in his chest.

He wondered what Kana-chan was feeling. Judging by her smile, she was happy for him too. And so he suspected that maybe she'd been just as watchful over Yusei as he had.

"Think we should go in?" Komano muttered, glancing at his watch. "We have ten minutes to spare."

"No, let's not." Kana-chan turned to him and grinned blindingly. "I think we should just let him tell us when he wants to. Which...better not be long."

Chuckling, Komano took her hand. "Then let's go grab supper someplace else. We better not be late or Mashima will kill us."

Giggling, Kana-chan followed him away from the shop, thinking about what their Buchou would've said if he ever found out about this.

Inside the cafe, Nishida glanced away from Yuri-chan's face towards the door, and for a second, he froze.

He could've sworn he just caught a glimpse of familiar black rimmed glasses...

"Something wrong?"

"No, no." He smiled quickly, turning back to his date. "Nothing at all."

"Everyone's late! Everyone!"

Taichi pulled her back onto the bench, rolling his eyes. "We're just early, Chihaya."

"What? No we're not,Taichi, they're all late!"

Watching her spring up again and pace in front of him, he sighed, resting his chin in one hand, elbow on the arm rest. Better to just let her expel all that restless energy. This was just a cover up for her nervousness, he suspected. She wouldn't care if the others were late or not, but the excitement for the match bubbling up inside her was making Chihaya latch on to some excuse to get all riled up. He let her mutter under her breath and tread the platform, glancing at the other people around them and brushing off their bewildered looks. That was nothing new. Being a public object of interest was a given when you're with Ayase Chihaya.

Deciding to take a break, he pulled out one of his smaller textbooks, and flipped to the part he'd left off...and then promptly slapped a hand over his face on the inside. God, he must look like such a nerd, reading his Biochemistry textbook as an idea for a break. No wonder Chihaya was always going on about it. But it couldn't be helped. Taking these four days off was like a huge gap you just have to pay for in Med School. Even though it wasn't that tough for him to catch up, he didn't want to risk it. At Todai, everyone knew Mashima-sensei and his skills in the OR. Being his son, you can imagine what it's like, following in his footsteps carefully. Taichi was not ready to make even a single misstep.

Brushing off the image his current activity would give him, he glanced at Chihaya one last time, "Oi, stay behind the yellow line, moron."

She gave him a startled glance, then Impatiently jumped a few feet away from the said line she'd been beginning to cross. Taichi dropped his eyes to his book, shutting out everything else except the pacing brunette nearby and his task at hand.

He'd only just flipped a page, head swirling (Biochem was not his forte) when Kana-chan's voice came through. "Buchou! Chi-chan!"

He looked up from his book the same second Chihaya paused her pacing and they both broke into smiles before the chestnut haired girl was a picture of sternness. "You're late!"

Komano raised his brows at her. "You're hardly the one to talk. The only reason you're here early is because of him." He pointed to Taichi.

She pouted, while Taichi smiled smugly at the glare she'd tossed him. Kana chan sat herself next to him and glanced around. " No one else is here..."

"Nope! They're all late!" Chihaya began pacing again, "What if they don't show up on time?! We'regoingtomiss the train!"

Komano watched her move up and down bewilderedly while Kana chan leant next to Taichi and whispered, "Did something happen?"

"It's just the nerves." He muttered back, both their eyes following the tensed up brunette. And then he raised his voice a little. " Chihaya, watch the line."

"Again?" She paused for a second, stepping away by a wide margin. "Sorry, sorry."

He shook his head. "I don't want your Sorry. Apologise to yourself after you get dragged into the tracks."

She mumbled something under her breath before resuming her walk. Kana chan giggled, while Taichi gave the amused girl a weary smile. "I swear, sometimes it's like I'm a parent. "

As the gentle brunette burst into laughter, Arata crept up behind them and put a hand on his best friend's shoulder, making him jump. "Yo."

"Arata." The midnight blue eyes crinkled in a smile when both his childhood friends chorused his name. Chihaya pointed an accusing finger. "You're late!"

"Are you going to do this with everybody?" Komano muttered, while Arata smiled. "Am I? Sorry, got held up at the apartment. My watchman's grandson had a dentist appointment."

Taichi winced, while Kana-chan cocked her head to the side. "Why would that hold you up?"

"He's a chatty guy, his watchman." Taichi replied, glancing at his watch. "Okay now, everyoneelse is late."

"What?!" Chihaya squeaked, freezing. "They are?!"

Taichi frowned. "You were the one who kept saying—"

"But that was me. This is you! Oh my God, we're going to miss the train!"

"She's not going to stop until we get on, is she?" Arata mumbled, while Chihaya clutched at he'd head and her pacing quickened, muttering under her breath.

"Don't think so." Kanade replied, sighing. She nudged her neighbour. "Do something."

"No way. It'll be more peaceful in the train if she wears herself out here and falls asleep."

"That's a long shot." Komano looked doubtful.

"I'll take my chances." Taichi shrugged. "Oh, there's Nishida."

Kana-chan caught Komano's eye and they both quickly looked away.

Arata squinted. "And Rin and Kazuto."

The three of them waved cheerfully, while the others waved back. Nishida stared curiously at Chihaya. "Who set your knickers on fire?"

She stumbled to a stop, noticing them only then. "You're late!"

Arata sighed.

As Chihaya lectured the late arrivals with an uncanny resemblance to her boyfriend which Nishida pointed out amusedly, they exchanged proper greetings and anecdotes that happened in the last two hours. In a few minutes, the train rumbled by, slowing to a stop. Chihaya was bouncing on the balls of her feet as she followed them into the compartment, barely able to keep her mouth shut, bubbling with nervousness. But as they found their seats and settled down in groups of two, she deflated slightly, the restlessness giving way to a sort of paralysis, making her limbs feel heavy.

She had no idea what was wrong with her.

Watching Taichi hoist her bag into the compartment above, she fidgeted in her seat next to the window, wondering absently how an act like that couldmake someone look attractive. The world was weird. Shifting her eyes to Arata and Nishida sitting opposite them, and then glancing at their adjacent seats across the corridor where the other four were, she felt her nervousness bubble in her chest again.

As he sat down, Taichi glanced at her hands twisting in her lap, the slightly cornered look in her eyes, gaze darting all around the place. Frowning to himself, he decided to let it slide for now.

They lapsed into easy conversations. Rin came around half way through with small bottles of milkshakes and with her stomach full, Chihaya began to look drowsy. Since her companions were all young men, they weren't very chatty. An easy, comfortable silence settled around them, coupled with the faint rumble of the train, making her sleepy. Pushing away the armrest between them, she kicked off her sandals and curled up on the seat, leaning on her usual pillow reserved for Train rides. Taichi looked up from his book, a little surprised, and glanced at her, already passed out on his shoulder. Arata caught his eye and smiled while Nishida yawned himself and mumbled, "She's making me sleepy."

"She does that." Taichi muttered, looking a tad annoyed. "It's troublesome. "

"She just gives out these vibes." Nishida yawned again. He held a hand out for the coat Taichi had shrugged off only moments ago and had folded on his lap. Chihaya's sweater was off too, lying on her lap, but the boy found it too flimsy for warmth. Catching the bigger coat he was tossed, warm from body heat, Nishida yawned again and put it over the sleeping girl a tad carelessly. And then he leaned back in his chair, like he'd done his deed for the day. "Right. Wake me up when we get there."

Taichi nodded, smiling, while Arata cracked a grin. "You wanna sleep on me too? "

"I would've, but you're too bony."

"Ouch."

With a faint smirk, Nishida closed his eyes too, and within seconds, he was snoring lightly.

"What is it about trains...?" Taichi mused quietly, looking amused.

Arata grabbed his earbuds and his phone, sparing his best friend a long look. The young man was still pouring over his textbook, frowning all the while, sometimes blankly staring at the floor or out the widow. He knew that it was just Taichi focusing or memorising or something. His concentration never failed to amaze Arata. Right now, he left the arm Chihaya was leaning on immovable. It couldn't have been comfortable. "Both of you are going to get cramps."

"Tell that to her." Taichi muttered, flipping a page with his free hand. " Her neck is going to kill her soon. "

"Better wake her up then."

"Not necessary." Taichi grinned faintly. "She's actually pretty adept at sleeping. Just watch, in a few minutes, by the time her muscles start going sore, she's going to shift into something more comfortable."

Arata chuckled, popping in his earphones. "So many quirks."

As the hours went by and the lights above them dimmed automatically, Taichi had to strain his eyes a little to read, but he was used to that. Arata fell asleep too in a few minutes, breathing deep and slow, slumped against Nishida. Both of them, he knew, were heavy sleepers...for that matter, so was the cat asleep on his arm. He cracked a smile at a few molecules in his textbook. After all this time, he finally realised what it was that made him unconsciously compare her to cats. Falling asleep anywhere, curling up the same way, and the nuzzling. She was always nuzzling.

He wasn't complaining, though.

As if on cue, Chihaya stirred, mumbling in her sleep before curling up closer, hiding her face in his shoulder, sighing. But her breathing had changed. She was awake.

He shrugged the shoulder she was resting against mildly, to get her attention. Chihaya made an annoyed sound, before looking up at him, eyes clouded. "What do you want?"

"Wow. Are you this hostile to all your pillows?"

"Urusai, Taichi." She glared sleepily, lifting his arm a little and sliding underneath it so she was resting more comfortably against his chest. Nuzzling her face into his shirt, curling up into a smaller ball, See? Cats. She was a cat once, I'm sure of it, Chihaya peeked at the offending textbook in his hand. "Whatcha reading?"

"Biochemistry."

"Whazzat?"

"It's about...molecules in your body."

"Sounds boring." She shot it a dirty look, before closing her eyes again and smiling faintly at the familiar scent from him. "Aren't you gonna sleep?"

"Nope. And you can't sleep like this either." He sighed, allowing a moment's guilty snatch of the flip in his stomach when she curled up against him even further. "Chihaya."

"Why?"

"We're not at alone at home, dummy. Look around."

She jolted a little, as if that was news to her and it must have been. Glancing around at their companions with wide yes, she had a faint pink tinge on her cheeks, embarrassed at having conveniently forgotten. All wrapped up in his coat, the warmth and scent familiar, she had been lulled into a false reality for a few minutes. Even so, Chihaya began to straighten, mumbling sourly, "They're all sleeping."

"But they'll wake up." He smiled, arm tightening around her before she could move away completely to place a soft kiss on her temple in apology. Under the dim light and the soft warmth and whispered words, the gesture made pleasant goosebumps rise on her skin. He let her extract herself from his grip." Make sure you don't drool on me."

Sticking her tongue out, she dropped her cheek back onto his shoulder, snuggling into the coat and looping her arms through his. "Aren't you sleepy?"

"I'm good." He pressured quietly. "Are you alright, though? A little nervous today."

Of course he'd noticed. "It's the match." She admitted, a tad embarrassed. Her voice wavered a little. "I'm just... I have to beat Shinobu-chan."

"Chihaya." He sighed quietly, shutting his book and dropping his cheek onto her head. Principles be damned, he pulled her back into his chest again, wrapping his arms tightly around the smaller figure. " You're getting ahead of yourself. You're not going up against the Queen first thing tomorrow. Don't underestimate the matches you have to go through to get there."

She tensed a little in his arms in response, eyes wide in realisation, then buried her face in his neck. "Wooops."

" Exactly. Now don't mess it up for yourself by getting all wound up. Relax, okay? One step at a time."

Chihaya closed her eyes, fingers curling in his shirt, the softness of the fabric, the thrum of his heart under her hand coupled with the warmth and familiarity of it all was making her drowsy all over again. Feeling his chin rest on her head, she opened her eyes again, forcefully. "I'm worried about Harada-sensei."

Taichi tensed under her, and Chihaya frowned. He sounded a little strained now. "We all are. But you know what he'd want you to do the most, right? He wants you to win."

She nodded, tensing up too. "That's one of the reasons I can't screw this up. I have to win."

"But you won't get anywhere if you lose the first round just because you're too nervous." He said softly. "Relax."

Relax. Right, he was right. Chanting the word in her head, Chihaya buried her face back into his shirt and took a deep breath, letting it calm her nerves. Even today, it worked like magic. His hand rubbed her back slightly as she calmed herself down, tense muscles of his own relaxing as she did.

Sleep came almost instantly, and she sighed into his shirt, mumbling a good night. When he brushed away the strands of hair on her cheek and took her face in one hand, pressing his lips to her forehead, Chihaya smiled, heart jumping in her chest.

Because in that moment, she felt like she could take on the world.