Disclaimer: Ah, moving on…

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Aya's hand trembled as she held the large white envelope in her hands, reading the fancy letter repeatedly. It had arrived in the morning and Aya had nearly dropped her coffee mug with shock as she thoroughly read the contents. Now at the café, along with her stacks of newly purchased books, Aya reread the letter, hoping to find some flaw, and disbelieving for the umpteenth time.

Dear Ms. Aya Hoshino,

We are pleased to inform that you have been nominated to attend a 2008 Annual Dance Conference (ADC), where talented students around the world is welcomed in America. Your selection is in recognition of an extraordinary gift of dance, astounding performances, and leadership potential. We, the Board of Directors, along with fellow professionals, congratulate you on this selection.

ADC presents young students…

Oh dear. That really was her name it was addressed to, wasn't it?

This is impossible, Aya furiously thought, and slammed the thick pamphlet and bundles of forms onto the café table, startling a few customers. Aya took a large sip of her soda indignantly and she slowly took off her red thick-rimmed glasses, its glass reflecting distorted rainbow colors due to the sunlight peering through.

There has no be a mistake. A huge mistake. And yet, Aya's hazel eyes drew back to the package, its black bold letters staring back at her. Her heart was pounding ferociously and swelling with happiness and uncertainty, and Aya bit her bottom lip in deep thought.

Such a thing, something this amazing, how can it happen to her? Aya never received something so grand as this, never once in her life, and for it to be the thing she loved to do the most…

I love dancing. But am I that good? Me? Aya clenched her cup as doubt shrouded her heart. I hate this, this feeling of putting myself down. Why can't I ever accept that maybe I am good? That I can be the best?

A waitress came by, and flashing her a cute, yet polite smile, refilled her cup with more Pepsi. Aya sighed as she twirled her half way French- braided pigtails aimlessly, and reaching out for a book, she flipped to the first page of the final book of Harry Potter, inhaling and loving the fresh aroma of a brand new book.

Her palpitating heart quelled a little and a small dreamy grin bloomed on her face as a summer night memory crossed Aya's mind. Otohata half-asleep and his ruffled caramel hair squashed underneath the extra large wizard hat made him look so adorable. Its glittering stars made his cobalt eyes an exact replica of the starry sky.

"Aya?"

Aya's head shot up and her smile widened as Rei peered down at her curiously. Her face turned pink all over, and although Aya knew she was acting all giddy and bubbly, she hardly cared. She had missed him.

Aya patted the spot in front of her, and Rei sat down, and without a word, quenched down her refreshment. Her cheeks tinted with red at his straightforwardness, but that was just like him.

She leaned back, and studied Rei carefully. He looked tired, no, exhausted. There was dark lines underneath his eyes, emphasizing lack of sleep, his complexion was pale, and his body was thin. Aya knew that summer jobs were tough and aggravating, but Otohata also had interviews, photo shoots, and other celebrity meetings on his packed schedule. Aya spotted a duffel bag by his side, and painfully realized that Otohata was also studying diligently for his SAT's.

This past week Aya focused on providing Otohata new summer clothes, healthy lunches, and taking him out to fun, but simple dates, hence the awaiting of the final installment of Harry Potter and the picnics in the park. Her mother's homemade peach pie was delicious.

Aya inconspicuously tucked the envelope back into her tote bag. The letter can wait. Aya didn't want to bombard Otohata with her own stress when he already had so much burden on his shoulders.

Aya frowned as Rei thirstily finished her soda, his cheeks gradually reverting to its natural shade. Aya folded her arms and leaned against the table towards him.

"Otohata-kun, do you want a bite to eat?"

Rei raised his eyebrows at her, and realizing what she just said, Aya fell into a helpless fit of giggles. After all, wasn't it usually Otohata who asks for lunch? Things have changed between them.

Rei's lips curled into a teeny smile. "I'm in a mood for pizza."

Aya beamed and leaped up from her chair. "Then let's go! It's on me." She gathered up her books into her bag, and wearing her glasses, waited for Rei as he paid the cashier.

Hand in hand, the two walked down the streets of Shibuya, Aya enjoying the warm breeze as it billowed through her hair and her yellow summer dress.

Aya thought out loud, "I wonder if I should try and beat Ran's personal record? I heard that if you eat more than 100 pizzas, you get a prize." Aya peeked up at him, her eyes round with mischief.

Rei smirked. "You want to attempt to eat 186 slices? I beg of you, don't."

"I'm touched by your faith in me." He flicked her glasses and Aya laughed.

It's good to see him enjoying himself like this. I won't tell him after all.

Aya loosened her bun as she waltzed into the locker room, stretching her legs on the way. One of the greatest feelings in the world to Aya was the sensation after a nice bubble bath and a glass of ramune right after a hard-working practice of ballet.

Call her old-fashion, but that was just Aya. Besides, she was in a very good mood. Rei had visited her lessons, rewarding her with a can of Woo, just like he did every week. She was so happy that she was able to do a triple pirouette. Sensei always did like it whenever Otohata came over.

Today Aya was practicing during the evening, so the locker room was empty. Humming to herself, Aya opened her cabinet, and froze. "Oh," she breathed.

Inside her locker was a crocheted elephant ballerina wearing an orange tutu and a pink headband that had a sparkling flower on top; she was holding a yellow fuzzy bird too. Aya gingerly touched her and found it incredibly soft, just like the ribbons of her ballet slippers.

A letter was tucked in the corner and Aya slowly unraveled it. Of course, she thought as unshed tears threatened to drop as she recognized his handwriting. She let her tears fall at the simple message.

Go for it.

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Chinatsu Sanyu says:

I am the world's worst authoress. I won't even bother telling you my excuse how me, my future self, and gigantic penguins struggled to prevent global warming.

This chapter had many things left unsaid, like exactly how Rei found out about her letter. Also it was hardly romantic. But this chapter was to show the deep bond between Aya and Rei, how Rei understands her and knows how to cheer her up without a single word said.

Spring break is here, so I'll work extra hard on Guardian. Review if you like, although bad authoress doesn't deserve it.