Risa smiled as she thrust the curtains open letting in the soft morning light fill the room

Risa smiled as she thrust the curtains open letting in the soft morning light fill the room. A big grin was spread across her face. This was the first day of college. Risa could hardly contain her excitement. She slid her window door open welcoming the breeze in. Her mind began to think about Otani, and she couldn't help but wonder how he was doing. He had left about a week ago and seemed a little off to her. She knew he would be alright, Otani was quite personable.

Hopping off her bed Risa made her way over to her closet. Rooting through clothing she began to regret not taking the time to plan an outfit at least the day before. She wanted to look like she was serious about wanting to be a stylist. Moving aside yet another rejected piece of garment she came upon a top that Nobu had given her. Nobu was in Hokkaido now. She had left a week and a half earlier than Otani had.

Deep down Risa felt that she would ultimately miss Nobu more than Otani. Nobu was always there for her in her time of need. The chances of finding some one like that again were not good. Risa couldn't help but laugh out loud, feeling sorry if she ever found some one like Nobu, for they would really be a Nobu replacement. Shaking her head Risa moved the garment aside.

Twenty minutes later she had the perfect outfit picked out. After making a mental note that she would prepare tomorrow's outfit tonight she headed downstairs for a quick breakfast before she headed out the door.

-o-

Swallowing back her nerves Risa walked up to the school. She was more nervous than she initially thought she was. Calm down Risa, everything is going to be fine, she kept telling herself. Checking her watch she realized her class was about to start, when suddenly she came to the realization that she had no idea where her first class was. She should have gotten here earlier! Putting together her outfit this morning put a real dent in her time.

Beginning to whine and moan in a most unattractive fashion she started trudging along to one end of the building hoping to find her classroom or start her long search for it. A girl a few feet away couldn't help but over head Risa's complaining and headed over to the poor girl.

"Are you lost?" the girl inquired.

Risa nodded unshed tears visible in her eyes. She was a mess. The girl couldn't help but let out a small giggle to which Risa blushed and tried to straighten up.

"Here maybe I can help you. I've toured this place and pretty much know my way around," the girl answered smiling.

Telling her the room number the girls eyes lit up.

"No way! We are in the same class! Are you by any chance trying to become a fashion stylist?" asked the girl.

"Yes I am!" replied Risa excitedly. "I am Koizumi Risa!"

"Nice to meet you, I am Yamamoto Sakura," said Sakura. "Well we better head to class unless we want to be late!"

Laughing Risa and Sakura quickly made their way to their first class. Glancing at Sakura, Risa thought that they had potential of becoming good friends.

-o-

The morning went by pretty smoothing. Risa knew that she was going to be enjoying her classes very much, and was proud of herself for making the decision to become a stylist. Before she knew it lunch time had come, and she and Sakura headed for the cafeteria.

"No way, you like Umibouzu as well?!" exclaimed Risa happily. Oh yes, this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Throughout the rest of the lunch period Risa and Sakura chatted about Umibouzu and fashion. The rest of the day went by quite smoothly as well, and Risa couldn't help but feel upset when the day ended.

"Good bye Sakura-chan!" called Risa as she parted ways from her new friend.

"Good bye Risa-chan!" Sakura replied waving and headed off.

-o-

"I'm home!" Risa exclaimed as she came through the front door.

"How was your first day?" her mom asked poking her head out from the kitchen.

"It was great! I'll admit I was really nervous when I got there but I met a great person! And we have so much in common!" Risa kicked her shoes off and hurried upstairs. She wanted to phone Nobu and tell her about her day.

Listening to the phone ring she hoped that Nobu would be home. A smile spread across her face when she heard her friend's voice on the other end.

"Nobu-chan!" Risa exclaimed happily.

"My my, you seem happy Risa, you had a good day I take it. Oh right, today was your first day of college! It went well I guess?" Nobu asked.

"Super well!"

"Didn't get lost then?"

Risa could hear the sarcasm in her friend's voice.

"Well… I did, but this really nice person helped me out! Her name is Sakura, and we have so much in common. I don't think I am going to be as lonely as I thought I would be!"

"That's great Risa! I was kind worried about you. You sounded really down after Otani left, so I am glad you have returned to your normal self."

Otani. Right. She hadn't spoken to him since the day he left. Risa had wanted to phone him but she was worried he was trying to settle in and wouldn't want to be bothered by her.

"Have you given Otani a call yet?" Nobu's voice broke through her thoughts, breaking the silence.

"No I haven't. I am not sure if I should right away. I mean… what if he is still settling in?" Risa replied in a shaky voice.

"You're his girlfriend Risa! I don't think he would mind if you phoned him, of anyone" Nobu encouraged. "I call darling everyday!"

Risa couldn't help but smile. She still couldn't help but be a little envious of the relationship that Nobu and Nakao shared. It was so deep, so open. When her and Otani had become a couple they still pretty much acted the same with each other, and still do.

"Okay miss silent, I think you should get off the phone with me and give him a call. I won't be happy if you tell me tomorrow that you still haven't called him!" Nobu said in a stern voice. "Have a good evening!"

"Bye Nobu" Risa replied and hung up.

She stared at her phone debating if she should call him or not. Nobu was right; she was his girlfriend so it wouldn't be bad to call him. But he hadn't even attempted to call her. Was he really to busy to grab his phone and say a quick 'hello'? Had he made so many friends that he had completely forgotten about her? Great. Now she had more things to worry about. This was starting to have an affect on her good mood.

Taking a deep breath she scrolled through her contacts list until she came to Otani's number. After staring at it for another minute she finally pushed the button to call him. Ring. Ring. Ring. Risa began to worry. On the fourth ring he finally picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Otani it's me!" Risa said, trying to force her voice to be happy and care free. Otani was good at telling when something was bothering her.

"Oh, hey!"

"So have you settled in?"

"Yeah, I met some really great people."

"Oh, what are they like?"

"Really nice. There is this one guy here from America! He is- oh sorry Risa, I got to run, the gang is here now. I'll call you later okay?"

With that he hung up the phone. He didn't even let her say good bye. Looked like he was fitting in nicely. So many new friends. Tears began to well up in her eyes. She didn't want him to forget about her completely.

Blinking back the tears she tried to think positive. He didn't mention anything about any interesting females. From the way Otani had said it, the American seemed to be male. She kept telling herself that all his new friends were male and there was not a single female. But Otani was always so popular with the girls. There was a slim chance that there wasn't at least one female. She kept telling herself there were none until she thought she believed it. She would have to believe in Otani. Walking over to the calendar she checked when her first holiday would be, and the first time she would be able to see Otani.

Three months. This was going to be a long three months.


A/N: Glad to see people are taking an interest! :) I tried to make this chapter a little longer. Kind of slowly easing into this story.