Italics: Character's thoughts

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Chapter 4: My (Best) Friends

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[Taichi]

"This is it… This is it… Tell her how you feel," A young man quietly but sternly motivated himself. He was determined that today was that day, the day where he will finally conjure the courage to confess to her. He and she have been friends no, best friends since they could barely walk. Okay, maybe he was over-exaggerating, but the point is Yagami Taichi has known Takenouchi Sora since they were children. She had always been his best friend and he was never afraid to admit this, so why is that he always loses the courage to confess his feelings for her?

These feelings of Taichi's, they were more than that of an amiable relationship shared between two people. To him, the feelings he had for Sora and the relationship he wanted with her were more than that of platonic. He was sure of it, and after proposing a hypothetical scenario (where he did not mention himself) to his mother, she had said Taichi was in love. Of course, the young man was flustered, yet he couldn't help but feel at ease knowing that his feelings for her were true. He had dropped hints for her—walking Sora home if their practice ended at the same time, brushing their bare arms together in class and at lunch, attending and cheering for Sora at her tennis games, planning "hang outs" with just her on the weekends—hoping she would realize his true intentions, but the girl responded to it all as acts of close companionship. Taichi was disappointed and gradually became more desperate. He had to tell her now!

Before school had started that day, Taichi hesitantly approached Sora from behind. His hands were shoved into the uniform's slacks, right hand fiddling with a small accessory held within and left hand clutched in a tight fist. Today started like any other. He and her met at the corner of Koto-ku street and together, the pair walked to school idly chatting of dinner and homework. When able, he would steal quick glimpses of her; her shoulder length auburn hair bouncing and swaying with each step, her smile, and although she said it never felt natural, he always thought it was genuine and beautiful. She wore the school's uniform as any diligent student would, but it displayed her athletic figure so well—he always did admire Sora's athleticism, it rivaled and complimented his own.

"Sora?" he called, halting as soon as they passed the front gate.

"Yes?" the oblivious girl turned around, pivoting with the front tip of her shoes. She could see his intense face staring off into space and spoke to break him of his thoughts. "Was there something you want to tell me?"

"Uh yeah," Taichi shook his head and scratched his left temple, "Can you meet me in front of the gym after school before practice? There's something I need to ask you before the end of the day."

"Sure, if it's important I can always arrive a little late to practice."

Those words reassured him and he felt the inside of his stomach flutter while his heart constricted with pleasure. He smiled, that goofy smile of his.

And like all other times when he displayed that smile, Sora would grin as well, it was just too infectious.

"Do you wanna get breakfast? I think today they're serving green onion okonomiyaki today!" Taichi made a motion in which he licked his upper lip and rubbed his hands together.

"What about Yamato?"

"Remember last time we made plans to eat breakfast together? He barely managed to get to campus on time and we had skip breakfast."

Sora chuckled, "Yeah, Yamato's not a morning person huh? I guess we'll see him during lunch."

...

Lunch time came sooner than Taichi had expected and he found that the closer the hours neared the end of school, the more anxious he became concerning the confession. And here he was standing next to Sora, alone, again. They had gotten the school lunch and decided that morning it'd be best to eat outside and enjoy the chilly weather. But where was Yamato again? The two had missed him during breakfast and Taichi saw him in homeroom, but did not speak to him—his mind too occupied with Sora.

"Did Yamato come to school today?" Sora's inquiring question was filled with worry and anticipation. She looked around the campus and over Taichi's shoulder for their blond friend only to find he was nowhere in sight. To Taichi, she looked borderline antsy, but why?

"Yeah he did, I saw him during homeroom, but y'know since we have our elective period before lunch, I was unable to tell him where to meet."

Sora remained silent and continued to search, her eyes darting from student to student.

"Are you okay Sora? You seem a little… I don't know, jumpy?"

"Me, jumpy? Of course I'm okay, I'm just worried. He usually informs us if he can't meet us for lunch so I don't see why would be any different. And," she paused, which only fueled the confused boy with more concern, "There's something I have to tell him." Her eyes darted sideways, avoiding Taichi's and reaching to pull her fringe behind one ear.

Taichi's body grew weak when he saw Sora's worried expression—he never could resist the temptation to touch Sora when she appeared helpless and playing with her hair, but he had to resist, at least for now. "In the music room? He's been practicing the guitar more frequently and I've seen him with those guys carrying instruments; maybe he really is starting a band."

"Yeah… that makes sense."

"Sora?"

Sora's eyes turned towards Taichi and their gazes kept. What used to be mahogany apprehensive orbs, now a flicker of willpower. "Taichi, I have to go and it can't wait any longer now that I have the courage."

"What's the matter Sora, you're starting to freak me out," Taichi called, placing his right hand over her left shoulder and offered a gentle squeeze.

"Don't worry, I'm fine, but we're still meeting before practice right?"

Taichi instantly smiled, "Of course! Can I come with you though?"

"I'd prefer to be alone, if you don't mind."

Shaking his head, Taichi released her shoulder and offered a good luck to whatever it was that she was doing. She smiled one last time and disappeared into the school leaving him feeling confused but hopeful, worried but certain, lonely however still lovestruck. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the accessory he was hiding from her. Just seeing it, no matter how small or simple it was, Sora will value its sentiment—that he was sure without a doubt.

…

The final bell rang breaking Taichi of his reveries. Instead of feeling relieved or eager to rush like most students right now, he was overwhelmed with anxiety yet again. It was now or never and he stalked out of the classroom with his hands in fists, eyes narrowed, and body forward. However, before he actually left the room, he rose from his desk and caught Yamato staring at him. When it occurred that Taichi was staring back, the blond friend turned away and gathered his belongings. If it had not been for the constant reminder to meet Sora right now, he would've talked to Yamato and asked him his whereabouts during lunch. Whatever, that can wait.

Passing numerous students along the way to the gym, he ignored their questioning stares and snide comments regarding his determined appearance. However resolve broke when it occurred to him that he had forgotten his soccer cleats in his locker. He had been so intent on arriving at the gym before Sora that he had forgotten to retrieve them for practice after confessing to him.

Ugh, dumbass, Taichi scolded mentally but continued regardless; he would just simply have to run back and get them after their conversation. And with haste and disregard for his cleats, Taichi had definitely arrived before Sora. When he stopped before the gym's entrance, he reached into his pocket and gripped the small accessory in his right hand firmly enough that it didn't break. After a few short seconds, Taichi unfolded his hand and openly stared at the cyan hair clip. The clasp was the brightest of blue and when put on Sora's auburn hair, it will obviously stand out. Where the clip snapped, there intricately placed was an indigo flower with five petals and a yellow center and within that center was an orange crystal sphere.

"Hey Taichi, what do you have there?" a feminine voice he recognized and he quickly closed his hands to avoid her from seeing it just yet.

"Uh just a small item I got for someone…" He decided that right before he confessed, he'd present her the hair clip and go from there.

"Hmmm," Sora affirmed but smiled at Taichi, a grin to grin kind of smile.

She's obviously more relaxed and happier than earlier, he noted when presented that smile—he always knew that smile meant Sora had some good news to share. "Sora!" he shouted so loudly that it was unnecessary.

"Taichi!" she said at the same time as him, though her volume was less boisterous.

"Huh?" it was an automatic response after all the years she's been calling his name.

"Sorry Taichi, I know you wanted to tell me something very important, but I have such wonderful news that my best friend needs to know about before anyone else!"

The endearment gave Taichi a goofy grin while the urgency for him to know made his limbs weak. "I can wait, you go first," he sloppily replied.

The ecstatic girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then slowly opened them and exhaled. "Yamato and I are dating!"

Taichi's heart constricted and skipped a beat forcing him into a stiff, straightened position. He withdrew oxygen but did not release it. The dark chocolate pupil of his eyes contracted into an unfathomable size while his face turned an odd pale color greatly contrasting his original bronze skin tone. It was as if time had frozen and he would have perfectly fit the scene, but when his organs regained their innate functions, his heart attempted to return to its normal rhythmic beat, his breath finally escaped, his pupils dilated, and his veins slowly pumped blood back to his face restoring the familiar color.

"Taichi, are you okay?" her voice came out, concerned.

He blinked a couple of times and stared at her, still unable to speak (or rather finding words to say).

"Taichi, you're scaring me. Say something!"

But what could he have said? She unknowingly lacerated his feelings to which it felt like a knife being plummeted into his heart a thousand times. Thousands of stabs that she, Sora, was holding, being responsible for! It hurt too damn much after he worked himself up the entire day. Did she want him to congratulate them? To give her his approval of her new relationship? Because he didn't! No, right now he was feeling far too cynical to be nice and loving and caring and understanding. He felt void of happiness for them.

When Taichi had not responded the second time, Sora reached an arm to him but he pulled away. And in that instant reaction of his, she felt hurt, but her hurt was nothing compared to the boy across from her.

"That's great Sora," he began monotonously and his eyes focused on nothing in particular, "I… always thought you and Yamato… had a thing for each other." He lied and the wound deepened even more for having to say it. He just wanted to get away.

"Are you sure? I… I knew you were going to be speechless, but I didn't actually believe you would remain silent for so long."

Slowly recovering, Taichi tried to put on an emotional mask and convince her he was okay. "Sora, I'm good… I'm just speechless because I can't believe… you two would start dating now." It was such a terrible lie.

She was unaware of the fake reassurance and spoke with a shy smile, "Something about today just seemed like the right moment. Maybe the beginning of the new school trimester just gave me inspiration?"

Her attempt for a light-hearted response from Taichi was met again with his silence.

"Did you want to ask me that important question of yours now?" she jokingly mocked and raised a brow.

It couldn't keep going on like this for Taichi. She was still his "best friend"—though if he had to be honest, she and Yamato were more like peers right now—and their memories together still meant something to him even if she couldn't reciprocate his feelings. If he really did "love" her in that sense, he would let her go and build her newfound relationship with Yamato. He will still see them around the school, around each other's houses, around Odaiba, so he didn't want to make things awkward between the three of them. Taichi will get over it right?

"Never mind, it's not nearly as important as this! Come here you!" He opened his arms and embraced her before she could protest. "I've known you for so long and I have confidence that Yamato won't do anything to hurt you. You're maturing and I guess it's about time I do some growing up too."

Sora returned the embrace and smiled into his chest, "Thanks Taichi for not changing anything between us. I don't know what I would do if I lose you as a friend. And… don't grow up too much; I will always love that crazy brown-haired little kid I met so many years ago."

"Of course Sora," he pulled away, he had to. "I forgot my cleats in my locker and I need to get before practice starts. You should head to the tennis courts."

"Wanna walk home after school? Tennis practice might end early and I don't mind waiting."

"Nah, sorry, but I think practice will be like hell with the upcoming game. Go on ahead without me." He quickly turned around and walked away not caring for a response. He needed time to recollect his thoughts and absorb (or rather accept) the information. His hands shoved in his pockets and he realized something which pulled painfully on his heartstrings—the hair clip still remained with him.

…

The school hallways were desolate now. Good. He desperately needed all the time to himself he could get before practice began. And he remained lost in thoughts as he approached his locker, retrieved the damn cleats, and closed the metal flap that he didn't notice a figure approaching him from down the hallway.

"Taichi?"

Not now. "Sorry, Yamato, but I'm already late for practice as is. Maybe tomorrow?" He strode past him, not bothering to give his friend a look of acknowledgment.

"I take it that Sora already told you?" his voice was mostly calm and careful but could not hide the true emotion hidden of his question: concern.

Taichi instantly stilled while his free hand formed a hard fist, but just as abruptly as it came, his posture relax. Yamato however noticed. "Yeah, Sora told me about you two right before I had to come back for these," he jangled his cleats for emphasis.

No words as Yamato stare into Taichi's back however, the blond's gut told him that his best friend was hurting. He knew that once Taichi found out, he'd be waiting for the repercussions of their boyfriend/girlfriend status, but the silence was worse. Agonizingly worse—unbearable. Why won't the idiot just yell me? Look at me! Punch me! Yamato's thoughts spiraled into never-ending questions and demands, pleading for some reaction. He had to know, he had to clear his conscious, whether or not Taichi had feelings for Sora. Yamato would be lying if he denied his attraction towards her. After all, she was the only female in his life whom cared deeply about him after he and his mom became estranged.

Silence reaped through the air and Taichi had enough, he began walking away.

"Taichi!" Yamato followed after him when he heard the soft taps of Taichi's shoes against the tiled floors. Readjusting his guitar case over his shoulder, the guitarist increased his speed and and gently grabbed the soccer player's shoulder when he was within an arm's reach. The two stopped.

"How long have you two been dating?" the broken boy did not turn back, his focus still towards the exit doors.

"Sora asked me today during lunch."

"She did?" the voice was barely audible. It pained him indefinitely knowing that she was the one to have asked because that meant she never saw him more than a best friend. If it had been Yamato asking, then maybe Taichi could have lived with the 'what if I had confessed my feelings to her and asked her to be my girlfriend first'. But no, she initiated the relationship with Yamato and Taichi will live with that fact.

"Taichi, I need to know… if you have feelings for Sora beyond a platonic relationship."

Yamato had said the wrong things and almost instantly, Taichi turned around grabbed his friend by his uniform's collar with both hands. Their eyes were in heated confrontation, the hall's emptiness encouraging a brawl, Taichi's fists forcing Yamato to raise his chin, the fires in the brown eyed boys envisioning the physical impact. Yes, Yamato was ready for the hit—he wanted this! This was their thing that only he and Taichi engaged in.

"Of course you dumbass, I've always had feelings for Sora! I was going to ask her to be my girlfriend today!" His pent up angered wanted him to yell those words and blame someone else for his misfortune, but honestly, at that moment, he was tired and pretty much over it.

"Taichi…"

"Alright, damn it. Sora and are nothing but friends… before we met you, before we began grade school, before I could even understand what the hell a friend was. She's my best friend Yamato, you're my best friend, and that will never change between us three. I'm just acting up because I'm jealous that she'll be spending more time with you than me now," he lied and it felt so horrible his throat burned from the deception, "That's it. I'm honest."

"Hey, you're my best man and you know that. I would never do anything to betray our friendship, let alone conspire with Sora."

"Yeah I know," said Taichi's voice, defeated and exasperated, "Thanks man, don't worry about me. I'm really glad you and Sora are finally dating. I know you'll treat her right, so I've got nothing to worry about," a momentary pause, "I've got practice, I'll catch ya later." He walked away and this time, to his relief, Yamato did not follow him. With each step, fragments of an illusive wall formed around his broken heart, weakened body and shattered soul. It was never his intention to react so negatively… so out of character of him towards his two best friends and their new relationship. Had they betrayed him? No, they didn't know of his true feelings so they were free of guilt.

There was no one to blame but himself; the real Taichi was not the man of courage when in the heat of a soccer match, he was weak, nervous, and always reluctant. He hid his true emotions by playing the goofball—everyone likes the class clown, and to a certain extent, he was naturally playful, friendly and humorous, it just wasn't his entirety. But, if it could convince his two friends that he indeed was happy for them, then he would continue playing the part. Teachers and coaches flatter him with skills of a "natural leader", but they only saw that side of him, not this vulnerable and fragile body walking about. He would have to suppress, and in time, forget the weaker half because if he could, then maybe he'd be able to accept Yamato and Sora's relationship whole-heartedly. And that he did.

However, from behind, electric blue eyes stared at the retreating figure's back, convinced but not entirely. If that friend of his was able to look at him, straight into the eye, man to man, and say he did not care for Sora as more than a friend, then Ishida Yamato did all that he could to appease this conflict of their friendship. He and Taichi will remain friends, even if Taichi withdraws from time to time, while he and Sora will begin a new romantic relationship. Still, the young blond knew that if their friendship faltered and began to shatter, he knew what he'd had to do keep them from drifting because their friendship meant more to him than a love triangle.

But that day saw Taichi's best practice, earning him his coaches never ending praise. That day saw the end of Taichi's love for Sora. That day brought a strain between his friendship with Yamato. That day Taichi began to question his courage. That day was one year and seven months ago.

…

[Sora]

The April air was warm and pleasant, providing a comforting breeze and a sweet fragrance to the students wishing to spend their lunch period outdoors. Grateful that their usual dining location was outside, underneath a momiji tree, Sora had arrived early and seated herself to a spot where the shade allowed a ray of luminescent sunlight penetrates the leaves.

Today she opted to bring her own lunch: seaweed and lightly salted onigiri, umeboshi (dried pickled plum), and grilled aji (mackerel). In a canister she always brought to school was filled with iced herbal tea. The contents of her lunch were very simple and Japanese-esque. She didn't mind though since Sora had a little appetite and she did acquire her mother's taste buds.

"Sora!" a feminine voice called, one in which she grew to enjoy hearing. The auburn female acknowledged Mimi's arrival and patted a patch of grass beside her. The arriving girl complied eagerly and brought forth her lunch after taking her place next to Sora. "What do you have there Sora? Japanese food?"

"Yup, want to try?"

"No thanks, I've prepared my own… or rather my nanny prepared it for me." From her lunch bag she pulled out two plastic containers and removed the lid: one to which Sora recognized as caeser salad while the other container had two sandwiches, thinly pressed. To Sora, it looked more fascinating than appetizing.

"What're those?" Sora asked pointing at the flattened sandwiches.

"You've never had these before?" Mimi brought one up while Sora shook her head, "It's Italian, and they're called paninis. You have to try these Sora! They're simply delicioso!" Mimi finished with a giggle.

Sora looked at her lunch and refused, "Maybe another time."

The two girls engaged in small chitchat in between bites when they heard male voices approaching. Yamato, Taichi, and Koushiro walked towards them with the school lunch trays in their hands, the three of them already involved within a conversation. When they arrived, Yamato took his spot, leaning on the momiji tree's trunk opposite of Sora and Mimi, Taichi sitting next to Mimi and Koushiro perpendicular off of Sora's right shoulder.

"Holy cow Mimi, what're you eating?" Taichi's eyes widened when he saw her foreign dish.

"They're paninis. I tried offering some to Sora, but she refused. Want some? I swear they're fantastic!"

Not one shy of accepting food regardless of the situation, Taichi nodded and offered Mimi his goofy grin. Instantly, Sora remembered that smile of his and wondered why he never beamed like that anymore. He used to do it all the time.

Mimi ripped a piece at the opposite end where she had not yet taken a bite from and placed it generously in his hand. "Savor it! Don't just shove it in your mouth!" But it was too late, the boy's hands operated like a conveyor belt and automatically had he stuffed his mouth with the entire piece of the sandwich.

"It's derishish Mimi!" he said while chewing.

"Don't talk and chew with your mouth open Taichi! I swear, you're just like child." Sora protested in fear of flying specs of food. Mimi quickly laughed before cutting her sandwich and offering pieces to Yamato and Koushiro. They took it and offered their gratitude. If Yamato enjoyed it, he did not express it, but Koushiro went as far as asking Mimi the recipe, but she had to confess she wasn't the one who made it.

A couple minutes later, Taichi stopped eating to huff one heavy sigh. No one paid him any attention for Sora and Mimi engaged in a conversation, Koushiro looked at his phone, and Yamato searched through his briefcase. Irritated at his friend's lack of response, Taichi groaned audibly.

"What's wrong Taichi?" Mimi turned away from Sora, followed by the stares of three others. Being that she sat closest to him, it was only natural that she was the first to respond.

"It's about Noriko-sensei's new assignment. I wasn't able to come up with a topic for the emerging American culture in Japan. I went to talk to her after class and she said for me to meet her after school today and try having some ideas by then. It was so embarrassing."

"What about now?"

"I thought about it, and this was the best I could come up with: football."

Yamato laughed boisterously from where he stood, Mimi sat there waiting for further explanation, while Sora and Koushiro ate with utter perplexity—these two were clearly clueless of what was going on.

"Why are you laughing Yamato, I'm serious here!" Taichi wailed, clearly frustrated by yet again his friends lack of enthusiasm.

"Oh I don't know Taichi, maybe it's that every report you write on has something to do with football?"

"Not always football!"

"If not football then food," Yamato had finished his splurge of laughter and chewed on the rice provided in the cafeteria's lunch.

"Whatever."

"You know I'm right."

Mimi decided it was best to interrupt. "Okay Taichi, there's nothing wrong with football, but how has American soccer influence Japanese's style?"

"Wait, you mean I have to research how American soccer has affected Japanese football?"

"Well yeah, that's the point of the research project. What did you think it was?"

Taichi rubbed the back of his neck and offered Mimi his signature grin—to which Sora noted while observing the two's conversation. Clearly embarrassed he muttered, "I thought all we had to do was research an American culture and write about it."

Yamato chuckled this time.

"What're you laughing at this time?" Taichi's head shot at Yamato's amused expression.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing."

"Oh yeah? Well, tell me what you're researching since my lack of one seems to humor you."

"American music in mainstream Japanese media market," Yamato smugly replied.

Taichi gaped and turned to Mimi. "Tell me that won't work!"

"I'm not sensei, but it meets the requirement."

"Okay, what're you doing then?"

"Uh… American cuisine in Japan. You know, like fast food chains such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut."

"I'm hopeless," he responded with slumped shoulders and a fallen head, staring at his food.

"You're not hopeless. Here, we'll help you find a topic," she turned to the three other and pleaded, "You'll help him won't you guys?"

Koushiro nodded, Yamato shrugged his shoulder, and Sora was about to respond when Taichi interrupted.

"Y'know Mimi, my offer still stands."

Turning her attention back to him, "What offer?"

"Be my private tutor," his childish grin reappeared and his eyebrows wiggling at her.

"Absolutely not! Don't have the patience for children like you."

"Oh c'mon, you can scream at me if you want to! I don't mind, I learn better that way."

Preparing herself for a witty comeback, Mimi opened her mouth but stopped when Sora abruptly stood up. "You okay there Sora?"

"Yeah, absolutely. I'm going to throw away my unfinished food and then the bathroom to wash my hands."

"Want me to go? I can't stand being the only girl here."

Sora lightly laughed, "No it's okay. You guys should help Taichi come up with a topic for the project. I won't be long for too long." She began to walk backwards and when no one seemed to stop her, she turned around and walked away, exhaling a constrained breath in relief. She needed to get away from their conversation and to think.

Yamato however knew the true reason for her sudden desire to leave and sighed.

What exactly was Taichi's and Mimi's relationship? They seem to be very close even though it's only been three days, but then again… those two are naturally friendly people. Sora shook her head. Carefully looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, she forced a smile, kept it in place and examined it. It feels forced… unlike Mimi's. Then she remembered something and the thought of it made her stomach drop into imaginary pits. That smile of his… that adorable grin which always made me smile naturally. I haven't seen it in so long… since Yamato and I first started dating. But that was nearly two years ago, and he assured me nothing would change between the three of us. Sora shook her head again in frustration, believing the action would remove her of her doubts, but it was futile. Yesterday and today, Taichi seems to be a lot happier during lunch time. But Mimi knows I like him… Maybe it's too early to assume anything, but I need to talk to her.

…

[Mimi & Yamato]

The school day ended and students were rushing out. Places they needed to go whether it be after school programs, clubs, socials, or simply home, it was relatively quiet and empty as Mimi stepped outside. Just as she expected, Yamato was nowhere to be seen and she'd have to wait.

While waiting, Mimi searched through knapsack and felt the CD case pressed on against her journals—a simple act to make sure she did not forget it. But as she waited and stared into nothingness, her mind began recounting her initial thoughts of Yamato. Why am I standing here waiting for him? I thought you said you he was a Casanova? But the fact that he offered his umbrella to her, when he barely knew her, and walked her halfway home gifted her with a smile. Maybe his actions truly were sincere… Feeling disgusted at herself for passing judgments against Yamato before getting to know him properly, Mimi focused on his more positive traits: his piercing electric blue eyes, his beautiful facial features, his heartfelt laughter (even if she was the reason for that), his childish muttering, his calmness, his voice, his talents with a guitar.

"Hi there."

His voice brought her back to focus and she peered at him, wide eyed. "Hey, about time!"

"Sorry, band practice."

Mimi smiled, he'll definitely like her little present for him. "Trouble with your group already?"

He shook his head, "No, just setting up dates for band rehearsals. It's going to be a busy weekend." He began walking towards the campus gates and Mimi followed at his side.

"You've got other things to do this weekend?"

"No, but with the amount of practice I'll be spending, it'd be nice to hang out with friends." He smiled towards the end.

"Aren't your bandmates your friends? Go out with them!"

The blond chuckled at her simplicity, "I'd rather not… If I'm going to be spending the weekend morning and afternoon with them, why would I want to see them during the night?"

"To build a stronger relationship?"

"Eh, that's convincing, but I'll pass. I think I might do something with my brother."

"You have a brother?"

"Yeah, a younger one. He's a spitting image of me," he proudly proclaimed.

"So two Ishidas huh? Your parents must their hands full!"

At the mention of his parents, Yamato's nerves were overwhelmed with anger and his body twinged. It didn't go unnoticed as Mimi instigated concerned words.

"Yamato? Are you okay? I'm sorry if I said anything carelessly. If they're a sensitive subject to talk about… I won't ask." She looked down when she finished.

"Don't worry about it," his voice was harsh and unconvincing, and he continued walking; passing Mimi without a glance.

She recovered as he was a couple feet ahead and rushed towards his side. She didn't blame herself for his actions, how could she know, and decided it'd be best to give him space and to regain composure. But when they continued walking in silence for five minutes, Mimi's aggravation won against her patience. "Yamato?"

"Hmmm?" he didn't turn to look at her.

She was clearly annoyed. Why was she tolerating this? If he didn't want to talk to her, then what was the point in walking together? But still, she bought that damn CD for ¥1500 and it holds sentimental purposes. "I, uh, actually have something for you."

This time he stopped to look at her. One brow raised he thought to himself how convenient it was her to offer something when he was brooding. She went straight into her knapsack and pulled forth a familiar blue CD case. He recognized it once he saw the image of a wolf on the cover. His CD case!

"Ta-daa!" she presented it to him with arms fully extended forward.

"What's this for?" He remained still, not taking the case and continued staring at her.

"Inspiration!" Her mouth curved up from cheek to cheek and her eyes twinkled at him.

"Inspiration?"

"Inspiration indeed!"

"What do you mean by inspiration?"

"Inspiration is inspiration duh! What more can it mean? But if you're still clueless, then I bought it for you! My friend recommended it to me, saying all the teens are in love with them and what now, so I thought that if you listen to their music, then you might find motivation to write lyrics or compose rhythm."

This was a first time. Releasing a CD case under a pseudo name and receiving a copy from a friend. His first copy of his first release. He smiled unconsciously—moved and touched by her efforts to support him—and placed his hands over the CD and her open hands. "I don't want it," gentle his voice was as he declined.

Mimi instantly felt hurt by his rejection. "You don't want it?" she barely managed to say, pain obvious with each word.

He recognized her expression and instantly took the CD case from her. "No no, not that! I'm actually very touched that you would go out of your way to do this for me, but I already have a copy of it."

"Oh."

"Hey, can I give you a present?"

Mimi raised her eyes to him skeptically, "Sure…"

With the CD case still in his hand, Yamato held it in front her. Her eyes staring at it intently, confused to say the least.

"Yamato… do you think this is funny?"

"Not at all," he grinned, knowing she was getting more frustrated and confounded, "You did say you have some knowledge in music right?"

"Yeah," she was even more lost. Where is he going with this?

"Take it," he placed the CD case in the palm of her hands before continuing, "I want to know what you think of songs; of the track list I mean. I want to know which one was your favorite song and which one was your least favorite. Maybe we might have similarities in music taste. Trust me, this will mean a lot more to me than you just handing it to me."

"I wasn't just handing it to you."

"You know what I mean."

She sighed, "Fine…"

"What? You don't want to listen to their music?" He was strangely hurt by that prospect, "It's not that bad I swear!"

"It's not that," she giggled. "The design of the CD case is so unappealing."

He smiled, baring his teeth, "What's that suppose to mean? I think it's kind of cool. The wolf looks bad ass, the words of the band has a wicked font, and the blue is cool and calm."

"I can't be seen with this," she waved the CD case carelessly in front of him, "I don't want to look like all the other fangirls."

"Okay, now you're just teasing."

She laughed once more causing Yamato to stare at her intently, loss within her captivating happiness. "I'll listen to it tonight Yamato, and tomorrow after school I'll tell you what I think of it."

"So we're making this a habit of ours? Walking together after school?"

She stopped and pondered at her own words. "I mean I don't mind if you don't."

"Nope, it's nice walking with someone."

"Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow? I have to do this annoying homework that my friend assigned me where I have to listen to music and share my thoughts about it with him." She walked passed in an effort to look busy and rushed.

He was grinning again, more so than usual, and this time, rushed to walk by her side—a new friend.

…

A/N: So I've gained a new perspective as a writer. I have this story that I want to share, but have been writing it for the wrong reasons. Let's just say that the insight will slightly change how approach the writing process. Longer chapter than usual. In this chapter, there was a lot to absorb and many questions!

Next chapter: Sora confronts Mimi (sorta-ish) and more fluffy moments. Perhaps a day at the mall? Thanks again for reading, reviewing, favoriting, follwing! Motivation at its finest.