Three years have passed since Tadashi changed. Nothing much happened, although Aiko became fascinated with chemistry, Leiko was thinking about building an upgraded version of the Cap-Cycle, and Tadashi gained an interest in inventing. If that wasn't enough, Leiko and Tadashi had become the popular couple in school...even though they were just friends. Fortunately, Aiko had a plan to fix that.
"Come on, Leiko!" Aiko exclaimed. "You look great!"
"Are you kidding?" Leiko asked. "I look like a shocking plastic doll!"
The two girls had dressed up for their junior prom. Aiko wore a shimmering pink gown and sparkling pink high heels. Her hair was tied up in an adorable bun and her makeup consisted of white eyeshadow and pink lipstick. Leiko wore a deep maroon gown, white elbow-length gloves, and sapphire flats. Her hair and face were left alone, since her hair was too short and she insisted on not wearing makeup.
"At least I let you choose the colors," Aiko said. "Now come on. Tadashi is probably there already!"
Leiko groaned as Aiko dragged her out the door. "Why did you drag me to this dance?" she asked. "You know they're not my thing."
"Yeah, but you, me, and Tadashi are going as a group!" Aiko squealed. "Definitely more fun than going with a date! And I believe you agreed to go when I mentioned Tadashi was coming with us."
"That's because he's my friend," Leiko said, lightly blushing.
"Sure he is," Aiko said. She wasn't convinced.
When the two girls arrived at the school gymnasium, Leiko was amazed with the surroundings. The lights were dimmed and everything looked so pretty. Is thi was dances are like? An event full of so much prettiness?
Aiko's eyes widened. "Hey, is that punch over there?" she asked. "That looks so delicious. I'm just going to go get some." She left before Leiko could reply.
"Great," Leiko thought. "Just shocking great. I'm left alone in some dance I didn't want to go to in the first place. Could things get any wor-"
"Leiko?"
To Leiko, everything appeared to have slowed down. The crowds parted to reveal Tadashi, all dressed up in a navy blue and white suit. She found herself walking over to him, unable to control her movements. It wasn't long before she was standing in front of him. Has he always had such amazing eyes and a dazzling smile?
"Hi, Tadashi," Leiko said, suddenly feeling nervous.
"Wow Leiko," Tadashi said. "You look like an angel."
Leiko couldn't respond. Tadashi had somehow made her tongue-tied just by talking. And he looked awfully familiar, but why?
Time resumed as Aiko got on the mini stage. "Alright, time for a song!" she spoke into the microphone. "This one goes out to my two best friends right over there!" She pointed at Leiko and Tadashi as she said spoke, the music beginning to play.
As the music played, Leiko noticed Tadashi slipped his hand into hers, putting his other hand on her hips. She blushed as she put her free hand on his shoulder, noticing how muscular he had become since their first kiss. As the two danced to the music, she didn't realize what song this was until Aiko started singing.
There you see her
Sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say
But there's something about her
And you don't know why
But you're dying to try
You wanna kiss the girl
"Wait, what?" Leiko thought.
Yes, you want her
Look at her, you know you do
It's possible she wants you too
There's one way to ask her
It don't take a word, not a single word
Go on and kiss the girl
Leiko quickly noticed Tadashi was starting to look nervous.
Sha la la la la la
My oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha la la la la la
Ain't that sad
It's such a shame, too bad
You're gonna miss the girl
Go on and kiss the girl
"It's okay," Leiko whispered. "I don't think she's forcing us to kiss."
But Tadashi didn't look convinced.
Now's your moment
Floating in a blue lagoon
Boy, you better do it soon
The time will be better
She don't say a word
And she won't say a word
Until you kiss that girl
Did he want to kiss her?
Sha la la la la la
My oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha la la la la la
Ain't that sad
It's such a shame, too bad
You're gonna miss the girl
Sha la la la la la
Don't be scared
You better be prepared
Go on and kiss the girl
Sha la la la la la
Don't stop now
Don't try to hide it now
You wanna kiss the girl
Go on and kiss the girl
"Tadashi?" Leiko asked. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Tadashi said. "Just thinking about stuff."
"Is it this song?" Leiko asked.
Tadashi took a deep breath. "Maybe," he answered. She felt the hand on her hip shifting closer.
Sha la la la la la
My oh my
Looks like the boy's too shy
Ain't gonna kiss the girl
Sha la la la la la
Ain't that sad
It's such a shame
Too bad, you're gonna miss the girl
La la la la, La la la la
Go on and kiss the girl
La la la la, La la la la
Go on and kiss the girl
Kiss the girl
Go on and kiss the girl
As soon as Aiko was done singing, Tadashi repositioned his hands to the back of Leiko's head and pulled her in for a very passionate kiss. Leiko, on the other hand, was surprised. This was their third kiss, but it felt different. The first kiss was spur of the moment and the second kiss was due to her attraction to his changed look, but this kiss was more romantic. And you know what? She liked it.
Eventually a lack of oxygen kicked in and the two parted. "Leiko Tanaka, I love you with all my heart," Tadashi confessed. "You mean so much to me and I love you for that. You're my special little angel and I never want to leave you. Please be my girlfriend."
Leiko was surprised once more. "What?" she asked.
"I promise I'll always be by your side," Tadashi said. "I can't imagine a future without you."
Gazing into his gorgeous hazel eyes, Leiko could tell that Tadashi was serious. But she wasn't sure. She was never usually a romantic person. Plus being Tadashi's girlfriend would change the group dynamic. Sure Aiko was the one pushing them together, but at what cost? Would she end up becoming the third wheel?
On the other hand, Leiko did feel the same about Tadashi. He had grown so much that she ended up falling for the man he had become. He looked so handsome with this strange charm she could barely recognize. What was it that made him so irresistible? His neatly-combed hair? The wonderous sound of his voice? Or was it his eyes or smile?
Regardless, she made her decision as she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Sure. Why not?" she asked.