a/n: To prove that us updating wasn't just a fluke, here is the next chapter. I know there are a lot of POV changes, so sorry about that. I also know that it's on the shorter side, but the way life is going, the chapters are probably going to be shorter from now on. School starts tomorrow for a lot of people, so good luck to all you "poor unfortunate souls". If you got the reference, you have to review. :-P If you didn't, you still have to review. Also, we apologize again for the wait, and hope you keep reading and enjoying the story.
(KIM'S POV)
I looked around the dojo. Everything was in place, curtains hung up over the windows, dark paper over the windows, and themed decorations spread out throughout the large space. I had even managed to convince Rudy to fumigate the sparring mats and training dummies, so it didn't smell as bad in here as it usually did.
People were already arriving. As they saw the décor, some did a double take, but most just grinned excitedly before running in to join the fun. I walked outside the dojo and leaned against the door.
The weather was starting to cool down as summer shifted into fall. Today was particularly gorgeous. He sun was out, but it was framed by clouds that provided a nice cover. A light breeze played with my blonde hair.
From my position, I could see the entire courtyard. Shoppers looked at stores or through their purchases. Others sat by the fountain eating food from Phil's and Captain Corndog's. Some kids were skateboarding away from Joan, who was chasing them, shaking her fists uselessly. Everyone was taking advantage of the perfect weather.
I tried to smile, but my face stayed grim. There were so many people, but I didn't see him.
(JACK'S POV)
As I propelled myself forward on my skateboard, I tried not to think about what I was doing. I knew that if I overthought it again, I wouldn't be able to give her the envelope. The only reason I could before leaving for Otai was because I didn't have anything to lose.
I thought about Kim. How much we had been fighting. I thought about our almost kiss. I thought about how much I liked, maybe even loved, her. I thought about the look that flashed across her face whenever she saw me nowadays in school or in the dojo. How angry and disgusted and confused I made her.
As I rounded another corner and came to the outermost edge of the mall, I realized that I didn't have anything to lose today either.
(KIM'S POV)
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a text. It was from one of the six or seven AV guys from school that were stationed all around the mall entrances. It said: North Entrance. ETA 2.25 minutes.
I sighed. Those guys took accuracy to a whole different level. Putting my phone back into my pocket and pulling out my camera, I turned and went back into the dojo.
It was time.
(JACK'S POV)
When I got close to the dojo, I hopped off my board and tucked it under my arm. I didn't have time to play chase with Joan and the rest of the mall guards. Besides, sometimes, they got lucky and actually caught me.
Soon, I could see the dojo. Weird, I thought to myself, it's all covered up. I saw a steady stream of kids going in. It looked like everyone from school, the jocks, the nerds, the cheerleaders, everyone, had come to the party. I even caught the occasional Black Dragon slip in unnoticed.
I pulled the envelope out of my pocket again. This is it, Jack, I told myself, this is your last chance to back out. But I knew I couldn't. I took a deep breath, and walked in.