Alright everyone, here is Chapter 10! Why so early? I'll tell you. One; this is an apology for taking so long with Chapter 9. Three weeks was too long for you guys and I wanted to make it up to you. Two: it is a reward for all the reviews that I have received. Without everyone sending such wonderul reviews, I wouldn't be able to post like this. So good job everyone! I will just explain one thing about this chapter and then I'll let you guys and girls read. Chapter 9 took place on Saturday. This chapter is taking place on the following Tuesday. Not everyday of the week will be covered and that is why there are two falshbacks. They both take place on Monday. I don't think there will be as many (if any) flashbacks in the next chapter which will take place on Thursday. So, enjoy this chapter and remember to review! Thank you so much!

Chapter 10

"Alright everyone. I hope you pay attention this week because next week is the beginning of summer vacation and I won't have your workbooks ready for you so there won't be any homework over the vacation," Yukari-sensei announced on Tuesday. She seemed rather calm today just as she was on Monday, but everyone expected a little more anger since she couldn't assign anything over the break. Smiling evilly, Yukari cackled, "But that means when you get back, I'll have a surprise quiz waiting for you." Everyone in the class groaned their disapproval; everyone except Osaka.

In her usual seat, Osaka had again relieved her mind of classroom troubles by thinking about the previous day. Monday after school, Risako had surprised her and taken her out to karaoke. It's so nice being friends with Risako again. I can't wait to tell Chiyo-chan. She only hoped that Chiyo wouldn't mind her busy schedule over the week. I'll have to tell Chiyo that I'm really busy today and tomorrow yet. She hoped that soon all three of them would be able to go out together. After all, Risako and Chiyo are friends as well. I bet it would be lots of fun. The song that she had sung at karaoke caused Osaka to think even more about what had happened on Monday and made her wonder how the next couple of nights would go.

kyou wa kyou no yume mite waratteta Today I laughed to see today's dream

dakara nandaka tanoshimi na DREAM Because it was a pleasant dream

sora ni chiisana anoko mo anohito mo The tiny girl in the sky and that person

nakayoku ne kawaikatta ne are becoming friends aren't they? Weren't they cute?

Risako clapped as hard as she could and just stared at Ayumu with an almost calm gaze. Ayumu thought something might be wrong with Risako. But Risako has been having a lot of fun. If something was wrong, I know she'd tell me. Ayumu thought and placed the microphone back onto the stand and walked over to the couch where Risako was and took a seat. Still clapping, Risako said, "This is just like old times. Coming to the karaoke like we always did and singing the same songs over and over again." Risako then shifted her gaze from Ayumu to the microphone and said in a softer tone, "I really miss those days."

Thinking that Risako might be upset about the length of time without any contact, Ayumu quickly said, "But we're back together again . . . just like old times."

Still lost in her trail of thought, Risako replied in a far off voice, ". . . yeah, we are, aren't we."

Not wanting an awkward silence to come between her and Risako, Ayumu attempted to think of what to say. Looking around, she suddenly realized that they used to spend a lot of time at the karaoke. We hardly ever went anywhere else. I wonder if Risako is addicted to these kinds of places. It could be like gambling except you never win any money. "Say Risako-san, why do we always go to the karaoke?"

Taken out of her train of thought, Risako stared at Ayumu for a moment and tried to think of something to say. It appeared that she had not expected that question and was taken off guard by it. Placing her chin in her hands, Risako turned away from Ayumu and said, "Who knows? Why, don't you like coming with me to the karaoke?"

Ayumu panicked. I didn't mean to upset her. I didn't know she liked coming to the karaoke this much. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. After all, it's been a long time since we have hung out so I should let Risako do what she wants for a while. "It's nothing like that. I love coming to karaoke with you, but I would like to go to other places with you."

Looking back to Ayumu, Risako returned with a smile and a small blush which confused Ayumu but she chose to ignore it. She did that a lot back in Osaka now that I think about it. Maybe it's something with her skin color. Risako's lips quivered and she said, "Then how about we go out to a movie tomorrow?"

Ayumu brightened up at the idea and quickly agreed to it. We rarely went out to movies. This will be so much fun. I wonder what we're gonna go see? Thinking to herself about how much fun it was going to be, Ayumu almost didn't hear her friend continue talking. "Then on Wednesday I'll take you out to eat since I have coupons. We hardly ever did that in Osaka."

Wait a minute; I want some time with Chiyo too. She is my girlfriend after all and we should spend some time together at least once this week or I wouldn't be a good girlfriend. Ayumu thought and quickly said to Risako, "Don't take up my entire week. I want to spend some time with Chiyo too."

Sighing, Risako looked over to Ayumu, but with a mischievous smile spread across her face. "Alright, I'll let you have Thursday and Friday off."

Chiyo sat in Kimura-sensei's class and occasionally glanced at Risako. She had noticed the energetic Risako had completely returned whereas on Saturday the girl appeared ready to fall over. She was so sad. Then Monday came and she was worried that Ayumu might not go to karaoke with her. But now, everything is finally back to normal. I can't wait to talk to Ayumu at lunch. Chiyo suddenly thought of Sakaki-san and wondered how she was doing. Having never gone through what Sakaki now faces, Chiyo didn't know how to help her friend. I just hope that everything works out with Sakaki and her family. Maybe I can ask her at lunch. She didn't want the others to know so I'll have to be careful.

While Chiyo thought of Sakaki-san, she also couldn't help but think about Ayumu. Since deciding to eat in the cafeteria, Chiyo has been looking forward to lunch ever since she woke up. It's only my second day where I can't see Ayumu until lunch and I'm already like this. It's better than when she wouldn't talk to me. Chiyo then began to wonder what Ayumu would be doing after school. Maybe we should do something tonight. Not a date or anything, but just hang out. The more Chiyo thought about doing something with Ayumu, the slower the clock seemed to move. I just hope she's free tonight.

As lunch approached, Osaka found herself thinking more and more of spending more time with not only Risako, but also Chiyo. Her attention had completely drifted from Yukari's class again as she thought about Monday and how she and Chiyo had decided to tell everyone their secret.

Walking into the cafeteria, Osaka immediately found Chiyo waiting for her. Chiyo seemed oddly nervous and was almost hidden from view at a small table in the far corner of the cafeteria. When Osaka had noticed her, she walked over to Chiyo without grabbing any food and asked, "Whatcha doing over here? I thought we were all going to eat together?"

Chiyo nodded in agreement and whispered, "Yes we are, but I was wondering when we should tell them about . . . us."

"You mean, about us dating," Osaka confirmed, then thought for a moment. It would be very hard to do because if we didn't then it would be like a secret which would be like one of them action movies. "So we would be like international spies or something by not telling them?" Chiyo's confused stare caused Osaka to think that may she putting too much thought into the matter. "Why don't we just tell them when they get here for lunch? How hard could it be and Sakaki already knows so that won't be a problem."

I forgot about Sakaki-san. And then Risako-san also knows about us as well so it's not like we'll be surprising everyone. Chiyo thought and decided it would be a safe confession since a couple of her friends already knew about the whole thing. "Okay then, let's get our food before all the good stuff runs out."

The table that Chiyo and Osaka sat at soon became abuzz with talk of all sorts as the rest of their friends piled into the table with food. Risako sat next to Osaka and talked with her while Tomo bothered Yomi and Chiyo watched Sakaki as the girl quietly ate her food. Chiyo sat bewildered at how to do this. With everyone talking, she wondered how she could get the table quiet without disturbing the other students in the cafeteria. After all, I don't want the entire school to know what's going on.

"So Chiyo, what's this that you wanted to tell us," Yomi asked and winked at Chiyo, giving the girl the all clear. Yomi could obviously tell what was going on and even if she had been wrong, Chiyo could have easily made something up.

Noticing how nervous Chiyo was, Osaka figured that maybe she should say it. "Well, Chiyo and I had our first date on Friday." The whole table stared at Osaka in shock aside from Risako, Sakaki, and Yomi. Kaorin stared in disbelief then fell back into a deep thought while Tomo's mouth fell open and food dropped off her fork.

Pointing at Chiyo, Tomo hysterically whispered, "Y-Y-You two are going out?! When did this happen?!"

"N-not too long ago," Chiyo said in a nervous voice. She knew Tomo would overact but wished that Tomo wouldn't have done that because now half the cafeteria was staring at them. Fortunately, Yomi gently tugged on Tomo's shirt which surprising calmed the girl down.

Chiyo's table remained silent until the rest of the cafeteria decided that their conversation was of no interest and began rambling on with the usual noise. Chiyo gave Osaka an uncertain smile of thanks and returned to eating her food. Tomo, still unsure of how to react turned to Yomi and whispered so that no one else could hear, "Should we tell them about us?"

Thinking for a moment, Yomi adjusted her glasses and said to Tomo, "Not now."

"See Chiyo. That wasn't so bad," Osaka said and went back to her melon bread. Chiyo just shook her head.

When Osaka glanced back up at the clock, she noticed it was closing in on lunchtime. Of course they would be eating in the cafeteria again and she was looking forward to asking Chiyo about doing something on Thursday or Friday. Maybe I could pick a place to go to for this week. But where would we go? I don't know about that many places. The more Osaka thought about what she would do with Chiyo, the less her attention was on the clock and before she knew it, the bell had rung. It was only when Osaka had seen everyone walking around with food did she realize what was going on. "Oh, I have to get to lunch too." Searching through her book bag, Osaka located some money that she had brought to pay for some more melon bread.

"Um Osaka, can I talk to you," came a voice from behind.

Osaka turned her head and found Kaorin standing behind her. She confusingly stared at Kaorin because the two hardly ever talked to each other, not to mention Kaorin appeared quite nervous, shifting from foot to foot and trying to find some suitable place for her hands. "Sure, we can talk on our way to lunch."

Osaka's response did not lift Kaorin's spirits any higher. Instead, the girl shifted her eyes to the floor and said, "Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you on the roof. I want it to be in private."

What could be wrong with her? Osaka wondered. While she rarely talked to Kaorin, this kind of behavior was completely opposite from what Osaka usually noticed. Knowing that she'd miss lunch with Chiyo, Osaka didn't want to do it but she couldn't leave a friend hanging like this. I can always explain it to Chiyo later. And if Kaorin is with me when I explain it, there shouldn't be any misunderstandings. "Okay, let's go."

The walk to the rooftop was silent as Osaka didn't know what to say and Kaorin was too nervous to say anything. Osaka only hoped that whatever it was, that she could be of some kind of help to her friend. Upon reaching the roof, Osaka took a seat on a nearby bench while Kaorin paced nervously back and forth. "What's wrong Kaorin?"

I never thought it'd be this hard. How did Osaka ever do it? Kaorin thought to herself while trying to answer Osaka's question at the same time. "I-I need your help."

"What do you need?"

Sitting down next to Osaka, Kaorin looked down as if ashamed of herself and said, "I've got a crush on Sakaki-san."

Kaorin's answer had completely taken Osaka by surprise. If anything, Osaka expected Kaorin to be in some kind of trouble that she needed help getting out of. "Really?" Still glancing down, Kaorin nodded her head while Osaka pieced everything together. But that means she's in love with someone just like me. And since she's in love with Sakaki-san, I should help because Sakaki helped me and doing this would repay Sakaki-san in a way. Though even if it wasn't repaying Sakaki-san, Osaka had already decided that she would try and help Kaorin anyways. Realizing that the girl was waiting for something more, Osaka said, "That's amazing," though she wasn't sure that that is what Kaorin wanted to hear.

Continuing her nervous fit, Kaorin still couldn't bring herself to look at Osaka but continued, "I wanted help with confessing my feelings to her and since you and Chiyo are together, I thought that . . . maybe . . . you could . . . you know . . ." Kaorin's voice trailed off as she quieted herself into silence.

Confirm her suspicions, Osaka said, "You want me to help you confess." Kaorin nodded nervously and glanced over to Osaka for a response. Brightly smiling, Osaka said, "That's fine with me. I can help you."

Kaorin felt relived at hearing Osaka's willingness to help. After hearing the announcement from Osaka and Chiyo the previous day, Kaorin felt determined to get her feelings out in the open. If Chiyo and Osaka can get together then why can't Sakaki and I? And since I have Osaka helping me, this shouldn't be too hard, I hope. Then, thinking of why she asked Osaka to help, Kaorin decided to ask Osaka about confessing. "How do you think I should do it?"

"Well," Osaka began, "I wrote a letter to Chiyo so I could get everything onto paper without forgetting a thing." Kaorin watched Osaka talk and vehemently awaited the result. This could be the best way to do it. Everything is making sense. Osaka then frowned slightly and finished, "But then I lost my letter and never got it to her."

Sighing, Kaorin said, "That's too bad." Maybe a letter is too much work anyways and especially if I were to lose it. Not to mention if someone else would read it! That would be a nightmare. Kaorin thought and was surprised when Osaka continued.

"But then Chiyo gave me a letter with her feelings inside. So I guess that's a popular way to do it."

Again, Kaorin's ears perked up and she thought that maybe a letter wouldn't be such a bad idea. After all, Osaka was the one who lost it. She's just a little spacey and I wouldn't do that. Chiyo never lost hers so this might work. Deciding on the letter, Kaorin gave her final request to Osaka, "Would you help me write a letter for Sakaki?"

"Of course I would," Osaka replied. And at that time, they heard the bell ring and had to hurry off to class.

Sitting in Kimura's class, Chiyo wondered how Ayumu was doing since she hadn't been at lunch. I hope she's alright. We did agree to meet at lunch again and she said she'd be there. Chiyo wondered if something had come up and hoped that nothing was wrong. I should really try to take her somewhere this week. Then if something is wrong, I can help her forget about it. Figuring that hanging out with Ayumu would be the perfect strategy; Chiyo decided that she could call Ayumu up and get something set up after school.

Glancing at Risako, Chiyo remembered that Risako and Ayumu had gone to karaoke. I haven't asked Ayumu about that either. I wonder if they had fun. The more Chiyo thought about this, the more she thought that maybe karaoke would be a good place to take Ayumu. It is a fun place to go and I'd like to hear Ayumu sing. But Risako just took her so maybe I should take her somewhere else. I'll just ask Ayumu tonight. Chiyo didn't want to spend too much time thinking about it and since she chose the place last time, then she should at least let Ayumu pick where they should go.

Before Osaka knew it, the final bell had rung and school was out. Leaving the classroom, she soon caught up with Risako and the two headed for Osaka's house. "We can pick a movie there," Risako said as they walked home. Not only that, but Risako also wanted to spend some time as friends in Osaka's house. The last time I was at Ayumu's house, it seemed more like official business. But now we can hang out as friends . . . and soon . . . maybe girlfriends. Risako's head fluttered with ideas on where things could lead and she quickly grew excited for the coming night.

"We can drop off our book bags as well," Osaka said, thinking that carrying book bags around a theater might look odd. We're not going to school so why would we want our book bags? And we definitely won't be doing homework so it's not like we'll be needing them. Osaka suddenly realized that she didn't know what movies were playing the theater. "What's playing anyways?"

Risako shook her head, "I don't know. I don't even know where the movie theater is yet so how would I know what's playing!"

Reaching Osaka's house, the two girls walked in, grabbed the paper. The two of them sitting on Osaka's bed, Risako read through the names of all the movies while Osaka glanced over her shoulder. Each title she read, Osaka would say something like, "I heard that one was really boring," or "Kids movies are simply meant to brainwash you."

Ayumu, I know what you're looking for and I pray they aren't showing any. Risako thought and when she came to the last title, she sighed, knowing her fate was sealed. "What about Mouth Sucking Aliens from Mars?" Risako knew this title spelled disaster for her and heaven for Ayumu. Hearing the name, Ayumu quickly leaned in to read the details. As she did, her cheek just barely rubbed against Risako's which caused Risako to blush feverishly. However, she didn't move because she didn't want Ayumu to notice.

"This one sounds really exciting! Now these are the kinds of movies that kids need to be seeing. If they don't, then how are they going to defend themselves against aliens who suck your organs out of your mouth?" Risako shuddered at the very thought of going to this movie but she wouldn't trade it for the world. As long as Ayumu is with me, I'll be just fine.

Suddenly, the ringing of the phone interrupted the movie browsing (which now appeared to be over) and Osaka quickly got up. "I'll be right back Risako. You can wait here." Risako nodded and watched Ayumu dash out of the room for the phone.

Looking around the room, Risako thought to herself how nice it was to be having fun with Ayumu again. We went to karaoke and now I'm foolishly taking her out to a movie that I know is gonna give me nightmares. It doesn't get much better than this. Walking around the room, Risako noticed how much bigger Ayumu's new room was. Back in Osaka, Ayumu didn't have such spacious living conditions. Not that they were poor, it's just that they lived in an older house and Ayumu's dad wanted a new one rather than to fix that one up. He sure meant what he said. Exploring the room, Risako's eyes suddenly caught something behind Ayumu's desk. Squatting down, Risako stuck her hand behind the desk and pulled out an envelope. On the front, the words "To Mihama Chiyo," were written.

"Say Ayumu, are you gonna to be free tonight," Chiyo asked Osaka over the phone. She had been waiting to contact Ayumu all day and she was excited that she could finally talk to the girl.

"A-Actually, I'm going out with Risako to a movie tonight, sorry," Osaka replied. She felt guilty for having to turn Chiyo down but Risako did ask her first and since they hadn't hung out in a long time, Osaka thought that Risako deserved a little of her time. After I spend some time with Risako, Chiyo and I should be able to have much more time together. Even though she tried to convince herself of that, Osaka still felt bad for having to tell Chiyo no.

Well that's alright. It has been a long time since Risako and Ayumu have hung out. And besides, it's not like Risako is taking Ayumu away from me. I still have plenty of time to spend with Ayumu. Chiyo thought and decided that any other day of the week would work just as well. "Then why don't we do something on Wednesday?"

Again, Ayumu felt bad for having to again turn Chiyo down. "Sorry Chiyo, Risako is taking me out to eat that night."

Risako, I want to spend time with Ayumu too. I am her girlfriend you know. Chiyo thought. She knew Risako missed Ayumu but she didn't want to be neglected either. As Chiyo attempted to figure out what to do, she almost didn't catch Ayumu say, "How about Thursday? I'm free then."

Hearing Ayumu's words cheered Chiyo up immediately and she responded, "Okay, that'll work. Thursday it is."

". . .but I want you to know that you are so special to me that when you talk to me, it makes me happy . . ." Risako read to herself. The letter Ayumu had written to Chiyo could have caused her to cry. I don't want it to be Chiyo. Risako thought to herself and wiped away a stray tear that had found its way down her cheek. I want it to be me. Finishing the letter, Risako simply gazed over the words. She couldn't believe this was happening. I loved Ayumu first so why can't she love me? Suddenly hearing footsteps, Risako panicked at the thought of Ayumu catching her with something so private. Trying to figure out what to do, Risako quickly grabbed her book bag and stuffed the letter and envelope inside. I'm sorry Ayumu . . . but for now . . . Chiyo can't see this." Risako wasn't sure that this would change anything but she had to try.

When Ayumu walked into the room, Risako had wiped away any signs of her teary eyes and pulled a smile onto her face. "So who was it?"

Ayumu sighed and she almost looked a little sad by the question but she answered, "It was just Chiyo. She wanted to do something tonight but I told her I was going out with you so I'll go out with her on Thursday."

Not wanting to upset Ayumu, Risako said, "I hope I'm not keeping you two apart." Though whether she truly meant it or not, even Risako wasn't sure. Chiyo may be my friend but Ayumu means more to me than anything else in the world so I can't give her up that easily.

Hearing Risako's words, Osaka quickly shook her head and said, "No it's not that at all. We just haven't hung out in a long time."

Risako felt herself warm up as she thought of how much Ayumu cared for her, even thought Ayumu was with Chiyo. Deciding not to delay the movie any longer, Risako said, "Shall we go?"

Arriving at the movie, Risako bought the tickets for both her and Ayumu. She then paid for the popcorn and the pop. Surprisingly, not many others were in the theater, leaving Ayumu and Risako practically alone as they found their seats. The movie soon started after the two became situated and Risako could tell it was going to be one of those that she wouldn't enjoy. Someday Ayumu, I'm going to pick the movie and it will be a sweet romance or one of those brainwashing kid movies.

Risako watched Ayumu more than she did the movie, seeing Ayumu's different stares and identifying every one of them. But Risako was careful not to let Ayumu notice and always pretended to be paying attention to the big screen whenever she thought Ayumu would sneak a glance at her.

A surprising yawn caught Risako off guard and she suddenly found herself growing tired. Without realizing it, Risako slowly allowed her head to rest on Ayumu's shoulder. It was warm and soft. Risako blushed as she realized what she was doing but decided not to move her head. This is too nice to stop. Maybe I'll be able to do this more often with Ayumu. Risako thought and soon found herself softly rubbing her cheek up against Ayumu's shoulder blade.

What's she doing? This is getting uncomfortable. Ayumu thought. She didn't want to say anything but Risako was acting weird. Carefully turning her head to keep from disturbing Risako, Ayumu said, "Risako, what are you doing?"

I've been caught. Risako's mind panicked with what to say. She didn't know how to respond except by confessing and she wasn't ready for that yet. She just wanted to be close to Ayumu and spend time with her. That's right. I haven't spent much time with Ayumu yet so . . . I guess this is just because I miss her. "I just miss spending time with you. Even though we seen each other on Sunday and Monday, it still feels like I haven't seen you for two years," Risako whispered. What she said wasn't a lie, if anything it was the exact reason she was doing this apart from the fact that Risako wanted to be closer to Ayumu. But it might be bothering her. As Risako thought about this, she slightly turned her head to face Ayumu. Without leaving her friend's shoulder, she asked, "Do you want me to stop?"

Risako just missed me. That's all. I shouldn't try to upset her. Thinking that something like this wouldn't be a big deal, Ayumu decided to allow it, despite her still being a little uncomfortable with it and said, "No it's okay. It just . . . surprised me is all."

So Ayumu allowed her friend's head to rest on her should while they watched the movie. It wasn't long before Ayumu forgot about all it and started saying random things throughout the movie and Risako had to open her eyes to see images she really didn't want to. But this is worth it. Ayumu is always worth it.

By the time the movie had ended, Risako had had the pleasure of viewing several people getting their intestines sucked out of their mouths by a rather gruesome creature and several other scenes she hoped never to think of again. Smiling, Risako said to Ayumu as they left the theater, "That was fun, but let's not see it again," as she said with nearly every movie they had ever gone to.

Ayumu nodded and said, "Well, shall we go home now? It is getting late."

Nodding her head, Risako grabbed Ayumu's hand and firmly held it as they headed home.

"Why do I keep running out of pens? I hate walking to the store this late," Chiyo said as she walked down the street. Once again she had run out of pens while doing homework and had to go to the store to grab more. I hope Ayumu's having a good time. Chiyo thought and decided to walk by the movie theater to see if she could catch a glance at her girlfriend.

It wasn't long before Chiyo heard Ayumu's voice. "The movie was good but they always make the aliens do something dumb that ends the invasion." Chiyo became excited because it sounded like Ayumu had enjoyed the movie and when she glanced over; sure enough Risako and Ayumu were walking together.

Chiyo prepared to wave them down and chit chat but she stopped halfway when she caught a glimpse of Risako holding Ayumu's hand. Why would they be holding hands? It's not like they're going out or anything. I haven't even held Ayumu's hand yet. Chiyo thought and watched as the two disappeared from sight. Quickly shaking her head, Chiyo said to herself, "Risako hasn't seen Ayumu in two years. And there's nothing wrong with friends holding hands anyways. I'm not gonna fall into another misunderstanding." Figuring that Risako missing Ayumu was all there was to it, Chiyo smiled at herself for thinking such a ridiculous thing and concentrated on getting to the store before it would close.

Reaching Ayumu's house, Ayumu ran inside and grabbed Risako's book bag. It was getting late and Risako needed to get home. "Thanks Risako. That was fun. Here's your book bag and I'll see you tomorrow."

Giving a slight bow, Risako said, "I'm glad you had fun. And even though we're not doing anything on Thursday or Friday, just remember that I am gonna take you to karaoke on Saturday since it's your birthday. I haven't forgotten."

Ayumu looked surprised for a moment and then said, "That's right. I've been so busy lately I've forgotten about that. Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow." Risako waved as she left Ayumu's with her book bag, and with Ayumu's letter to Chiyo bouncing away in one of her book bag's pockets.

And the song clip that was in this chapter is from a song called Time Pavement which I'm sure at least some of you are aware of. If not, look it up on Youtube. And the movie that they went to see is completely made up. Thanks again for reading and remember to review.