"Can you at least tell me what you want right now?" I asked Neil as I followed him through the forest, our footsteps crunching on the snow. It must have snowed a lot while I was unconscious. But it was hard to concentrate on the scenery as I walked behind the animal salesman. He looked back with a light look in his eyes. It was a bit bizarre to see him looking so calm, but it wasn't a bad weird. I guess I would describe it as unique.

"Don't worry. It's just a bit farther."

"Where exactly are we going?"

"To the top of the mountain. Right where the Harvest Goddess spring is. It's the best place for what I'm going to say."

"The spring? Couldn't you have said this outside of the clinic? I just passed out the other day. I don't think walking all this way would be wise for me."

"Hazuki," Neil stopped and turned to face me, "You will be fine. You're a strong healthy girl with a lot of willpower. I don't think a simple stroll up the mountain could knock the wind out of you. Besides, if anything did happen to you, then I'm right here to help you. I consider you a good friend."

"Really?" I felt my spirit lift at his words, feeling very accomplished that I finally got through to him, "That's very good to hear. You looked lonely, so you could use a friend like me."

He let out a rare smile at that, "I'm happy that your happy. But your happiness is the thing that makes me feel great. I don't feel like going to the spring. I'll just tell you how I feel now."

"Huh?" I tilted my head, "I thought that you just told me how you feel."

"Not my whole feelings," he turned red but continued, "I don't think you've noticed this, but I like you."

"I like you too. You're a good friend."

"Hazuki," Neil stepped closer, moving a bit of hair from my eyes, "I know that you are with Soseki and all, but I've grown feelings for you. I've tried to deny it many times, but I can't anymore. It pains me to see you with him."

"But what about-"

"Alex? I got over her when I fell for you."

I looked away, my heart pounding at his words. I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel the same way about Neil. But I couldn't be with him. Not while I was dating Soseki. I took a deep breath before continuing.

"We can't. I'm with Soseki. It's not right. I shouldn't feel this way about you."

Before I could say anything else, I was slammed against Neil as his mouth found mine. His hands gripped my sides harshly, but his lips were soft against mine. I knew that I should have pulled away, but I couldn't make myself. My hands had somehow found themselves in his hair and the tip of his tongue swiped across my own lips. After a few seconds, Neil separated from my mouth and placed his forehead on mine.

"I lost Alex. I don't want to lose you too." He whispered softly, before shifting. He turned around, a sad gleam in his wine colored eyes. Eyes that I grew to love, even though it was forbidden. He huffed lightly, before racing away from me. I stayed frozen, my actions repeating in my head. Footsteps alerted to something behind me. I turned just as a red tail disappeared into the forest.


"Neil kissed you?" Alex asked me, her eyes wide, "I didn't realize that he liked you."

"Neither did I."

"What about Soseki? Does he know?"

"Of course not," I frowned, "I don't want him and Neil to get into an argument. I didn't instigate the kiss at all. It just kind of happened too fast for me to react."

"I see," she mused, "Well? Did you enjoy it at least?"

"Truthfully, I did like it. But I'm not suppose to. I'm with Soseki now."

"Of course," Alex put her hands up, "You can't help how you feel. But I see what you mean. You don't want to hurt Soseki at all. You're such a good girlfriend, Hazuki. And a really good friend."

"I don't feel like a good girlfriend."

"Just do what you think is right. That's the way that my childhood friend works. Always putting others before herself."

"I'm not that great," I blushed a bit at her praise.

"Says who? I'll smack them."

I chuckled at that, "That's the Alex that I know."

"Who are you smacking?" Allen's voice alerted us to his presence. The stylist was holding Alison in his arms. The brown-haired child was sucking on her pacifier. She wiggled at bit when she saw me.

"No one. Well if I don't get angry. Welcome home honey," Alex went up to her husband and rubbed her nose against his affectionately.

"I hope you had a good day," his voice was soft to her, before turning his gaze to me. Allen gave me a smirk, so I had a feeling I didn't like what he was going to say. I braced myself mentally.

"Hello Allen."

"I didn't know you were here, Hazuki. The mountain's pretty cold today, isn't it?"