After classes, Mimi went to Kimiko's house in order to search for her souvenir from Kyoto. Sora was invited too because Mimi wanted to.
-Here you go, hope you like it- said the blonde handing Mimi a beautiful tea cup that had designs in white and red.
-Woah! I love it, thank you!- she said putting it in her bag carefully.
They were sitting in Kimiko's bed while Sora was sitting in a chair near them.
-While you guys were away, I received another gift- said Mimi smiling
-Another gift?-
Sora and Kimiko looked at each other curiously and then at their friend who was now showing them her wrist. There was a pretty shiny bracelet hanging out of it.
-It's so pretty! Who was this gift from, Mimi?- asked Kimiko
-Koushiro gave it to me for white day. It was a little late, I know, but it was really okay-
-He's so sweet- said Sora chuckling, and Mimi nodded in agreement.
-You gave him chocolate, right?-
Mimi started blushing a little and made nervous expressions at the words of her blonde mate in presence of Sora. She didn't know that she gave everyone muffins and chocolate only to the red head.
-Shh, shh- Mimi put her finger in her mouth shushing the ballerina, who gave her a confused look.
-Mimi? You gave everyone else muffins. Why did you give Koushiro chocolate?- Now, Sora knew how to push Mimi's buttons. She was just teasing her because she knew Mimi always teases everyone.
But that only made Mimi babble a little and fidget looking at the bracelet.
-I-I… I don't know- she finally said, closing her eyes a little letting out a sigh.
-I don't know why I gave him chocolate. I was gonna give him muffins like everyone else! But, at the last moment I remembered something and when I realized, I already gave Koushiro delicious chocolate that Kimiko and I made- Mimi explained the best she could what she did.
-What did you remembered at that time that made you change your mind Mimi?-
Sora's voice calmed Mimi everytime. Thank goodness for Sora being there for her. Mimi took a deep breath and started talking while Kimiko just listened carefully, she never saw Mimi like this before.
-In Valentine's Day, when classes ended it was raining, remember?-
-Yeah…-
-Okay, so I didn't bring an umbrella and I was standing in the entrance like an idiot watching everyone leaving when Koushiro appeared to ask me something, and after that, offering me to share his umbrella with him-
At this point, both girls wondered why that was weird and they were waiting for something that called their attention.
-We only shared it to the bus stop, because I said so. But… in that little track I… felt weird. I took a couple of glances of him without realizing what I was doing! And when I tripped with something he took my arm to stop me from falling…-
Mimi's voice turned quieter while talking, and Sora and Kimiko's eyes showed concern as she kept telling them her story.
-And do you know what he asked me while we were in the entrance of the school?...- Mimi said clutching her skirt looking down and her hair covering her face.
Both girls denied with the head without talking.
-He asked the same as you did. Why did I give him chocolate instead of muffins…- they could hear Mimi quietly sniffling, her honey eyes were full of tears wanting to come out.
–And I told him because he was different from the rest, that's all… that's what I said…-
Mimi was crying and frowning in confusion. Sora and Kimiko noticed, the girls' heart broke seeing Mimi like this, they looked at each other with empathetic looks and smiled. By this point, Sora had grabbed one of Mimi's hands and Kimiko caressed her head and hair softly.
-I don't know why I'm crying over… I've been repeatedly saying to myself: 'It's only Koushiro', 'you have other things to think about', 'what's so different now? What had changed?'… But reality is that is not 'only Koushiro'… Is really confusing-
-I know it must be- said Sora with the best of her soft voices.
-He's always been there for me, and preventing me from falling like that day in the rain. And all I can remember is me teasing him for something, getting mad at him and that kind of stuff- Mimi said calming and wiping her eyes while Kimiko handed her tissues.
-It makes sense- smiled Sora –Koushiro is a good friend of all of us, and that behavior is what you guys had during your entire friendship and since you, and honestly, I can remember. No one can change that. But feeling confused, crying over being confused, or even giving him chocolate does not mean you're doing something wrong or something that you should regret-
Mimi looked at Kimiko beside her this time and she took her hand in understanding.
-Mimi, you're very sensitive above all, and it's like Sora says, don't hold back your feelings. If you feel like Koushiro is different from everyone else, then that must be right. He gave you this beautiful bracelet because he loves you and he liked very much your chocolate- the blonde smiled chuckling.
-He said they were delicious- Mimi softly smiled back, blushing a bit.
-There you go!- Kimiko's smile grew wider.
-Even if you think you're going crazy, that's part of the process of discovering how you feel towards Koushiro. We love you, Mimi, and we're always here for you if you need any help, advice, a hug or just an ear to hear you-
When Sora finished talking, the three of them embraced, and Mimi felt way better that before. There was a piece missing that she couldn't figure it out, but Koushiro made it easier for her to realize some things.
-By the way, I wanted to tell you something too…- Kimiko said shyly raising her hand.
Sora and Mimi looked at each other with confused looks.
.
.
-WHAT?!-
-Yes… Taichi and I started dating- the blonde said blushing.
-Oh my God… when did this happen?!- Mimi was exhilarated about the news –And I was going crazy trying to guess who you liked, so it was Taichi huh?-
Kimiko just nodded.
-So you guys started dating after all-
-'Thank goodness, Taichi'- Sora thought to herself. This made her happy inside that her friend can be happy with this beautiful girl.
-Is getting late, I guess I'm gonna get going girls- Said Sora getting up from her seat. –I enjoyed visiting you, Kimiko-
-I'm sorry we didn't eat or drink anything! Next time we'll get tea and cake if you want- the blonde smiling.
-I'll go home, too. I've got homework- Mimi said going behind Sora with a tired face, complaining. The blonde went to the door with them to say goodbye.
She closed the door, leaned against it thoughtful and the smile she had vanished, when she remembered something.
Tests were really torturing the students, final exams were near and there was a lot to study. For Taichi it was a little difficult, but a big grin appeared on his face when he remembers that he has an incredible girlfriend who helps him study and prepare for that kind of thing.
The couple was having lunch together, it was raining so they were having lunch quietly in the classroom. The last few students that were there, left the room so now they were alone.
-So Mimi loved the present? I told you she likes everything you give to her. You're her sempai, she loves everything you do suzu-
Taichi was talking while eating his lunch, and kimiko was in front of him, listening. She didn't talked much, and her smile was a little off. She stared at the rain quietly and was lost in her thoughts.
-Suzu?... What's wrong?-
-Ah, sorry!- she said nervously, realizing that she wasn't listening much. –Is just the rain... it makes me a little melancholic- she smiled uneasily.
The brown eyed boy raised a brow. Something didn't quite right. Her emerald eyes weren't as shiny as usual as well, they were off.
-Is there something you're not telling me?- he said in a concerned tone.
Kimiko was getting nervous now. Truth was, her dad told her something as soon as she got back from her trip to Kyoto. Her older sister called and said there was a vacant in the prestigious ballet academy she is going, and she told their dad who commented this to Kimiko. The blonde couldn't stop thinking about that since then. If she says no, would she disappoint her dad? Her sister and her family?
-W-why you ask?-
He frowned. –Come on, don't be like that. I know you. What is it?-
She bite her lip. –Okay- the girl sighed, and Taichi nodded listening attentive and watching every move she made.
-When I got back from Kyoto, my dad told me something, some news from my older sister, Hanako remember? She's in the United States-
The brown haired nodded, looking at the ceiling and remembering.
-She told my dad there is a vacant in the ballet academy she's going to. I guess there's a possibility of me going there…- she shrugged, not looking very excited.
Tai remained quiet for a few seconds and then he spoke again.
-You don't sound very convinced about that-
-it's because I'm not, Taichi. Imagine me going there for who knows how long… I just couldn't. Moving again, leaving my friends behind, my new boyfriend…- she said looking into Taichi's brown eyes and smiling ever so slightly.
The boy wouldn't stand that either. The girl of his dreams was sitting there having lunch with him, and someday she wouldn't be even in the same country as him anymore. No. He couldn't even think of it, it made his chest ache.
He took her hand comfortably.
-Think this through, Kimiko, please- he told her with his sweet smile.
-I will. But don't worry, I don't think I'll accept it- she returned the smile and a lightning appeared in the sky just in that moment.
.
.
-Taichi?-
A voice was heard, and there was Koushiro standing at the door. He looked worried, so he told him to come in and have a seat near Kimiko and him.
-What is it? You look troubled-
-It's Mimi…-
-Is she mad with you again?- he said making a disappointed face.
-No, I don't think so. She's been too kind to me lately; it's worrying me a little- said the red haired scratching his cheek and frowning in thought.
Kimiko chuckled, and both boys couldn't help looking at her.
-Sorry- she said. –Koushiro, you shouldn't worry about it so much- she said with a funny tone in her voice, like she knew something.
Koushiro raised an eyebrow at her comment, he didn't quite understand very well. He was worried! How couldn't he?.
-Anyway, this is Mimi who we're talking about. She's a little weird, so it's like she says, you shouldn't worry about it. She's probably gonna ask you to help her study or some favor like that- Taichi said shrugging like he knew his friend too well, and Kimiko kicked him under the table, making him wince.
-Taichi, you don't know anything, Mimi is very kind, so is probably just that- the blonde said in an annoyed tone, and she smiled at Koushiro at the end. Mimi had to figure out some things, but that couldn't be helped. Although she's confusing everyone.
-Raining again?- complained certain girl with a pitched voice and strawberry blonde hair.
The Izumi boy was ready to go home, but he stood to look at her from behind…
