A/N: Well hello! It's a first that I've actually put an author's note in this fic. (I'm lazy.) Anyway, I hope I didn't freak you guys out with the last two chapters, since I revealed something quite different from what's normal. Lel. Alright. Thanks for the reads and the reviews!

It's been more than two weeks since I last saw them.

I was still avoiding Kai and Cliff even though I miss them like crazy. I still don't know how to act around them. I spent the New Year's Eve at Forget-Me-Not Valley again, together with our mock group called Gossip League. Anyway, we knew that Kai and Cliff would be present in welcoming the New Year here in Mineral Town, that's why we left for the valley early that evening.

There was a letter sticking out of my mailbox when we came home at around two am. Rick and the others carried Jack to the bedroom while I stayed outside to read the letter privately. It came from Ann. She said that she missed me and asked why the sudden evasion. She also requested that she would want to see me at the New Year's party later at the square. Well, it seems I've got no choice but to go. I'm doing this for her.

Jack was still asleep. He really was hyper last night; he devoured almost five bowls of buckwheat noodles in the festival and drank about eight different cocktails at Griffin's bar. He deserves a rest, I guess. Besides, he did most of my work when I was klutzy about the whole Kai and Cliff incident last winter.

I loved spring. Everything is so alive again in this season.

I was almost done with watering my newly sown seeds when a shadow stood in front of me.

"Oh hey," I greeted her, wiping away the beads of sweat on my face. "What's up? Feeling all better?"

Karen winked at me and laughed. She was bringing a paper bag. "Yep! But darn it, I missed great festivals and stuff being sick!"

"Yeah, and we missed you too. Since when were you okay?"

"Just last night."

"Ah… Shouldn't you take a rest first?"

"No way, New Year's dance is my thing, I couldn't miss it! By the way, here, my late Christmas gift for you!" She handed me the paper bag. I thanked her and eagerly took it.

"Wow!" I exclaimed as I examined the polka-dotted, dark blue dress she gave me. "Thanks, Karen! This is so cute!"

"He he, no problem! Oh, this morning, Trent and Elli stopped by to see if I still needed medicine. Then they told me about this Gossip League! Now I really wished that I didn't go to the lake!" She whined.

"Oh, they told you about that, huh?"

"But they didn't give me any details about what this Gossip League was about… I asked them, but Elli said I should go to you instead."

Elli sure knows how my mind works. "I'll tell you about it."

"Great! Why don't we sit down over there?"

"Okay. This Gossip League…" I started, sitting under the shade of the apple tree. "Well, obviously, it was just a joke. Jack made it up since last starry night fest all we had gossiped about… Kai and Cliff."

She paused for a long while, looking at me with her skeptical, almond eyes. "Y-You didn't talk about… them being an item… right?"

"I'm sorry Karen. But that's what we all think…"

"But Claire! Just believe me! I've said this once, but I'll say it again. Kai loves you. He adores you and cherishes you. It's impossible. I know them well, they couldn't…"

"I want to believe you, Karen. But there were so many things were brought up that night, and that's enough evidence for my trust to break."

"Oh sure, maybe they all had their stories… but I don't think you have an evidence yourself." She protested softly.

"I've seen one, strong proof." I replied.

"W-What did you see?"

"The journal… it says it all. They conversed with each other by writing in it… and Karen… they w-were so sweet… From that, I was positive that they had something going on."

Karen shook her head from time to time and was just simply silent. After a few minutes, she said, "I've got to go now… I'll think about what's really happening…"

"What did Kai say to you?"

"Huh?"

"Karen… you've been keeping something from me… from us. You accidentally said something last time in the clinic about Kai uh, um, like he loves me or what." I explained.

"Maybe… I'll tell you sometime soon." She smiled. "After maybe clearing things up with him."

"W-Wait! Don't tell him that I know about the journal… I mean, of course, even after everything that has happened, I would never want him to be mad with me."

"You still love him, don't you?"

"I… Y-Yes…"

She stood up and laughed without humor. "I would still want for the answer to come out of their mouths… Well, see you. I want you to wear that dress later, okay?"

I wanted exactly the same. I wanted the truth to come from them. I will ask the same question later. Maybe so, I'd have a better idea on how to act around them. But I do know that for sure, nothing's ever going to be the same after this day whether they would deny or not.

"That dress looks fantabulous on you! Won't you like your hair curled or tied up? Oh, and maybe wear these dangling earrings! Or maybe you'd like me to get you a tiara, darling?" Jack fake squealed in a disgusting gay accent.

"Shoot Jack, quit it!" I yelled at him.

"Ha ha ha! I wanted you to laugh. You look so nervous."

"I'm n-not nervous!"

"Just relax," he went on. "I'll be watching you. If he makes you cry, I'll beat him up."

"Overprotective, aren't we? You've been acting like a real big brother recently. And haven't you overstayed in Mineral Town?"

"Do you want me to go away?" He arched a thick brow at me.

"N-No." I stifled a laugh. "I was just kidding just to ease myself up. You really have stayed long in town."

"I like it here. Besides, I just can't leave my precious pineapples in your hot house. And you know; I have a bratty cousin named Claire and an emo blacksmith friend named Gray who still need my help, so I'm not going away yet. They need the mighty Jack."

"I really feel like you're more of a big brother to me now than an annoying cousin."

"Eh, I just kinda missed being a big brother, I guess. It's been more than a year since I last saw Tina."

"How is she, anyway? The last time I saw her was when we came over for summer vacation eight years ago in Leaf Valley." I asked him. Tina was Jack's younger sister who resides with their parents in Flower Bud Village. "She just turned thirteen back then."

"Oh, she lost all those baby fats now, and is a rancher just like us."

"That's great, then. I'd love to see her." I sighed. "Oh well, anyway, back to reality, I'm just going with these pearl earrings."

"Eh, you look awesome anyway." He gave me two thumbs up and chuckled. "But you know, Kai and Cliff are still more beautiful than you are, sad to say."

"JACK! SHUT UP!"

"He he." Jack faced the mirror and fixed his messy hair, but still leaving his trademark: three, long strands sticking out. He was wearing a black v-neck shirt with its sleeves rolled up, dirty white jeans and dark grey sneakers.

"As much as I hate to admit it, you look awesome as well." I complimented him as he turned around. I looked around for some comfortable footwear. I wore my favorite beige ballet shoes. Make-up was never really my thing so I just swiped on a cherry mint pink lip gloss and a little blush on my cheeks.

"Hey Claire, you look like a girl." Jack clapped his hands as I finished my whole get-up by tying my hair up in a high ponytail.

"I am a girl."

"Aren't Kai and Cliff girls as well?"

"JACK!"

"So I guess their names wouldn't be Kai and Cliff now… Maybe Kate and Cleo would fit."

"JACK, YOU IDIOT!" I shrieked and smacked his head.

"Ow, you messed up my hair. Oh well. I'm still good-looking. Let's go!"

We entered Rose Square at around seven in the evening. Every bachelor and bachelorette was present, including Harris. My eyes were searching for him, of course, even though I didn't actually choose to.

The dance was about to start, when from the north opening of the square came three figures. A very familiar, high-pitch squeal echoed, and Ann came running to me. She was wearing a cute maroon off-shoulder dress accented by several necklaces and a black belt around her waist and tall cowboy boots.

"I missed you!" She hugged me tightly. "Why didn't you show up for how many days?

"I… um, it's good to see you again, Ann…" I mumbled softly and hugged her back. "I'm sorry."

"These two have gone a little crazy for these past few weeks." Her crystal blue eyes drooped. I looked behind her and saw two handsome creatures looking at me nervously; like they were wondering whether to talk to me or not.

Kai wasn't wearing his bandanna. His hair was untidy yet attractive in a kind of way, and he wore a stylish black blazer over a fitted white v-neck, faded blue jeans and light brown shoes. His pants were folded above his ankles. He stood there beside Cliff, who was dressed in an unbuttoned dark gray vest on top of light blue checkered shirt with its sleeves rolled up, navy blue jeans and black sneakers.

"Talk to Kai, please? He hasn't worked at his shack for days just thinking if he did something to hurt you. He told me that the last time they saw you, you were crying…" She trailed off, holding my hands.

"Okay… I will." I needed to, anyway.

"Great."

I walked towards them and said a small, "Hello."

"You look amazing, Claire." Cliff finally spoke after a long, awkward moment of just gawking at each other.

"Yeah." Kai agreed with a nod, holding up a timid smile.

"T-Thanks." I turned away from them.

"Hey, I have to go to Ann… um, happy dancing." Cliff left us. I bit my lip as Kai and I just stood anxiously at the corner, waiting for nothing.

"Aren't you two going to dance? It's going to start soon." Elli's voice chirped from behind us. She held hands with a mischievous looking Trent, who obviously was peering playfully at us. She looked like a cherubim wearing an elegant, light pink halter dress. Trent put on a collared white shirt beneath a fitted (and oddly sexy) v-neck blue-black sweater, and wore gray pants and fawn shoes.

"W-Well, Claire, shall we?" Kai breathed, bowing slightly and offering me his hand.

"Okay… um… O-Over there… beside Ann and Cliff… let's go there." I stammered as we walked hand in hand. Both of our hands were trembling.

The traditional, festive music played. It was a merry folk song that has been the so-called native New Year dance here in Mineral Town. I just suddenly remembered that this was Kai's first New Year here; but he knew all the steps and executed them perfectly.

"How come you know the dance?" I huffed as I twirled at the cue note.

"Cliff and Ann taught me a few days ago." He replied with a grin. The dance must've eased him up already.

"Oh, I see." I nodded stiffly, and twirled again. I was getting dizzy already from all this spinning. I tripped on my foot at one point, but luckily and embarrassingly, my dance partner caught me before anyone could notice my small mishap.

"Careful now, master," he chuckled as we resumed dancing. "Don't get carried away!"

I loosened up after seeing his carefree grin I loved. "Yes, yes. Ha ha."

The festive music ended, and it shifted to a slow, romantic song. I heard Ann giggling; maybe because she felt giddy about the whole romantic music. I tried to hide my blushing face, but since it was a little dark, I suppose Kai would've not seen it. He placed his hands on my waist, and with that I shuddered a bit. I hesitantly looped my arms around his neck.

"I'm just curious. Who did you dance with the past years?"

"Um, during my first year, I didn't actually attend… because I came here after New Year's Day. Then last year, I danced with Gray just until the traditional dance. He didn't want to come, but Cliff and I convinced him to go." I recalled.

"I guess that's the time when Mary and Gray broke up, right?"

"Yeah. Mary didn't come to the dance last year because of that." I looked around after remarking that. Ann was with Cliff, Karen with Rick, Popuri with Jack, Elli with Trent and Mary was with Harris.

"Oh well, what about this Goddess Festival on the eighth? It's a dance for girls too right?"

"Yeah."

"Eh, um, just curious again. Who escorted you?"

"I went on my own for two years… I never really had a date…" I murmured.

"Huh? So you mean Gray was with Mary, then?"

"No… He was sick that time."

"Oh… Umm… So, uh, I know it might be a little early, but… can I escort you on the eighth…?" He shyly mumbled, not looking at me in the eye.

"I'm… sorry, Kai. Jack and I had already talked about it. And well, he's my escort for that day." I lied.

"Oh… Too bad." He chuckled, but I felt that he was disappointed. I felt so sorry lying to him.

"I'm so sorry…" I really wish you'll be my date then… but I know you're lying to me, too.

"Nah, it's okay. Maybe I'll ask out Karen or Ann. But even if I'm with other girls, you'll always be my only master." He reminded me, and then unexpectedly took out something from his pocket. "Here."

"W-What's that…?"

Kai swiftly went behind me as he affixed the necklace on me. "This is my late Christmas gift to you. I couldn't find you anywhere for weeks, and Jack kept shooing me away."

I held the star pendant and gazed at it. "Sapphire… Thank you… You knew my favorite… "

"It suits you, actually… Heh. I am your best friend. I would know your favorite."

My tears were welling up again. I just love him. I wanted to be so damn happy of this moment, but I opened my eyes to the truth. He was just so stupidly sweet and romantic and I was falling harder for him. He had someone else in mind… And like he said to me once, for the next person he'll ever love, he's never going to let go of her… or in this case, him.

The slow song ended so we broke away from our stance. I asked Kai if we could go to the beach for a stroll. I wanted the truth now.

"Kai… I'm a bad person." I mumbled as we walked slowly along the shore. The moon was peeking behind the huge clouds. The waves were gentle and small; everything was simply peaceful.

"No, you're not."

"But I am… It's because I'm starting to have bad… s-suspicions of people so dear to me." I began.

"What are you talking about, Claire? And I want to know what's been bothering you since the fourteenth." Kai abruptly stopped walking and held my shoulders.

I started to cry. "It's-s just so… complicated. I don't know what… I should do… who to b-believe…"

"Just believe in yourself; whatever your heart says."

"Then… Kai… do you really want me to feel better?"

"Of course… Anything to make you smile… Please tell me what I can do."

"Simply be honest with me… That's all…"

"I've always been, Claire…"

Lie.

"K-Kai!" I didn't mean to raise my voice, but it did. Hot, desperate tears were rolling on my cheeks. "I don't want to believe any of my doubts… or any others anyway! B-But… just assure me… please… I want to know the truth… I want to feel the truth in your answer."

"I will be honest to you… That I promise." His eyes turned serious from being cheerless.

"I'll ask this again… Are you… gay?"

"No."

Lie.

"Kai, are you gay?"

"No."

Lie.

"Are you gay? Please, Kai… I'm your best friend… And you know… that I like you beyond words. I deserve to know."

"I am not gay." He looked me straight in the eye, solid and firm. But I couldn't say it was the truth.

Lie. Why couldn't I feel it as a sincere answer? Why couldn't he tell me the truth?

"Why…" my hoarse voice croaked. "Why can't you tell me the damn truth, Kai?"

"I already am… But why are you always asking me the same thing?"

"Because it's the worst doubt… I've ever had about the one person I love. I don't want to believe it… but there are so many things… that drove me to this point…"

"I've heard people talking behind our backs; about me and Cliff, specifically. I'm aware." He said sternly. "But I don't care. I'm unaffected because it isn't true. That's my proof."

I wiped away my tears. I turned antagonistic. "Kai… one more reason why I said I'm a bad person… is because I'm one of the people who gossiped about that."

He had no reaction at all. I thought he would go berserk or mad with me. But no, he's just the same. This is impossible.

"Aren't you mad with me, idiot?!" I yelled. "Aren't you mad that your own best friend just betrayed you for talking behind your back? For believing that you're a stupid homo? For being a terrible person?"

"Why would I?" He took me in his arms and softly whispered. "I love you. It doesn't matter to me. I know you're just confused about things."

I pushed him away. I got furious when he mentioned that I was purely confused. After everything I've found out, he's going to tell me I'm confused and nail my suspicions back? "I am not confused…! Kai, I've seen it! I've seen that journal, you jerk! Stop lying!"

"I expected that you've seen it…"

"W-What?"

"The journal… last thanksgiving, it had teardrop splotches on some of the pages. I figured that it might be you since you were crying when we bumped into you." He explained.

"So… is that an admission…?"

"Of Cliff and me being gay? No way."

"Then what the heck is the meaning of all those sweet crap?!"

"All but pure jokes. We get bored and write crazy stuff and laugh at it." He shrugged.

I wanted to believe him, but no. I had more knowledge about the whole situation than he expected. He was lying to me again. "Nothing more but lies…"

"You think I'm lying?"

"Yes. Now that I think of it… there are times you act so jealous when the three of us are together… I've doubted that you were jealous of Cliff…"

"Oh no, do not have the wrong idea…" He shook his head, and his eyes looked at me pleadingly. When he spoke, his voice trembled. "I am jealous of Cliff… Everyone knows that I'm a bit possessive when it comes to you… And… it's just… when I see you so… close to him; I feel down that you're more comfortable around him than with me."

I didn't expect that comeback. I was speechless.

He continued. "When you talk about your past friendship with Trent, I feel jealous… I wish I can be as good as a best friend as he was to you back then. When you ask Rick or Gray to help you out on errands, I feel jealous… Because I wanted you to ask me for help instead of them. And, stupid it may seem, I'm even jealous of your own cousin… because you spend more time with him now… and he gets to escort you on the eighth. There… that's how I feel… that's how possessive I am of my best friend."

If it weren't for that last word, I could've sworn that he was boyfriend. Stupid Kai.

"Kai… I am jealous of you and Cliff… I feel bad when you laugh together, when you talk about him, when you call him baby bro… It's so embarrassing but those things make me feel jealous…" I confessed, but I wasn't going to fall back to that weak girl who believed in his sweet lies. I was jealous because of a deeper reason—the secret relationship they had. Deep within me, I've known it all the time, but didn't actually identify why I was until now. "But now, after everything I've seen and heard, I deem my jealousy was never wrong… That's why I know, you're lying."

"Are your suspicions… your own belief? Aren't they the fruit of you being swayed by the others?"

"No, this time, I've had it even before I spoke with the others… I'm really sorry for causing you pain and nuisance about this… and for being so forceful… but… you're not telling me the truth."

"Believe whatever you want. I know that I'm telling the truth."

"Sorry, Kai… I'm a terrible, horrible friend… But I choose to believe my suspicions."

"Are you going to leave me now…? Your promise…"

"Ah… clearly… I apologize for that as well… but… I have to break m-my promise now."

With that, I turned and ran away from a person I betrayed… yet also betrayed me… from a person I held so dearly, cherished so fondly. As expected, things will never be the same ever again, whether he tells me the truth or not.

For now, he should never assure that love will make me stay or come back to him. Because when pain strikes the heart, love fades away no matter how great it was.