Been awhile since I wrote, but I got around to getting back into the mood of writing again. A few special things in store for Chapter 25. Considering it's winter and the season has so much story potential, the story is going to jump to winter. Hopefully it meshes well and the story turns out ok.

Also, we finally see some light Koumi, as well as a few other things in the following chapters. Hope you enjoy reading it.

The light shimmered on the hair of the anxious female as she brushed it. She looked into the mirror, making sure that she made no mistake. She stopped, smiling, pleased with the outcome of her brushing and combing. A happy, optimistic sound played on the small electronic that lay on her wooden dresser. She made one last, quick modification before putting the brush down, and answering the phone.

As she answered it, a bright, squeaky voice was heard from the miniature speaker phone.

"Hikari!"

Hikari stepped to the side, towards the window as the conversation began. It started as the normal 'hello's, then going to what seemed to be an interrogation.

"So…what are you doing today? I know your getting ready for something."

Hikari giggled lightly as she leaned against the fogged window in her room.

"Taichi and I are going to the park. I wanted to go look at the Christmas trees and all the colored lit buildings."

"Sounds romantic, under the cool starry sky, walking through the snow." Miyako said, almost teasing.

"It does, doesn't it?"

Hikari placed her index finger on the fogged glass, seeming to draw a smiling face with its tongue stuck out. She glanced at the clock, seeing as it was getting close to the time.

"I have to go, I'll see you Miyako."

She hit the 'End Call' button on her phone, without waiting for a response from Miyako. Quickly getting her jacket, she checked once more in the mirror to make sure that she looked as good as she hoped. Blowing a light stream of air, she moved a bang that fell between her eyes.

Closing the door behind her, Taichi waited by the counter. Their mother and father sat on the couch, watching the television. Taichi waved, before talking.

"Ok dad, Hikari and I are going to the park."

"Alright, son." Their father replied. Before Taichi and Hikari could turn the other way, their mother left them with a last comment.

"Say hello to Mimi for us. It's been a long time since she was back from America."

They both began walking out, closing the door behind. Almost immediately, Hikari held Taichi's hand. He didn't seem to mind as they continued down the stair cases. Hikari drew closer to him as they reached the final staircase.

"It's cold tonight."

Taichi chuckled as she commented.

"So…are Koushiro and Mimi supposed to meet us at the park?"

Taichi nodded lightly.

"They are supposed to, but Mimi is awful at making planned occasions."

They continued down the patterned sidewalks, some cracked, while some were intact. The city that was in the close distance had many lights. The buildings were lit with mostly orange lights, the natural color. Some were lit with vibrant fluorescent lights, which shined brighter.

One few buildings, and areas at floor level, the trees and areas were lavished with colored lights, varying with red, blue, green, and orange. They stood draped over trees and light posts, to color the areas.

The two reached a crossway like meeting area with benches. Sitting down, they waited.

"They should be coming soon."

Hikari looked around curiously, trying to spot any sight of the two. From the east sidewalk, two figures approached. One was significantly taller then the other. They arrived shortly after.

"Hey guys."

Koushiro greeted Taichi and Hikari.

"Hey." Taichi smiled as he greeted them.

As Hikari greeted the two, Taichi could see that Mimi's pink gloved hands were in place of Koushiro's.

"You two are…dating?"

Taichi smiled accusingly towards Koushiro, then looking at Mimi. Koushiro blushed as he drew his hand behind him. Mimi nudged at him as he spoke.

"S-sort of…I mean."

"Yes." Mimi corrected. "We are happily dating."

Hikari giggled as Mimi kept nudging at Koushiro.

"I'm glad to see you guys are together."

Hikari lifted her hand that was clasped by Taichi's, as a mean of gestures as she spoke, without taking to mind that she was holding it. Mimi shot a curious look as she paused. Hikari slid her hand from Taichi's stepping away a bit; sure that Mimi hadn't been told yet about her and Taichi.

"S-so! When did you guys start going out?" Hikari questioned.

"About 18 point 3 days ago." Koushiro responded, accurately as he always did.

Mimi nudged him again.

"You don't have to be so…geeky!"

She looked back at him slightly annoyed. He stared at her through her pink locks that lay in front of her face.

"You can't measure our Love…right?" Mimi questioned.

"Eh…" Koushiro responded.

The four stayed silent for a few moments, making gestures toward eachother to break the silence.

"I wanted to go shopping anyway, Kou!"

Koushiro nodded nervously.

"I guess I better get going, guys."

Mimi began walking towards the city, dragging Koushiro with her. Hikari waved as the two went off to the jungle of buildings.

"I think they look cute together."

"Yeah" Taichi agreed.

They started towards the middle of the park, where the trees were assembled. The were organized with lights, to make a travesty type mood.

"Hey, Taichi…"

Hikari questioned, with Taichi turning his attention to her.

"Does Mimi know…about 'us'?"

Taichi thought for a few seconds.

"Unless Koushiro told her, I doubt it. She was overseas for the longest time."

Hikari stopped walking, hold Taichi's arm in place.

"Taichi…" She whispered.

Taichi stopped, a little distance ahead. Hikari tilted her head down, staring at the cement.

"When…when we will be free? I want people to know we are in love. I want to be…normal."

Taichi turned around, letting Hikari fall into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her.

"I-I'm sorry. It will be hard, Hikari. I don't know how…but It will work out in the end, I promise."

This chapter was a bit short, as well as a bit 'fresh'. I tried adding as much 'technological character' to Koushiro as I could, as well as Mimi. Hikari's feelings of her and Taichi's relationship being secluded are beginning to show, and may play a bigger role as we go. It may seem like Hikari's character is always down, and switches from content to sad quickly.

I can only ask that the readers use empathy, and understand the gravity of the relationship, especially since the story skipped 9 months of time, meaning they preserved the relationship for such an extended period of time.

Hope you all enjoyed!