Thanks to all who followed up my story so far! I'd love to reach the goal of 100 followers for this story if possible. (Naivety, huh) Hey everyone ships Kukai and Utau right? Right right right? Because... well you'll see the reason later.

Well without further ado, shall we start? :)

Amu paced in her room, clutching her phone. The only logical thing to do was to go to meet Tadase first and then go find Ikuto since it was an hour apart. She snapped her fingers. Okay. I'll do just that.

She felt another vibration on her phone and clicked it open.

From: Ikuto
Hey Amu, I'm sorry but it seems like my parents have arranged an appointment at twelve... may I meet you earlier? At ten, perhaps. I hope you haven't arranged anything at that point of time.

Amu froze. Ten? Wasn't that the exact time Tadase had told her to meet up at the park? She ruffled her hair in frustration and threw down her phone on the bed.

Then came a few buzzes, indicating that it was a phone call instead of a text. She picked up her phone, tried calming herself down and refrained from shouting into the phone. "Hello?"

"Amu?"

Amu felt herself relax. "Oh, yes, Ikuto. About uh... that. I've already said I'd meet up with somebody, so is there another possible time we can meet up?"

She heard a pause. "Yes, I think so. But it'll be rather late by then. Ten o'clock at night, perhaps. I'll be at the park then. Sorry for the late notice, I didn't even expect my parents to fly here in such short notice." There was a bitter edge to his voice. "Well, see you then."

"Ah..." Before Amu could say anything to him, the line was cut. She'd wanted to wish him good luck. Wanted to hug him and tell him that it was alright. She'd also wanted to see him in person...

But Tadase was the one who asked first.

She rolled her eyes. Logic over desire. Righteousness over desire. Okay. I'm applying for sainthood.

Ikuto fixed his tie and settled into his car.

"Are you ready, sir? If so, the exact location is the restaurant in East Road-"

"Just drive."

The driver obliged and drove off.

"It's the first time since we were kids to have lunch together," said Utau, looking at her manicured nails.

Ikuto said nothing and only stared out of the window. His parents were harsh people, so they always demanded the best from their son. After all, he was going to be the heir to his father's throne in the company. And when that time comes, his relationships don't matter. His feelings don't matter. He'll be having the duty to force himself to think all about money and gains.

Of course. That was what their parents had in mind.

"You look displeased." Utau leaned forward. "As always."

"Even you know." Ikuto looked at her. "Yes. I am displeased. Displeased with my parents."

"Don't be." Utau smiled. "They arranged for us to be together."

Ikuto turned away and they continued to ride a silent journey towards the restaurant.

The driver opened the door for the two to step out. Utau stretched out a hand for Ikuto to take it. Ikuto stared at it, and did as she wished. There was no use displeasing his parents now.

"Welcome back," said Ikuto, forcing a smile. His parents greeted him with a businesslike smile. They kissed each other on the cheek and entered the posh restaurant.

"How long has it been since I last saw you, my dear Utau?" Ikuto's mother reached and patted Utau's head. "You're a beautiful full-grown woman."

Utau smiled sweetly. "Oh, no. I can't possibly be more gorgeous than you, madame."

"Oh, and what wonderful manners she's got, don't you think so, dear?"

Ikuto's father cleared his throat. "Ah. Yes. Wonderful manners." He took a glance at the linked hands. "Now we must get to business."

The smiles dropped off from everyone's faces.

"Amu, are you listening?"

Amu snapped back into reality. "Oh, yes. Yes."

"I was saying sorry." There was an irritated edge to his voice, and perhaps a little bit of... hurt?

"No! Ah, it's okay. Really. I mean, it didn't carry any meaning to it at all right? Um, for what happened yesterday."

"I meant what I said, Amu."

Amu stopped and stared into Tadase's eyes. He was so kind, so beautiful, so perfect. Any girl would want him.

But he just wasn't the one for her.

"I'm sorry." Amu said sincerely. Her eyes drifted to the ground. "I'm really sorry."

"I expected that as your answer."

Amu jerked up. "Huh?"

Tadase chuckled and brushed away his hair. "It's okay. I won't give up on you, though. Ikuto's family is harsh. There's no way you two can get by without you getting hurt, Amu."

"Wha...What do you mean?"

"You will know what I mean later." The smile on his face vanished. "Reality is bitter, Amu."

For once, Amu felt a sharp chill down her spine. Deep down, she knew Tadase was right. "I-I won't leave Ikuto because of that."

"We'll see." The warm smile appeared on Tadase's lips again. "If you have any problems, just come find me."