Author's Note: Again, sorry with the late update. I've been doing to put this chapter up for the longest time ever, but I just couldn't find out how to do so. Anyways, so many things have happened between the last update- but Digimon-related, it was Digimon Tri! I didn't see the movie cause I don't know Japanese, but I saw the subbed and excellent fan-dubbed trailers and I really, really hope that it gets dubbed in the US (obviously I'm pro-dub, but in my defense, Frontier was the first Digimon season I watched. I didn't know about Adventure until like 5 years ago). Anyways, I guess I just wanted to mention Tri because there are some hinted moments for one of my favorite pairings, and even though Digimon is a show that is about friendship and kicking ass, it's a nice cherry on top to see that one of my favorite pairings might be canon. Just might, only because it's too soon to tell.
Also, since it is Valentine's Day and I will be working, here's a PSA to tip your waiters and bartenders nicely. As a bartender, let's just say this is my least favorite holiday to work. Otherwise, I love Valentine's Day because candy and alcohol is awesome, whether you're single or not! So happy Valentine's Day to all of you! And the show must go on *flash*
The Club's Unwitting Depression! (Part 1)
"Hey, Iz. How's it going?" Tai walked over to Izzy, who was hunched over a mess of record books.
"Just charting the club activity," Izzy said in a zombie-like state. "I just don't get it."
"Just don't get what?" Tai asked.
"It appears that we have more guests today than we've ever had before. Also, you might not believe this, but Marcus is presently our top host, knocking TK and Davis down to second place. Takato is TK and Davis's biggest competition, since he either beats them or is only a couple of requests short of them. With Marcus as a new addition though, girls just aren't as interested in the bicurious friends or the little cutie pie. I just don't get it," Izzy tapped his pen on his chin.
"Is someone jealous that they have an even smaller chance of getting some clients?" Tai poked Izzy's cheek.
"Please don't touch me," Izzy stepped back. "As club president, I have more serious matters to attend to. Besides, I took my name out of the host roster so I could focus on the club statistics."
"Uh huh, sure...," Tai smirked.
"I just don't understand," Izzy looked down at his charts and shook his head. "Just a couple of weeks ago, these girls were afraid of him. Now these girls are gaga for him. What changed?"
"Ohhh, so that's what you mean! How much you wanna bet that Mimi has something to do with it?" Tai crossed his arms.
"How on earth does she have anything to do with this?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Check this out. You see, Marcus may be kinda mean-looking and he might seem distant when you first meet him, but what if we added a lively, pretty girl at his side? Suddenly, he's like that member of One Direction that all the girls cry about," Tai snapped his fingers.
"Zayn Malik?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"No, I can't think of the right word but for the sake of it, let's say Mimi is like this lovely item," Tai snapped his fingers.
"Huh?" Izzy turned red.
"You know? She's like this thing that complements Marcus's appearance. I can't think of the word for it," Tai huffed.
"You mean an accessory?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, that's the word! Okay, so since Mimi is like Marcus's cute accessory, she balances out Marcus's tough guy image. Even without saying anything, just by placing Mimi next to him, people begin to have a newfound admiration for Marcus. Suddenly he's seen in a positive light as an approachable and friendly, young gentleman!" Tai grinned.
"Hmm...I guess your theory makes sense. It seems like most of Marcus's charm is related to Mimi. If I recall, I think she was the first and only person in our grade who wasn't scared of him and actually treated him like a normal person. That's probably because she was completely oblivious to his intimidating demeanor," Izzy snorted.
"Hey, give credit where credit's due. Mimi can be a nice person when she wants to be," Tai shrugged.
"True," Izzy stretched his arms over his head.
"Hey guys, mind if we come in?" Kari peeked into the classroom.
"Come on in!" Mimi ushered the girls inside.
"Thanks!" Matt slinked in front of them.
"Nuh uh, nice try!" Mimi picked Matt by the collar and pulled him outside. "Either pay up or leave!"
"But how come they get in for free?" Matt yelled.
"Cause it's a friends and family discount," Mimi sneered.
"But I am friends and family! TK, Tai! Tell her!" Matt yelled.
"Huh?" TK turned around.
"Matt, stop harassing everyone and just go away," Tai shooed at Matt.
"Fine. This is so unfair," Matt pouted and shuffled away.
"Bye Felicia!" Mimi yelled down the halfway and closed the door.
"Hmmm, we have to find a way to keep Matt out," Tai rubbed his chin.
"So Kari, Zoe, what brings you here today?" Izzy asked.
"Nothing, just needed a place to hide out," Kari sighed.
"What happened? Who should I kill?" Tai put his hands on his hips.
"No, that's not it. Ever since the flyers for the spring dance went up this morning, a bunch of guys kept asking Kari out," Zoe explained. "Naturally, Davis was the first person who asked her out and that was at 5 in the morning, way before those flyers were put up."
"Someone call my name? I feel my ears burning," Davis merrily moved his way over.
"Get lost," Tai rolled his eyes.
"Getting lost," Davis shuffled away backwards.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. This is only the first day and the dance is a couple of weeks away," Kari groaned.
"Poor little pretty girl problems. Get over yourself," Rika snorted.
"Why do you guys keep her around?" Kari frowned.
"She doesn't even go to this school," Zoe said.
"Ignore her, you'll get used to it," Koji smirked.
"Come to think of it, you're not that nice either," Zoe shook her head.
"I do my best," Koji shrugged.
"So Mimi, I bet you had a lot of guys asking you out too, right?" Kari asked.
"Yeah, totally! It's like come on, boys," Mimi scoffed.
"Is there someone in particular you want to go to the dance with?" Zoe asked.
"Not really," Mimi shrugged.
"I just wish freshmen could go," Kari gingerly looked at Kouichi.
"Me too. Then boys would ask me out too," Zoe sighed.
"It's not that fun. Look at all of the love letters I've gotten," Kari emptied her bag. "I don't even know half of these guys. Did you get any notes, Mimi?"
"I just threw them out when no one was looking. I didn't want to seem rude," Mimi said.
"That's kind of you," Takato nodded.
"Yeah, if that's what you want to call it," Izzy rolled his eyes.
"So Marcus, is there someone special you want to ask out?" Mimi cooed.
"Nope," Marcus said. "I'm not into that stuff and besides, I already told my family I was coming down that weekend to see them."
"But you would look so cute in a tux," Mimi squealed.
"That's what all of the other girls said too," Marcus shrugged.
"You have no idea," Izzy mumbled to himself.
"Whaddya say?" Marcus growled.
"I didn't want to tell you until later, but the girls really love you. You're the number one host by a landslide. See?" Izzy held up his chart book.
"Whoa, really?" Marcus gasped.
"For reals! Only three girls wanted us. I guess they're not interested in the friends with benefits thing anymore," Davis kissed TK on the cheek.
"You two actually would make a cute couple. Why don't you go to the dance together?" Zoe asked.
"Sorry, but my heart only belongs to Kari. I only play around with TK to make her jealous. Right, Teeks?" Davis jokingly said.
"It doesn't matter cause I'm going to the dance with someone else," TK shrugged.
"Who?" everyone leaned toward him.
"Is it a guy or a girl?"
"Do I know them?"
"Who issssss it?" Mimi whined.
"You'll find out sooner or later," TK said.
"It's not me, by the way. Actually, I'm a little heartbroken that you didn't ask me first," Davis mocked TK.
"But you asked Kari out first. That's not fair to criticize TK when you did the same thing," Izzy pointed out.
"Lighten up, I was just joking around!" Davis laughed.
"Well, time to wrap it up," Izzy looked at his watch. "We should get home before the janitors lock up the school."
"See ya guys tomorrow!" Marcus saluted.
"Whatever he said," Rika said.
"Same," Koji smirked.
"You guys can't even bother to actually say goodbye?" Zoe gasped.
"Fine, Barbie. Goodbye to you all," Koji sarcastically bowed down to her and then left.
"I know he's a bit rude, but I think he likes you," Kouichi whispered to Zoe.
"Well he does a bad job of showing it, not that I'm even interested anyways," Zoe wriggled her nose.
"Bye!" everyone said to each other.
"Hold on, Mimi. You're not going anywhere," Tai subtly pulled Mimi back.
"Whoa, why did you do that? Now my uniform is wrinkly," Mimi whined.
"Cut the crap, I know nobody asked you out to the dance," Tai whispered.
"Well you're wrong. I think my locker was even fuller than Kari's!" Mimi haughtily said.
"Bullshit. Your locker is as empty as Davis's head. You got nothing," Tai made a zero with his hand.
"As if!" Mimi snorted.
"I wouldn't mind digging through all of the garbage bins in school to see all of the love letters you supposedly received," Tai smirked.
"Go ahead," Mimi pressed her lips together.
"..." Tai glared at her.
"Fine, okay! You're right! Nobody asked me out! Just don't tell anyone!" Mimi blubbered.
"Okay, I'll keep hush hush on one condition. Find out who Sora is going to the dance with," Tai said.
"Why do you care? She doesn't even like those type of things," Mimi grinned.
"Just find out, okay? She definitely doesn't want to talk to me, but you two are like BFFLs and all that girly stuff," Tai said.
"What's in it for me?" Mimi crossed her arms.
"I won't tell anyone about your empty locker if you know what I mean," Tai smirked.
"Oh. I forgot...," Mimi frowned.
"Now I have to go home and figure out who shaved Miko. It's kinda weird, because it's been a couple of weeks and Miko still looks like a hairless cat with a fur bikini. I thought Miko's hair would have grown in by now, but nope. It looks like someone keeps shaving him to keep the shape," Tai shook his head.
"Ew, that is weird," Mimi grimaced.
"By the way, thanks for letting us keep your shrunk doll clothes. They're the perfect fit for Miko and the tracksuit really keeps him warm. It's his favorite outfit," Tai said.
"No problem. They were going to go to waste, so I'm happy that they're being used," Mimi said.
"I just want to know who did this to my precious Miko so I can track them down and kill something they love," Tai cracked his knuckles.
"You're really scaring me right now, so bye!" Mimi ran away.
"I will kill what they love," Tai growled to himself.
The next morning...
"Hey girl, what's going on?" Mimi playfully slapped Sora on the arm.
"Hey Mimi...is everything okay?" Sora rubbed her arm.
"Totally!" Mimi laughed.
"Are you sure? You're acting weird," Sora raised an eyebrow.
"Me, being weird? Oh Sora, you slay me! You really do!" Mimi laughed maniacally.
"What do you really want from me? Did Tai send you to me? Because if he did, tell him nice try!" Sora put her hands on her hands.
"Hah hah, Tai telling me what to do? Since when do I ever listen to him?" Mimi nervously smiled.
"I guess that's true. Well, just in case, you can tell Tai that I don't want to be in the club anymore so he can stop wasting his time," Sora said.
"If you want, but then Tai's gonna be upset when I brought it up or of nowhere, because he hasn't talked about convincing you to come back to us," Mimi shrugged.
"He hasn't?" Sora frowned.
"Nope. I guess he gave up on that," Mimi said.
"Oh...," Sora flicked the corner of her notebook.
"Sooooo, the spring dance is coming up," Mimi pursed her lips.
"Yeah. It is...," Sora paused.
"Do you have a date to the spring dance?" Mimi grinned.
"Actually I do," Sora paused.
"Who? Who? Who?" Mimi bounced.
"I don't want to say yet," Sora said.
"Aw, come on! Why is everyone being so secretive? First TK, now you...oh my god, are you going out with TK?!" Mimi gasped.
"Shhh!" Sora hissed. "And no, I'm not."
"Then who is it?" Mimi whined.
"Like I said, I'll tell you later. It's just too early right now. Are you going out with someone? I bet your locker is full of invites," Sora asked.
"Like totally! Unfortunately, no one I'm interested in going with," Mimi faked a smile.
"Okay. I get that," Sora nodded. "Anyways, I'm headed to class. I'll see you around."
"Kay, Sora! Bye!" Mimi waved at her.
"BOO!" Tai snuck up behind Mimi and grabbed her shoulders.
"Eep! Tai! You scared me!" Mimi hit his arm.
"I could say I was sorry, but I'd be lying. So, did you find anything about Sora?" Tai asked.
"She is going to the dance with someone, but she wouldn't tell me who," Mimi pouted.
"Mimi...," Tai groaned.
"What? She wouldn't tell me! Why do you even care so much?" Mimi smirked.
"Hey, I wouldn't be a wise guy if I were you, Miss Empty Locker," Tai shook his finger at her.
"Right," Mimi's face fell.
"Please just try to find out soon," Tai sighed.
"I will, I will. Besides, now that she's being all top-secret about it, I wanna know too. I still don't get why you want to know sooooo badly. It's not like you're going to kill the guy, are you? And even if you do find out, do you have the courage to ask her out- no offense," Mimi turned red.
"No, you're right. I don't think I would have enough guts to ask her either. I don't know, I just wanna know, okay? Let's say you liked someone but they were going to the dance with someone else, wouldn't you want to know for curiosity's sake?" Tai looked at her.
"That's totally true," Mimi nodded.
"Besides, don't forget you have an empty locker," Tai said.
"Oh my god, when are you gonna drop that?" Mimi whined.
"Just find out who Sora is going with and I'll drop it forever, deal? All I want is that small favor, promise," Tai held out his hand.
"Promise," Mimi shook his hand.
"You have my word. Now if you don't mind me, I have a class to attend. You should get going yourself," Tai said.
"Yeah...no. I don't feel like going. I think I'll just go to study hall. It's still a class, right?" Mimi tilted her head.
"I don't think that's the way it works, but you live your life," Tai shook his head.
"I will!" Mimi sang.
"What a weirdo," Tai muttered to himself.
"I can't believe I agreed to go here with you. This stuff is gonna go straight to my hips," Sora groaned.
"Come on, there's nothing wrong with one cupcake," Mimi grinned.
"Easy for you to say. You have a fast metabolism. I have go to the gym everyday after school since I'm not on the volleyball or tennis teams this year," Sora said.
"One day isn't gonna hurt," Mimi sing-songed.
"Fine, but I'm only getting a plain coffee," Sora sat down at an empty table.
"Hey guys! My name is Rina and I'll be taking care of you today!" a girl with shaggy green hair and a pink apron flounced over to them.
"Oh, you're Izzy's girlfriend, right?" Sora asked.
"No, they're not dating!" Mimi interjected.
"Oh my god, sorry about that! I just assumed, since- you know, never mind. I'm gonna stop talking cause I'll just make things more awkward. By the way, Izzy hasn't been telling everyone you're his girlfriend, but even if you two were to go out, we wouldn't know since he'd such a private person, and who could- ow!" Sora winced.
"Oops, sorry. Didn't mean to kick you," Mimi pretended to be apologetic.
"Sorry, Rina. I've been caught up in my own stuff lately, I don't know what goes on anymore. I hope I'm not freaking you out," Sora ribbed the back of her head.
"No worries, guys!" Rina laughed nervously.
"By the way, I didn't know you worked here," Mimi said.
"Yeah, I just started. I like it so far. Good tips and I get a free coffee and dessert per shift. I'm thinking of quitting the job at the store so I can work more hours here, but I do like getting free clothes too. It's tricky," Rina shrugged. "So what can I get for you guys?"
"Just a black coffee for me," Sora said.
"And I'll have the cherry cupcake with a mocha latte please," Mimi said.
"Sure thing," Rina scribbled on a notepad and waked away.
"Alright, let's get down to business!" Mimi said.
"Mimi...," Sora groaned.
"You said you'd tell me later and it is later. Please?" Mimi begged.
"Fine, I'll tell you, but I don't want you saying anything to the rest of the guys," Sora wagged her finger at Mimi.
"Who out of the rest of the guys would even wanna know anyways? I don't think anyone else cares," Mimi nonchalantly said.
"Nobody cares?" Sora looked hurt.
"Here you guys go! A black coffee for you," Rina set a coffee cup in front of Sora, "and the cherry cupcake and mocha latte for you," she placed the food in front of Mimi.
"Thank you," the girls said.
"You're welcome! If you need anything, feel free to call me," Rina smiled and left.
"Wait, not to sound petty, but does nobody really care who I'm going out with besides you?" Sora asked.
"Well, no one's said anything about you. I just wanna know cause we're BFFs! Remember, when the boys would be stupid, me and you always had each other!" Mimi beamed.
"We sure did. Alright, so you wanna know who I'm going to the dance with?" Sora fiddled with the teaspoon in her coffee mug.
"Yes yes yes!" Mimi bounced.
"I'm going with Matt," Sora exhaled.
"Ew! Seriously?!" Mimi said in disgust.
"See, I didn't want to say anything because I knew you'd react that way," Sora groaned.
"I mean, yay for you...," Mimi gently clapped her hands.
"Stop, I know you're not thrilled. I shouldn't have said anything," Sora sighed.
"No, I'm sorry! I'm happy for you, I am. I just don't get how it happened. How?!" Mimi forced a grin.
"We're only going as friends. The rest of his bandmates are bringing their girlfriends, and Matt didn't want to be the only one without a date so he asked me," Sora shrugged.
"How did he ask you out? Did he do anything special?" Mimi cooed.
"He just said 'Hey Sora, wanna go to the dance with me?' and after that, he asked me to pass him a Capri Sun," Sora said.
"Ew, seriously? What next? Is he gonna make you pay for your own corsage too?" Mimi snorted.
"Mimi...," Sora said in a warning tone.
"Sorry, but he could have done a better job," Mimi shrugged.
"Mimi...we are just two separate people going to the same place together. We are not a couple, we are not anything but friends, and I'm quite happy that way," Sora said.
"Are you really?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! Besides, Matt is the least of my concerns," Sora said.
"You don't say?" Mimi tapped her chin.
"Uh...why are you sounding like some creepy therapist?" Sora made a face.
"I'm not!" Mimi turned red.
"You seem to be deeply analyzing everything I'm saying and it's weirding me out. Next thing, you'll be nodding your head like some mad scientist and saying 'Fascinating!' or 'Prodigious!'" Sora said.
"Ew. Who even says prodigious? Gross," Mimi stuck her tongue out.
"Prodigious! Why haven't I ever heard of this?" Izzy gasped at his laptop.
"Probably because you're too busy following the rules to think outside the box," Tai ruffled Izzy's hair. "Only catch is that most of the shows on this app are from American TV- which would be perfect for Kouichi, but I'd rather not tell him about it."
"Good idea. I don't know what could be worse for him anyways, American TV or orangeade," Izzy smirked.
*buzz buzz buzz*
"Oh sorry, it's Mimi. I really have to get that, it's important," Tai said.
"Go ahead. I don't mind," Izzy said.
"Thanks," Tai answered his phone and placed it on the ground. "Sup, Mimi? You're on speaker by the way. I'm too lazy to hold the phone right now."
"Ugh, really?" Mimi grunted.
"Don't worry, it's just Izzy here with me," Tai said.
"Hi Mimi," Izzy waved at the phone.
"Hi to you too, Izzy," Mimi sounded annoyed.
"Don't worry, Meems. I'm leaving the room now so you guys can get some privacy. I'll see you in school tomorrow," Izzy walked to the door and closed it, but didn't leave the room.
"What the hell? Go!" Tai silently mouthed to Izzy. Izzy shook his head.
"Bye! Good, now that he's gone we can get to serious business!" Mimi squealed.
"Yeah...," Tai shook his fist at Izzy, who just shrugged.
"So, I'm at the cupcake shop with Sora and I finally know who she's going out with," Mimi said.
"Who is it?" Tai picked his phone up.
"Bad news, it's Matt...," Mimi said in disdain.
"Oh," Tai's voice dropped.
"Crap, I'll talk later. Sora's coming back. TTYL!" Mimi hung up.
"So, you managed to hire Mimi as your informant?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Don't judge me," Tai glared at Izzy.
"I'm not judging. I think Mimi wanted to know who Sora was going out with just as badly as you did, if not more," Izzy said.
"I just can't believe they're going together. What does she see in him? He's a total douchenozzle," Tai scorned.
"Who still happens to be our friend...how so is beyond me," Izzy rubbed his chin.
"Mimi was right. Now that I know who Sora's going with, what am I going to do now? Maybe it was better off it I didn't find out after all, but then again it would have driven me crazy if I didn't know. Ugh," Tai plopped face down on Izzy's bed.
"I wish I had a solution to help you, but I've got nothing," Izzy said.
"That's okay. I did this to myself. What do you think? Was it better I knew than if I didn't know?" Tai asked.
"I would say so. At least you got the mystery over with, now you can focus on other things," Izzy said.
"I know you're only trying to help, but that doesn't necessarily make me feel any better," Tai sighed.
"I don't know. Why don't you take another girl to the dance? Think of it as a host club mission," Izzy shrugged.
"Who would I ask without them getting the wrong idea that I like them or something?" Tai grabbed a pillow and smushed it against his face.
"Right, I didn't think of that...," Izzy bit his lip.
"It's okay, I'll find something else to do that day while everyone's at the dance. Maybe I can do something with the freshmen since they can't go to the dance," Tai said.
"No, please don't do that. That sounds so sketchy. By the way, I think the twins might have plans of their own," Izzy shook his head.
"Great...I guess I could always Netflix and chill by myself," Tai shrugged.
"Netflix and chill, you say?" Izzy snickered.
"What's so funny about that? You're laughing at my pathetic life? I don't need to take this, I'm going home," Tai picked up his backpack and got up.
"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at that precisely. Just do me a favor and look up the term Netflix and chill on Urban Dictionary when you get home," Izzy smirked.
"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow," Tai said and left. A few seconds later, Izzy heard a scream down the hallway. "Really?! Screw you, Izumi!"
"Can you believe that it hasn't even been a week yet and tickets for the dance are almost close to selling out?" Zoe said.
"There's such a thing?" Koji snorted.
"Yeah. Apparently, fire code can only allow a certain amount of people in the gym and it's almost at full capacity. Mimi, I'm just shocked that you haven't found a date yet. Isn't it kinda odd? Especially at this rate, do you think you're even going to the dance?" Kari asked.
"Oh my gosh, for the last time! The right person just hasn't asked me out yet! Don't you understand?" Mimi huffed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm just a little surprised," Kari bit her lip.
"Leave her alone, have you seen how psycho the guys in this school are? I don't blame her for being picky. You have no reason to talk, you RSVP'd your date," Rika smugly said to Kari.
"She's got a point," Zoe shrugged.
"RSVP'd your date? What are you talking about?" Tai asked.
"Me and TK are going together," Kari sighed. "We agreed that if neither of us had a boyfriend or girlfriend by the time a dance came, we'd go together. By the way, how did you even know about that, Rika?"
"I heard you talking about it before you went inside," Rika said.
"Uh-" Kari gasped.
"Well...that wasn't awkward," Takato remarked.
"Look, Mimi. If I didn't tell my family I was coming down to see them next week, I'd take you to the dance. I'm not into that stuff, but I wouldn't mind being your escort," Marcus said.
"Really?" Mimi touched her heart.
"Uh, sure. Only if you'd wanna, of course. I wouldn't force you cause that would be weird," Marcus stuttered.
"Aww, that's so sweet of you," Mimi beamed. "So Izzy, what about you?"
"What about me?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"I know you're still gonna be here next weekend," Mimi grinned.
"And?" Izzy asked.
"Well, the dance is coming up, so as a favor to you, I'll give you permission to ask me out and I'll say yes. Promise," Mimi grinned.
"Are you asking him to ask you to the dance?" Takato frowned.
"Hold on, am I hearing things right? Grant me your permission to ask you to the dance?" Izzy made a face.
"Yep!" Mimi beamed.
"I can't believe you have the audacity to 'grant me permission' for something I would never plan on doing in the first place! And what makes you think that I don't already have a date to the dance?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"Well, do you have a date, Mr. Casanova?" Koji scoffed.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Izzy stated.
"You have a date?!" everyone gasped in unison.
"Yes, I have a date. I'm going out with Rina," Izzy said.
"Wow, I can't believe you managed to get Rina to go to the dance with you," TK said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"You know what it means. You're not the smoothest guy around," Rika said.
"Well I did get a date," Izzy said.
"And with an attractive girl who isn't going out of pity," Koji smirked.
"Thank you...," Izzy shook his head.
"You're welcome," Koji gave him a slight nod.
"Come on! We should be congratulating the guy, not making rude comments! Rina's a solid 10!" Marcus patted Izzy on the back.
"Puh-lease. She's like a 7 at the most," Mimi scoffed.
"Someone sounds bitter," Tai smirked.
"I'm not bitter- but it's true. That green hair is such a horrid color and don't get me started on her choice of wardrobe," Mimi pretended to stick a finger down her throat.
"I'll have to agree with Mimi on this. When it comes to fashion, I'll have to trust her senses," Kari said.
"Why thank you, Kari!" Mimi said.
"Um, let's talk about something else before this turns into some episode of Fashion Police," Kouichi rubbed the back of his head.
"Enough with the American TV," Koji gritted his teeth.
"You can't tell me what to do," Kouichi said.
"Uh oh, trouble in Twin Peaks," Rika commented.
"Speaking of Twin Peaks, I see that Rina-" Koji said.
"Stop!" Izzy said.
"Ain't no mountain high enough?" Tai said.
"That's it! Meeting adjourned, everyone go home!" Izzy clapped his hands and pointed at the door.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," Tai shrugged.
The next day...
"Kari! Will you go to the dance with me?"
"No! Don't listen to that clown! Go out with me!"
"Sorry boys, but I'm already going with someone else," Kari shook her head.
"Who is it?"
"At least we know one thing for sure. It ain't Motomiya!" one boy heckled.
"Hey!" Davis whined.
"But it's true, isn't it?" another boy smirked.
"Shut up," Davis shuffled to a desk in the back of the classroom.
"Ugh," Mimi sighed.
"Geez, you too? I get it, Kari doesn't like me, I'm a big loser, hah hah hah," Davis glumly said.
"No, not that. I'm just tired of all that drama with the dance. No reason for everyone to be rude," Mimi picked at the corner of her notebook.
"Amen!" Davis exclaimed.
"Besides, I don't get the big deal about Kari. What's with all of these guys going crazy over her anyways? She looks like a parrot with that cast on her nose," Mimi remarked.
"Whoa, you don't have to be so mean," Davis frowned.
"I'm not being mean, I'm just stating fact. She has a freaky cage on her face, am I right?" Mimi snapped.
"But she's still beautiful. And she's kind, and smart, and beautiful...," Davis breathily said.
"Ugh, gross...," Mimi wriggled her nose in disgust.
"If you ask me, it sounds like you're jealous of the attention she's getting," Davis instantly regretted what he said.
"Jealous?" Mimi's face reddened in anger. "Like I'd want a freakshow constantly following me around. If anything, I feel sorry for the girl."
"Me too," Davis nodded.
"Honestly, I don't know why I'm even talking to you. You're a freaky Kari obsesser who thinks she's perfect even though she could care less about you," Mimi scoffed.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Who locked the real Mimi up in a closet and took her place?" TK gasped.
"Sorry Davis, I'm just a little cranky cause my mom made omelettes for breakfast and I hate eggs, so I skipped breakfast because I ran out of Pop Tarts. I didn't mean to hurt you," Mimi frowned.
"That's okay," Davis said. Sure, Mimi said some harsh words, but they were true. Kari was disfigured, but that didn't stop the boys from finding her attractive. Davis could tend to be obsessive over Kari, but he tried to tone it down a bit. As for Kari not caring about him, Mimi didn't phrase it too well, but it was true that Kari didn't pay as much mind to him as she would to TK or Tai, for example. Davis sighed again and slumped in his seat.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone," the teacher entered the classroom.
*buzz buzz*
"What's this?" Davis pulled his phone out of his pocket.
TK: What happened between you and Mimi?
"Ugh," Davis huffed to himself and then began to text.
Davis: Nothing. Just talking about the dance.
TK: What exactly?
Davis: All of these guys asking Kari out is getting annoying. Even Mimi says so.
TK: Did she say why?
Davis: Not really. She was mostly mad about it.
TK: I don't understand why *she* should be. It's not like she's the one getting harassed.
Davis: I wish you guys could just tell everyone that you're going together. Then it'll all stop. I'm tired of the guys making fun of the fact that Kari doesn't like me.
TK: She likes you.
Davis: Really?
TK: Yeah. She says you're the silliest friend out of everyone.
Davis: So she only thinks of me as a friend?
TK: What else would she think of you as?
Davis: Oh.
TK: I don't know why she wants to keep it a secret, but I'll talk to her about it later today. Btw, heads up. We've got a pop quiz coming our way.
"Fabulous," Davis muttered as he put his phone back in his pocket.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone. I had a little bit of trouble with the copy machine, but that should have given you some extra opportunity to study for today's pop quiz. Now I know you don't have as much time to work on it because I wasn't prepared, but I still expect you all to complete it by the end of this period," the teacher yawned.
"But that's not fair!" one student protested.
"And your mom does not look like Beyonce, like she made herself seem on Tinder," the teacher snapped.
"My mom can't have a Tinder...she and my dad are still happily married..."
"That's not what her profile said," the teacher smirked.
"No...," the kid picked up his backpack and ran out of the classroom crying.
"Just kidding, I just made that up. Well, tonight's gonna be an interesting dinner for his family," the teacher chuckled.
"I just realized I'm in the wrong class!" Mimi sprung up from her seat.
"Are you okay? It took you this long to realize that?" Kari looked concerned as a bunch of kids quietly chuckled.
"Hey, give her a break! I just realized it too!" Davis said.
"That's because you're an idiot," the teacher said. The kids laughed again.
"Kari, if you knew I didn't belong here, why didn't you say something?" Mimi looked annoyed.
"Sorry, I thought you were here on purpose. Why else would you be in a class you didn't belong in?" Kari blushed.
"Girl, I'll write you an excuse note," the teacher said.
"Thank you, sir!" Mimi breathed in relief.
"Here you go. Just hand this to your teacher and they'll understand," the teacher licked an envelope shut and handed it to Mimi.
"Thanks," Mimi said and stepped out of the classroom. As she walked to her proper class, she couldn't help but to wonder why the teacher sealed the note in an envelope.
"Miss Tachikawa, nice to have you join our class 30 minutes into lecture," the teacher wryly said.
"Sorry, Mr. Stein. Here's a note," Mimi handed him the envelope.
"Oh joy, it's from Mr. Garrison...," the teacher opened up the envelope and began to read the letter out loud. "Dear Teacher, please excuse this girl for being late to your class. She was an idiot and sat in my class for a half-hour before she realized she didn't belong here. I hope this note is going to a Special Ed teech, cause it's pretty clear that this girl doesn't belong in normal people classes. The end."
"Hahahahahahahaha!" the class erupted in laughter.
"I am so sorry, Miss Tachikawa. I should have known better to read anything Mr. Garrison has to say out loud. He has to be the biggest prick I know," the teacher groaned. "Just take a seat."
"Okay," Mimi sat down next to Izzy, who seemed to look more absorbed in his computer even more than usual. Normally, she would try to take a sneak peek of what he was looking at, but she was just too angry to care. She pulled out her notebook and pen and began scrawling on the paper.
"Uh, are you okay?" Izzy gave her a strange look.
"Totally," Mimi said, not taking her eyes off her paper.
"Alright. Just asking," Izzy frowned and went back to his computer.
Hold yourself together, girl! Pretend everything's normal cause you're looking real suspicious, Mimi silently scolded herself.
*riiiiingggg*
"And that's all for today! Since I don't feel like grading more things, you guys get no homework for tonight," the teacher said.
"Yay!" everyone cheered.
"Meems, did you hear that?" Izzy asked.
"Hear what?" Mimi mumbled.
"We don't have homework tonight. I thought you'd be really excited about that," Izzy said.
"Oh cool," Mimi said.
"You don't look too good," Izzy frowned.
"Yeah. I think I'm gonna go home. I have diarrhea or whatever," Mimi blankly said.
"Um...gross, but okay. Feel bet- hey Mimi, you forgot your stuff," Izzy said, but Mimi was already gone. "What the hell is this?" he picked up her notebook, horrified.
"Marcus, are you okay?" Sora asked.
"Sure...," Marcus pouted.
"It doesn't look like you're okay," she frowned.
"It's nothing. I'm just a little bummed out because I was one of the last people in line and they ran out of meatball subs, so I just settled for...this salad in between bread," Marcus looked down at his lunch tray.
"I haven't eaten my sandwich yet. You wanna trade?" Sora shrugged.
"Oh my god, can we?!" Marcus excitedly said.
"Sure. It's about time I try out what the Veggie Delight sandwich tastes like anyways," Sora switched trays. "Not bad."
"KARI, WILL YOU GO OUT WITH ME? CAUSE WE ALL KNOW YOU'RE NOT GOING WITH MOTOMIYA!"
"Unbelievable," Sora said in scorn. She watched as Davis glumly picked up his bag and trudged out of the cafeteria.
"That's it, it's fighting time!" Marcus sprung up from his chair and cracked his knuckles.
"Marcus, don't! Davis has to stand up for himself, and besides you don't want to get detention. You have to lay low on the radar," Sora tugged Marcus's sleeve.
"You're right...," Marcus grumbled.
"Good, I was hoping to find you here!" Izzy say down.
"What's wrong?" Sora asked.
"It's Mimi," Izzy said.
"What did she do to you this time?" Sora rolled her eyes.
"She didn't do anything to me at all. In fact, she was actually quiet and and tolerable, which is reason enough for concern," Izzy said.
"I'm scared to see where this is going," Marcus grimaced.
"It was evident that Mimi wasn't her usual self, but of course there was a catch. I know you guys are tired of me saying this, but she truly does exhibit psychopathic behaviors. If you don't believe me, I finally have proof," Izzy opened Mimi's notebook.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Marcus yelped.
"Was she trying to play hangman by herself?" Sora frowned.
"How does that make sense? Is that even possible? And how does she still get letters wrong? And why does the stick figure look like Tai's sister?" Marcus pointed at the scribbled letters at the side of the stick figure.
"Let's not look at this anymore. Frankly, it's too disturbing and if I have to look at it for another second, I might have nightmares for weeks," Izzy turned the notebook over.
"Good idea," Marcus nodded.
"What was the point of her playing hangman anyways when she just wanted to write 'stupid face'? Why would she want to call Kari a stupid face in the first place?" Sora frowned.
"Just the guys I wanted to see! Hey, Izzy. What's that?" TK pointed at the notebook.
"It's nothing! Just Mimi's notes. Mimi's useless notes!" Izzy frantically started ripping paper into shreds and then snatched a juice box from Sora's tray.
"Hey!" Sora gasped.
"Oh darn...I accidentally poked holes in your juice and spilled it over Mimi's notebook," Izzy shook the juice box until it was empty.
"Okay...everyone is acting so weird, I don't know if I want to hang out with any of you. I think I understand how Koji and Rika feel now. No offense," TK said.
"Under these circumstances, we'll let this comment slide," Sora said.
"I can't wait until this stupid dance is over. Everything and everyone's just getting on my nerves," TK groaned.
"Whoa, Mr. Sunshine! Why are you so glum? Don't you already have a date to the dance?" Marcus looked confused.
"Yeah, but it's really annoying when she doesn't want to tell anyone that we're going together. It's fucking stupid, like why does she want to keep it a secret? What's the point in that? Only reason I could think of is to hide it from Davis to spare his feelings, but he already knows me and Kari are going together. Do you think Kari wants to keep us a secret because she likes the attention she's getting from the other boys?" TK asked.
"That sounds like a stunt Mimi would pull, not Kari," Izzy snorted.
"Besides, if Kari wanted attention, I don't think she'd want it from those type of guys," Sora nodded.
"Not trying to add fuel to the fire here, but-" Marcus paused. Izzy and Sora glared at him. Sora subtly pointed at Mimi's ruined notebook and shook her head. "Right...anyways, I know Kari is your friend and all, but I don't know why she just doesn't tell everyone that you're taking her to the dance. Like what is the reason for that?"
"I don't know, but it's not good for anyone. I'm annoyed by it, I'm annoyed by her complaining about how she's getting asked out all the time, but I'm extremely annoyed about how it's affecting Davis. Hey, maybe that's why Mimi was acting really funny this morning!" TK gasped.
"She was acting funny, you say?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but not like hah hah funny. More like demented child in scary movie kind of funny, as in not really something to laugh at. It kinda freaked me out to be honest," TK frowned.
"What did she do?" Marcus asked.
"I showed up late to class, and for one thing it was weird that she was even there," TK said.
"That's right, because Mimi and I have first period together- we pretty much have every class together, but she showed up like a half hour late this morning. So I guess she was in your class during that time," Izzy said.
"Correct. Anyways, I go sit down next to Davis and I hear Mimi calling him a Kari stalker and how Kari doesn't care about him. She was just being really mean," TK shook his head.
"Harsh," Marcus bit his lip.
"So throughout the day, I was wondering what would drive Mimi to snap at Davis, and I came to the conclusion that she's jealous," TK said.
"Jealous?" Izzy made a face.
"Why else would she be annoyed at Kari? And why else would she have snapped at Davis? I think she has a crush on him, but she's mad that he's still in love with Kari, and it doesn't help that all of these guys are also obsessed with her too. I think Mimi wants Davis to notice her instead of Kari, and although Mimi is a pretty girl, it's kind of hard to compete with Kari. For one thing, you don't see masses of guys running to ask Mimi out," TK said.
"Have you considered that unlike Mimi, Kari is much kinder? That's why guys aren't afraid to approach Kari. If Mimi was to be as nice, she'd probably have guys from other schools come here to ask her out," Izzy said.
"Ooh la la, does someone have a thing for Mimi?" Marcus teased.
"No! I'm going to the dance with Rina!" Izzy defensively said.
"That's not what I asked," Marcus grinned.
"Guys, let's get back to the conversation," Sora slapped her hand on the tabletop. "So TK, you think Mimi has a crush on Davis?"
"I'm no expert on love, but it makes sense, doesn't it?" TK said.
"It would be a logical reasoning behind her erratic behavior," Izzy rubbed his chin.
"Or maybe she has a crush on YOU," Marcus pointed his finger at TK.
"Huh?" everyone else looked dumbfounded.
"Why would you say that?" Izzy asked.
"Well, the whole school thinks you and Kari are practically dating-"
"We are not dating," TK said.
"But you guys do hang out all the time and do dating people stuff like share food. It would take a really special person for me to wanna share food with," Marcus said.
"Can't argue with that. You don't just give your food to anyone," Izzy nodded.
"And outside of school, I think Kari's worn your sweaters more than she wears her own," Sora said.
"Not too loud, what if Tai hears? He just thinks that Kari likes wearing baggy sweaters cause it's trendy," TK whispered.
"Tsk tsk tsk, she's lying to her own brother about where she gets her clothes from?" Marcus shook his head. "Besides, I think the coast is clear. I haven't seen Tai at all today."
"I saw him hanging around by the library and he looked pretty mopey. I was gonna say hi, but he didn't look in the mood to talk to anyone- especially me of all people," Sora sighed.
"See? I'm telling you, everyone's being weird! The only ones who aren't acting weirdly are the twins, Takato, Rika, and you," TK said to Marcus.
"Hey, I'm not acting weird!" Izzy protested.
"Um, you spilled juice over that notebook like it was gasoline. For a second, I thought you were gonna strike a match and light the book on fire," TK said.
"Oh, right...," Izzy turned red.
"Meh, I don't get why everyone's all depressed. I don't know much about dances, I thought these prom things were supposed to make people happy," Marcus shrugged.
"Consider yourself lucky that you're not going. These kind of things are totally overrated, and even more so when you're most likely going to babysit your partner," Sora sighed.
"What do you mean by that?" Marcus asked.
"I overheard Matt talking with the rest of his bandmates about how they're going to pull little pranks during the dance and not to let me in on the plans because I'd just spoil the fun. Then after Matt left, I overheard the band talking about how they're not actually going to pull the pranks they were planning on doing. They just want to set Matt up and throw him under the bus," Sora sighed.
"Geez, what did he do to piss them off?" Marcus made a face.
"No clue, but I don't know what to do. I'm not even supposed to know they're planning to do pranks in the first place, but then again, maybe I should let Matt get himself into trouble since they didn't want me to know anyways. But then again, I'll be going to the dance with him and I don't want anything to happen to me just because I'm around Matt," Sora tapped her chin.
"Personally, I'd go ahead and let Matt take the fall. He probably deserved what he's going to get. But then again, I wouldn't want to be caught up in that either," TK frowned.
"It's a lot easier said than done, but make sure he doesn't leave your sight and anytime he looks like he's up to something, distract him with something. Pretend like you're trying to stop Tai from doing something stupid," Izzy said.
"I was hoping to have a good time, but now I don't know. This is my senior year, it's not like I'm gonna have another dance to go to next year," Sora sighed.
"You know, you can always change your mind. You don't have to go out with Matt," Izzy said.
"He's right," Marcus nodded.
"But I already told him I'd go with him. Wouldn't that be rude?" Sora said.
"Don't worry about it, I don't think he'd mind. Besides, I know he hasn't even begun to plan anything," TK said.
"Oh," Sora pursed her lips.
"At least that's a heavy weight off your shoulders," Izzy nodded.
"True," Sora exhaled. In the back of her mind, she still wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to have a good time at the dance, but she wasn't sure if it would be possible if she went with Matt.
"YOU WHORE! GIMME MY PUDDING BACK!" Matt tackled one of his bandmates.
"Heavy weight," Izzy repeated, as if he could read Sora's mind.
"Yeah," Sora bit her lip.
The next day...
"Hey Mimi, glad to see you're doing better...," Izzy stammered. After seeing her notebook yesterday, he really didn't want to cross her.
"I'm not. My mom made me go to school. She's having throwing a get-together at the house so she can watch some reality TV show with herfriends. She said if I went to school, she'd give me $100," Mimi pouted.
"That's cool. I wish my mom would pay me money to go to school," Izzy remarked.
"No you wouldn't. My mom wants proof that I showed up, so I have to write notes in each of my classes," Mimi said.
"Hold on, you don't write notes? Like at all?" Izzy gasped.
"Nope," Mimi shook her head.
"Then what are you doing on your notebooks?" Izzy asked.
"I just draw," Mimi shrugged.
"Oh yeah...," Izzy shuddered.
"By the way, do you know if I left my notebook at school? I couldn't find it in my bag and it wasn't in my room," Mimi frowned.
"No...," Izzy bit his lip.
"Great, now I don't know what I'm gonna do," Mimi sighed.
"If you want, you can borrow my binder. I think I'll just take notes on my laptop anyways," Izzy handed her his binder.
"Thanks!" Mimi sighed in relief.
"Just promise you'll only use it for note-taking, not doodling," Izzy turned on his laptop.
"Okay," Mimi said.
Great, that was probably a mistake to let her use my paper...I just how she doesn't draw anything demonic this time, Izzy thought to himself. He peeked from the corner of his eye to see Mimi's fingers twitching. So far, so good. He clicked on his messaging app and began typing.
Izzy: Hey guys, Mimi's here today.
Marcus: ...so? wat does that mean?
TK: Why?
Sora: It means we have to keep on our toes around her.
Izzy: Precisely.
Izzy: And that especially means we don't mention notebooks.
TK: Trust me, idt any of us want to mention notebooks after what we saw yesterday.
Marcus: 4 sumthing so small, I don't think I've been more afraid of anything
Sora: She does have her scary moments.
"Mimi? Can I help you?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"No, I'm fine!" Mimi turned red.
"Okay...," Izzy said and went back to his laptop.
Izzy: It seems like she's almost back to her old self.
Sora: What makes you say that?
Izzy: She's being nosy again. I caught her trying to look at what I'm doing on my laptop.
TK: What are you doing on your laptop that you don't want her to see...?
Izzy: I'm talking to you guys.
Sora: You're texting us through your computer? Can you really do that?
Izzy: Yes and yes.
Marcus: ABORT MISSION! ABORT MISSION!
Izzy: Relax, she can't see what I'm doing. I made sure of it.
Marcus: HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!
Izzy: After the first week of having Mimi sit next to me in class, I tinkered around with my screen settings so there's no way she can see anything.
TK: I still can't believe you can text on the computer! That's pretty cool.
Marcus: yeah!
Sora: G2G, teacher's coming my way.
Marcus: K!
TK: I should get going too. Meet up at lunchtime?
Sora: Yeah
Marcus: K
Izzy: Sounds good.
TK: Cool. TTYL!
"Hey Izzy, whatcha doing?" Mimi grinned.
"Gah! Nothing!" Izzy frantically closed the messaging window.
"Are you clothes shopping online?" Mimi moved her head closer.
"Mimi...," Izzy said through his teeth.
"What's with this sudden interest in fashion now, hmm?" Mimi smirked.
"It's not fashion. I'm just looking for the best deal on something to wear for the dance," Izzy closed his laptop.
"You wanna look good for Rina," Mimi cooed.
"Is that a crime?" Izzy said.
"No. I just like teasing you," Mimi stuck her tongue out.
"..." Izzy crossed his arms and looked straight ahead.
"If you want my opinion, I think you'll look just fine," Mimi smiled.
"Really?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Totally! So take it easy. I bet whatever you wear, Rina will be impressed," Mimi nodded.
"Thanks," Izzy turned red.
"Mmm hmm...," Mimi tried to hold in her laughter. She could have sworn Izzy had set up a virtual dressing app on his laptop, and she could have sworn there was a crab costume on one of the outfits. That poor unfortunate soul, she silently smirked to herself.
"I get that everyone's excited for the dance, but does that really mean they can't stop by the host club?" Davis whined.
"Yes," Rika wryly said.
"Well, people have things to do like book appointments at the salons and go shopping- some people do all their shopping online though, so that gives them plenty of time to be here. Right Izzy?" Mimi teasingly smiled.
"Stop it," Izzy pressed his lips together.
"Hey guys, do you what's up with Tai? He's been acting weird, and I might as well ask before he comes-" Marcus paused.
"What the wha...?" everyone gasped. The school band marched into the room, with the drumline following behind.
"CAN I GET EVERYONE'S ATTENTION?" Tai boomed.
"I think you already did," Kouichi mumbled.
"What's going on?" everyone muttered.
"I've been meaning to do this for the longest time and I might as well do it before someone snatches up the chance...," Tai stood in front of Mimi and went down on one knee. "Mimi, will you go to the dance with me?"
"Huh?" Mimi blinked.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" Tai held up a ticket.
"Yes! Yes! I'd love to!" Mimi jumped and wrapped her arms around him.
"Awww, isn't it just adorable?" Davis gushed.
"Izzy, you don't look too good," Kari pressed the back of her hand to his forehead.
"I'm fine. I'm just completely blindsided by this," Izzy stepped back.
"I think it's safe to say we all are," Kouichi nodded.
"Well, congrats to the both of you," Rika said.
"I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not," Marcus frowned.
"Trust me, I'm being completely serious. The thought never occurred to me until today, but the two of you would actually make a...I can't believe I'm bringing myself to say these words... The two of you would be a cute couple," Rika shuddered.
"Did you just say cute?" Takato grimaced.
"Shut up, don't remind me. I don't know crap about love, but if I'm saying the C-word, you know it's serious," Rika cringed. "I can't believe I said that."
"Aww, that's probably the sweetest thing you've ever said, even if I don't agree with it," Mimi cooed.
"Think about it, the two of you do have similar personality traits," Rika smirked.
"You're both very outgoing, kinda bossy, loud, hate Matt-" Kouichi listed.
"But everyone hates Matt," Koji snorted.
"That's not very nice," Zoe said.
"Wow, they're totally right. You guys are alike in many ways," TK gasped.
"Uh...," Mimi and Tai looked at each other.
"Alright, I think it's time we head home. This is a disturbing topic," Izzy looked at his watch.
"I have to agree," Kari winced.
"That's why I said it out loud. When have I ever said anything pleasant just for the sake of being nice?" Rika smirked.
"That's very true," Koji smirked back. "You know what? Picturing you and Mimi together is disturbing. You know who I think you'd make a good couple with?"
"Who?" Tai began to shake.
"Yolei," Koji smirked.
"Hahahahahahahah!" everyone except Tai, Izzy, Kari, and Zoe laughed.
"Booyah!" Rika gave Koji a high-five.
"EVERYONE, GO HOME!" Tai yelled.
"Leaving," Davis giggled.
"Hey Tai, I have to ask you a question," Mimi timidly said.
"Sure," Tai gulped.
"You're only asking so you could make Sora jealous, aren't you?" Mimi pouted.
"Actually, no. Mimi, I know you're upset that no one's asked you out and as much as you can get under my skin, you're still my friend and I hate to see you this sad. If anything, why don't we go together and we can make the whole school jealous? Not to sound conceited, but I still am one of the hottest and most popular guys in school, and you're still one of the top 10 girls on the hot list too- trust me, I checked. Also, I bet you want to hurry up and go shopping before all the good dresses are gone too. Whaddya say?" Tai asked.
"Hmm, we can make the whole school jealous?" Mimi grinned.
"You betcha. Just on one condition. If you want to color coordinate, no pink. Any other color but pink," Tai said.
"I actually wasn't planning to wear pink anyways. Chances are, Kari is gonna wear a pink dress and I don't want to show up wearing the same dress. That would be a total disaster," Mimi said.
"Yeah, come to think of it, I think she is wearing a pink dress," Tai tapped his chin. "So no pink?"
"No pink. I'm so excited! It's gonna be so much fun! And I can go shopping!" Mimi squealed.
"Is that all you care about? Buying a dress?" Tai smirked.
"My parents aren't letting me buy any more clothes unless there's a reason I need to get new clothes. They said blah blah about how I go shopping too much and how I don't even need that many clothes since we have to wear uniforms anyways and how they've spoiled me and I stopped paying attention because I didn't like what they were saying. It's all whatever," Mimi shrugged.
"Right...well then. I'll see you around," Tai forced a grin.
Meanwhile...
"Hey Rika, did you really mean it when you said Tai and Mimi would be a good couple? It just seems kinda outlandish," Takato asked.
"Hell no! I only said that to mess around with everyone," Rika snorted.
"I respect that," Koji nodded.
"That's fucked up if you ask me," Kouichi frowned.
"Hey, this is all Rika's doing," Koji said.
"Says the dude who's shipping Tai and Yolei," Rika snapped back.
"Touche," Koji nodded.
"If you ask me, I think I know who Mimi actually likes, and it's not Tai," Rika smirked.
"Who?" Takato asked.
"I'm not telling," Rika smirked.
"Whatever. As long as it's not me. She's annoying as hell," Koji said.
"It could be you," Rika smirked.
"Oh hell no! Hell to the no!" Koji kicked a trash bin.
"Never said it was a definite, but by the way you're acting...well, I gotta go. See you guys on Monday," Rika snorted and walked away.
"I should get going too," Takato said.
"Brother, please tell me you don't think Rika is right about me and Mimi," Koji fell to his knees.
"I'm sorry, but now I'm starting to ponder. You are acting weirdly about it. I'm leaving now...," Kouichi bit his lip and walked away.
"Traitor! Traitor!" Koji laid face down onto the floor.
"Pick up, pick up, pick up...," Mimi clutched her phone by her ear and bounced in place.
"Hullo?"
"Sora! What are you doing right now? Actually, it doesn't matter, drop everything cause we're going shopping!" Mimi shrieked.
"But...wha-huh? I can't-"
"Before you say anything, check the door. I'm already here!" Mimi knocked on the door.
"Fine...I'm coming," Sora hung up.
"Excellent! I figured it was better if I showed up here so you couldn't say no to me! Now that I finally got a date to the dance, I have to claim my dress! Speaking of dresses, you still haven't went shopping for yours yet either, have you?" Mimi babbled.
"No...," Sora said.
"Then hurry up, let's get a move on! You'll be surprised how quickly all of the dresses will be gone! Vamanos!" Mimi clapped her hands.
"Alright, alright! Let me just get my purse," Sora shook her head.
"I've been shopping during class ever since I heard about the dance, but oh my god, it's so stressing me out! I can't decide between these dresses, but by now there's no guarantee that they'll even be in the stores anymore. Or what if they're in the store, but they end up looking bad on me? Or what if they don't have my size? We have to get this over with. How are you not so worried about this?" Mimi gasped.
"If anything, I'll just wear this white dress I wore to one of my father's business parties. One of his coworkers said I looked like Marilyn Manson in it, so that's a good thing, right?" Sora shrugged.
"Umm...you mean Marilyn Monroe?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, what did I say?" Sora asked.
"Trust me, you don't want to show up to the dance looking like Marilyn Manson," Mimi stuck her tongue out.
"Okay," Sora nodded. "So who are you going to the dance with?"
"Ummm...since you tortured me by not telling me who you're going out with right away, I'm gonna do the same thing," Mimi haughtily said.
"Fine, I deserve that," Sora sighed.
"Okay, because I'm a good friend, I'll give you a hint. He's a boy," Mimi cooed.
"Hah hah, funny. It's okay, I can wait for the dance to see your knight in shining armor," Sora shrugged.
"Alright...I'm just letting you know that I'm going out with someone you'd least expect," Mimi smirked.
"Then it'll be a nice surprise," Sora said. She decided not to ask more questions, because Mimi would spill the beans soon enough. Besides, she didn't want Mimi having any satisfaction in knowing that she was curious.
"Ugh, this place looks like such a wasteland!" Mimi wailed.
"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said dresses would be flying off the shelves," Sora let out a whistle. Most of the clothing racks were bare, with the exception of some eccentric gowns in odd sizes.
"Ugh...who would even fit this?" Mimi gingerly picked up a minidress with an extremely long bodice. "It looks like a collar for a giraffe's neck! And it's pink anyways, ugh."
"What's wrong with pink? I thought pink was your favorite color," Sora looked confused.
"Yeah, it is, but stupid Kari thinks she can claim that color and I don't want to show up in the same dress as her. Besides, Tai said that if I wanted us to match, I couldn't wear-"
"You're going to the dance with Tai?!" Sora gasped.
"Crap! I forgot I wasn't gonna tell you till later!" Mimi covered her mouth with her hands.
"Wow, I sure am surprised," Sora said.
"Yeah, that's what everyone else said when he popped the question to me yesterday. And you know what's even weirder?" Mimi asked.
"Yeah?" Sora winced.
"You won't believe this, but Rika said that me and Tai would make a good couple and she was actually serious too. I never really thought about it until then, but I don't know. Do you think she's right?" Mimi sifted through a clothing track.
"I don't think you should pay any mind to what a cynical 13-year-old has to say about your perfect match. The girl wears a shirt with a broken heart on it," Sora said.
"Oh yeah...," Mimi bit her lip. "Sora, we need you back in the club. I need you back in the club. Look, Rika almost talked me into thinking I had feelings for Tai! I'm glad I averted that crisis, and it wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you!"
"Wait, were you having feelings for Tai?" Sora stood up straight.
"No, but I almost did! Come on, Sora! Can you please come back to the club? I'm pretty much the only girl there, and even though I like everyone, I don't have a best friend there anymore cause you're gone," Mimi pouted.
"I don't know...I still don't feel like I'm completely wanted there. I don't want to talk about that anymore, okay? Whoa, look at this dress...isn't it interesting?" Sora thrust a purple and green party dress in Mimi's hands. The dress had a sequined purple bodice and the skirt was made up of many purple and green feathers.
"Oooh, it is interesting. I bet no one else at school would show up in this!" Mimi held the dress up.
"That's for sure," Sora made a face.
"And it's in my size too! I'm so trying this on!" Mimi ran into the dressing rooms.
"How are you holding up?" Sora asked.
"It's perfect! I love it! What would I do without you?" Mimi stepped out of her dressing room to show off the dress.
"Wow, it looks even better than I ever imagined," Sora genuinely said.
"I feel so colorful! Wheee, wheee!" Mimi twirled around.
"Oh Mimi," Sora shook her head as she watched Mimi excitedly model herself in front of the mirror. Sora was happy to see her friend finally feeling better, but now she felt a dull pain in her chest out of nowhere and she didn't know why.
"Okay, so I'm definitely taking this. Now I have to find shoes to go with it- hey, Sora. Are you okay?" Mimi paused.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just thinking of what I should wear. Slim pickings here," Sora forced a smile.
"Maybe you'll find something soon, but we'll never know if we're standing in the same place for hours!" Mimi excitedly said.
"Alright," Sora said. Hopefully dress shopping would keep her occupied; it seemed to work well for Mimi.
*knock knock knock*
"Tai, can you get that? I'm trying to change Miko," Kari yelled from her room.
"Alright," Tai yelled back. "Coming!" he looked through the peephole and opened the door.
"Hey."
"Sora, what are you doing here?" Tai blinked.
"We need to talk. May I come in?" Sora looked distressed.
"Uh, sure. Do you want anything to drink?" Tai asked.
"No thanks," Sora sat down on the couch.
"So, what's up?" Tai asked.
"It's about the dance," Sora said.
"What about it?" Tai croaked.
"AHHHH!"
"Meeeeeowwwr!"
"Kari!" Tai and Sora ran into Kari's room.
"Tai!" Kari ran into his arms and started crying.
"What happened?" Tai asked.
"Unbelievable...," Sora looked at the ransacked room.
To be continued...