(Amu's POV)

Two days later

The petite blonde girl across from me threw her hands up in frustration.

"What the hell! He's so messed up! I don't know why Nagihiko likes to make me cry. He doesn't know how I feel when that bitch Saaya comes into sight."

I watched as she ranted about Nagihiko and Saaya. Every few seconds, I slightly backed away from her. Who know when she was going to explode?

"Amu! Are you even listening to me?"

I snapped out of it. "Yes, Rima. Keep going."

"Gladly! Nagihiko keeps pretending he doesn't have a clue what that monster's trying to do. I just wanna get in a car and run over him. I just wanna jump up and down and scream and shout in his face. I'm going to do all those things, so he'll know how I feel. He'll feel it too."

Rima continued while I sighed. This was going to be one long afternoon.

You're probably wondering how this started, right? Well, it all started with that incident at lunch two days ago. When Nagihiko was insulting Rima, I felt bad. I wanted to get in the middle of it, but I didn't because if Nagihiko didn't listen to our music sensei, there'd be no way he would've listened to me. That and because of my cool outer character.

At least after the bell rang, I and some of her friends agreed to find her after school.

Apparently though, after Rima cried and ran out of the circle, she ran straight home and… And… I can't remember!

I sweat-dropped.

Anyways, yesterday when Rima didn't come to school, I was asked to stay in the music class during break. Her friends wanted to fill me in on what happened after she ran home, since it seemed like we're friends. Unfortunately, I don't remember. I swear I was listening when Tsukiyomi-sensei looked at me and began…

You know what, never mind.

I pushed the thought out of my head. When it kept coming back, I spazed, resulting in me rolling off my beanbag and landing face first on my hardwood floor.

It's a miracle I didn't spaz yesterday in front of everyone; I guess I'm letting my spaziness ran free right now. I sweat-dropped yet again.

Few seconds later, when I lifted my head, I felt a flick on my forehead. "Amu, are you okay? What caused your spaz attack this time?"

I looked up at Rima crouching in her simple white dress with sea green trim and headband, her golden eyes exhibiting worry.

I couldn't tell Rima her friends wanted me to invite her over today since there was no school. I know Rima knows her friends like to intervene on stuff like this, but she probably doesn't know I asked her to come over because of that.

Don't get me wrong! I love Rima and I want her to get over that purple-haired fool who made her broken inside and instead make her smile and be happy. So, that's going to involve some lying… Crap. I suck at lying.

I sat up and put my hand behind my head. "S-Sorry for th-the spaz-z at-attack, R-Rima. Y-Y-Your ranting c-c-caused me t-to do it."

That's believable. Not. Curse the stuttering. I glanced over at Rima, her head titled to the side, thinking about my answer.

There were moments of silence until she let out a big sigh and then tears came pouring out of her eyes. "It's my fault again." Again? Why again?

I spazed even more when the tears continued to stream down her face. "Rima it's not your fault. Feel free to rant on everything. Once everything is off your chest, you'll smile again. That's what Nadeshiko and the others told- Oops." I froze.

Damn my big mouth.

I quickly covered my eyes, not wanting to see Rima's reaction. When it was quiet, I spread my fingers apart. I saw Rima in her same position, but now she wasn't crying. Instead, she had her eyebrows raised.

How did she recover from her crying that… Man, I forgot she can fake-cry! I face-palmed.

"Amu, Amu, Amu," she shook her head disapprovingly. "I wondered why you asked me to come at such short notice, but it makes perfect sense now."

I could've denied it, but with Rima I couldn't do that. My reaction was then, the opposite. I went on my knees, put my hands together and bowed. "I'm sorry for not telling you, Rima. Please forgive me."

She sighed. "Amu, I-"

"Rima, I know I shouldn't have lied to you."

"Amu, it's-"

"I should've just come out and told you why. I'm-"

"AMU!"

I stopped. "Uh, sorry I kept interrupting you Rima, I-" She growled at me and crossed her arms over her chest. "You know what, I'll stop. Go on."

She rolled her eyes. "What I've been trying to say is that it's alright. I know my friends love to intervene in times like this, so it wasn't much of a surprise."

"Oh. But why'd they pick me? I mean…" Nothing crossed my mind, so I flailed my arms as a substitute.

"They probably knew that you could make me smile out of everybody because of your cool n' spicy with a touch of nice attitude. I, however, don't think it's because of that."

"What is it then?"

Rima smiled big, the true first smile since she arrived. "You definitely can cheer me up, but I think your spaziness is what makes me smile the most."

Is that a compliment or an insult? I guess coming from Rima it's a compliment.

"Thanks Amu," she mumbled. I smiled at her and reached out for a quick hug.

"No problem. Now when I get back with some snacks, I have a question for you."

"Oh, great," she said sarcastically.

I left her and went downstairs to the kitchen. I searched inside the pantry, wondering what Rima would want. I grabbed a handful of random food, then went up stairs.

Before I entered my room, I peeked to see inside since I left it open a crack. I saw Rima sitting in her respective beanbag and my eight-year-old sister Ami playing with Rima's hair.

I would've barged in because it is my room, but halted when Ami began talking.

"Ri-chi, your hair is so pretty."

"Thanks Ami," Rima said. "Yours is too."

Ami gently glided the brush down Rima's golden locks. When the brush came to the end, Ami brought it up again, repeating the process.

"Not really. It's just light brown curls. Yours is like a princess in those fairy tale books, where the handsome prince comes in and sweeps you off your-" Rima twitched. "I'm sorry. Did I yank your hair?"

"No, no. It's fine. You can keep going."

Ami did what Rima said and kept combing her hair. That expression on Rima's face, however, didn't look like Ami pulled her hair. Instead, she twitched for some other reason. I wonder what.

After a few more minutes, I had to interrupt them. I mean, if I didn't, Rima would think I got locked in the pantry or something, because that would happen to me.

I requested politely for Ami to leave and she did. Before leaving though, she went up to Rima. A smile on her face. "Thanks for letting me play with your hair, Ri-chi." She gave Rima a brief hug. "You're so nice and smiley whenever I see you. Who would ever be mean, mad or hate you?"

I closed my eyes and face-palmed. When I opened my eyes, Ami was heading for the door. "See you later, Ri-chi, sis."

As I heard the door shut, I turned toward Rima. A gloomy expression covered her face. I sighed. Ami didn't know or else she wouldn't have said that. Everything was kinda going good for Rima and then Ami just reminded her the reason of her sadness.

I carried the snacks over and placed them on my small table. I nudged her softly. "Hey Rima, you want something to eat?" I pointed at the snacks.

"No thanks. I'm not hungry." She faced away from me.

"Are you sure? We have fruit!"

She shook her head.

"We have nuts!"

Again, a head shake.

I sighed. "We have Pocky."

"Pocky! Where?"

I jumped since her reaction caught me off guard. I got the box of Pocky from the table and handed it to her.

She ripped the top open and started devouring the chocolate flavored biscuit sticks. At least, she's happy again, so I can ask her the question I've been meaning to.

I plopped down on the other beanbag and observed Rima eat her Pocky. I cleared my throat. "Rima, I have the-"

She growled and an aura emitted from her. "Never interrupt me while I eat my Pocky."

I trembled. "O-Okay."

Five minutes later

Once Rima finished her second box of Pocky, I was able to ask my question. "Now that the whole your-friends-asked-me-to-do-this is out in the open, I had a question concerning that."

"Yeah, what about it?"

"They told me what happened after you ran from school, but I don't remember. Can you refresh my memory?"

She blankly stared at me. I waved a hand in front of her.

"Rima?"

"Let me guess, Ikuto was telling the story and you were "paying" attention to him."

"No! No! Of course not! Rima, who do you think I am? Yeah, right. I would never. Pfft. As if!"

"I'm taking that as a yes," she uttered.

"Can you just tell me, Rima?"

"Yeah." She placed a finger on her chin. "After I ran from school, I went straight home. Since it was Friday my dad had a half day at work, so when I came home he interrogated me on why I was home from school early."

"What did you say?"

"What could a sixteen-year-old girl like me say? Nothing. When I didn't answer his questions, he finally noticed something was wrong; I had been crying. He just told me to go upstairs."

"Didn't you tell your parents eventually? And why weren't you in school yesterday? Why didn't you come?"

"Yes, but I didn't tell them Nagihiko did it. I said I failed a test, which wasn't shocking news if you go back to my years at school from age 10 to 13."

"But you told me the reason why you're parents kept arguing back then was because of your poor grades? Did they fight this time?"

"No, because I think that was then. They said that it was fine and to try harder next time."

I nodded. "The next question. Why didn't they send you to school?"

"They did. I pretended to walk to school, but stopped at a local bookstore and read manga until school was over. Besides, it was only a half day yesterday."

I stared at Rima. "Rima, you didn't say why you didn't come to school."

She sighed. "Like I could go to school after what Nagihiko had said to me in front of everybody."

I went over and comforted her. "It's okay, Rima."

"It sucks. Everything Nagihiko said was true," she whispered.

My jaw dropped and I looked at her shocked. "Rima, never ever say that! Of course it's not true! It would only be true if he said it to Saaya." I laughed to ease the mood.

She half-smiled. "If what you're saying's the case, then why am I feeling this way? I know it might sound weird when I tell you this, but whenever anyone tells me something I don't want to hear, I usually try to shrug it away. With Nagihiko, though, I take whatever he says to heart." Rima gazed at the ground.

I examined her. "How long have you taken his words to heart?"

She crinkled her nose trying to come up with the answer. "Around the time Saaya came and when Nagihiko was being an ass toward me. I guess it's because I'm not used to him being this way?"

Or… and I'm just spit-balling here, but something else?

"I still remember the day I just moved to Tokyo. I was reading my gag manga while he was yelling on the phone next door. At first I thought he was an egotistical, self-centered, sadistic, chauvinist pig. But after awhile, I realized that he was a sweet, caring, funny, helpful… lying, annoying playboy!"

I twitched slightly at the last description. "R-Rima?"

She looked up. "Sorry, Amu. You did say my friends wanted me to get out everything in the open, right?"

I nodded. "By all means continue."

"How could Nagihiko have easily forgotten all the time and moments we shared in the past, the hopes and the fears, the tears – of joy – and the laughs? How did he forget the time we danced, went on our "date," how I tutored him, how we got locked in a closet… " Her face fell into her hands. "Why am I saying all this? Where is this coming from?"

"Rima, it's fine. But I think- No, I know why you're feeling this way." I know I have my moments, but this time I know what I'm talking about.

She looked at me confused. "Why, Amu?"

I took a deep breath. How should I tell her this gently? "Rima, you're… Rima you…" I trailed, to see if she caught on to my speculations.

She became lost in thought and then there was silence between us.

Minutes passed until she finally looked at me to reveal her answer. "Amu… Before you even suggested that, that was the last thing I would've ever thought. But now, in the time I was venting and thinking, I think I agree. I have and I do." She sighed. "What do I do about it?"

I embraced her wholeheartedly. "You'll think of something, Rima. Everything will be okay."

Will it really be though?


(Rima's POV)

Few hours later

"Thanks for the ride, Hinamori-san."

"No problem, Rima. Come over anytime you want." Amu's mom drove out of sight.

I turned around and gazed at my house a few seconds before going in. That's strange, no lights were on.

I bent down to the welcome mat and got the spare key since I forgot mine. I put the key in the lock and turned. When I pushed open the door, the house was completely dark.

"Mama? Papa? Rikka?" I felt for the light switch against the wall and flicked it. The darkness was soon replaced with light.

I made my way into the kitchen and saw a note on the counter. I read it to myself.

Hunny-Bunny,

You must be home from the Hinamori's if you're reading this. Well, Rikka wanted to go out for dinner tonight, so we did. If you want dinner, don't look in the fridge because I didn't make anything. Instead, I thought it'd be a good idea if you had dinner over at the Fujisakis'. I already asked Nade and Nagi's mother and she's thrilled to have you over. We'll be home soon.

Love,

Mama

P.S. Papa and I need to talk to you about you playing hooky yesterday.

What the? How'd they find out! Rikka couldn't have told them or could she? Wait… what am I saying, I didn't even tell Rikka! Ugh, I'll find out sooner or later.

I scanned the note again. Dinner at the Fujisaki's? I recall the last time I had dinner over there. I shuddered. I am not going over there, especially since the conversation I had with Amu earlier raced through my mind.

I'd make do with what we got in the refrigerator. It won't be bad; it'll be like when Papa and Mama were fighting and I'd have to fend for myself.

I walked over to the refrigerator and opened it up. Nothing.

I went over to the cabinets. Nothing again.

I went over to the pantry. Nothing once again!

Did my mom purposefully do this, so I'd have to go over? At any case, I'm not hungry.

Suddenly, my tummy rumbled.

Fate is cruel.

Ten minutes later

I rang the Fujisaki's doorbell. No answer. I was getting cold standing outside. Sure, I had a jacket, but it was still pretty windy.

At last I heard footsteps approaching the door. Please, don't be…

"I got it." The person who answered the door glared at me. "What are you doing here, Mashiro?" I didn't answer. I could only stare at him. "Answer me, you-"

"Young master, that's not how you talk to somebody, let alone Rima-san. Please, come in sweetie." Baaya let me in.

"Sweetie? Yeah, right. She's anything, but sweet," he scoffed. "I'm going upstairs. Tell me when dinner's ready." Nagihiko darted away.

"Pay no attention to him, Rima-san. He's going through hormonal changes. Your mom has already informed us about the dinner arrangements, so this is no problem. For now, go upstairs. The young miss and the young pop star are waiting for you."

"Thank you, Baaya." I bowed and scaled the stairs.

I passed many rooms before arriving at Nadeshiko's. I tapped softly on the door and Utau opened it.

"Rima! You're here!" She yanked me inside the room; I saw Nadeshiko on the computer. "Nade, she's here."

Nadeshiko rotated her seat. "Hey Rima-chi, how was it at Amu-san's house?" Wow. Nadeshiko kinda admitted she made Amu invite me over to her house. As if reading my thoughts, Nadeshiko added, "Hinamori Amu-san just sent me e-mail saying you found out."

"Oh, okay. Amu's house was- Utau, why are you here? No studio today?" I hurriedly changed the subject.

"Yup, Yukari gave me a day off. I would've left earlier with Kukai, Tadase and Ikuto – they were here also – since the wicked witch of Japan showed up. Unfortunately, they left when I was in the bathroom." She placed her hands on her hips. "Now Rima, answer the question and don't change the subject!"

"What subject?"

She face-palmed. "Nade, you try." Utau flopped on Nadeshiko's bed as I sat on the floor with my legs crossed.

Nadeshiko got down from her seat and sat across from me. "Amu-san's house? What did you two do? Did you guys talk about anything?"

Amu didn't tell them? She probably didn't have to. "How did you two know I was coming over after Amu's house?"

"We asked your little sister to eat out tonight and we made her suggest to your parents to have dinner with the Fujisaki's. Rima, I love you, but when I'm hungry I'm impatient, so answer the damn question already!" Someone's irritable.

"Wait, "it" is here?" I'm trying as much as possible to stall. It hurt to say it to Amu about what I was feeling because of the broken bond Nagihiko and I have right now, but to say it to his sister and close friend would make me worse.

"Yes, "it" is here, sadly. Rima-chi, the question?" Nadeshiko chimed. At least someone understands.

I clapped my hands together in fake enthusiasm. "Okay, the question. The question. What's the question again?"

Nadeshiko softly smiled, sitting patiently in front of me. Utau, on the other hand blew up.

"Rima, I swear, if you don't answer the question in the next ten seconds, I'm personally going to give you a doll for no reason!"

"Okay, here's the answer!" I had to answer because Utau would give me a doll. "At Amu's house, I realized I," I choked on my words.

Utau had relaxed by now, so she sat next to Nadeshiko. "Take your time, Rima-chi," Nadeshiko encouraged.

I gulped. "I-"

"Hey Nadeshiko, Mom says to come down for dinner."

Great timing! Take that as either sarcasm or not.

Nagihiko stood at his sister's doorway.

"Alright, let's go do-"

Nagihiko saw me and pointed his finger. "Whoa, she's having dinner with us?"

"Yes, why?" Nadeshiko answered.

"Can't she just starve?"

Utau glared at him as I frowned. Nadeshiko irritated by her brother grabbed him by the wrist. "Nagi, you and I have to talk." She turned toward Utau and me. "Just go downstairs. I'll meet you two. Rima," she began, "after dinner then." She winked and took Nagi someplace.

"Where do you think she's taking Nagihiko?" I asked Utau as we made our way downstairs.

"I have no idea. Only God knows now. But, let's hope, it's nowhere near her naginata."

I giggled until we reached the dining room because that was when I saw the green-eyed and red-haired monster sitting at the table, smirking at me.

"Good evening, Mashiro-san."

As we sat down as far away from Saaya as possible I heard Utau utter, "Ooh, this cannot end well."


(Nadeshiko's POV)

After dinner

I released a sigh as I shut my door and slid down to the floor. I walked over to Rima and Utau sitting on my bed. "Dinner was interesting."

Utau and Rima exchanged a glance. "That wasn't dinner, that was a circus's main act called the Saaya, the amazing human garbage disposal. Seriously, where did all that food go? I don't blame Nagi for telling her to lose weight last year. That was… Wow," Utau finished.

"Welcome to my world. Nagi's invited her over for the past week," I sighed.

"By the way Nadeshiko, what did you tell Nagihiko before dinner?" Rima inquired.

I looked over at Utau; she nodded and informed Rima in my place.

"You see Rima on the first day of this year, known as the day Saaya came back, Nade and Nagi had a conversation regarding Saaya. If Saaya did anything bad to us, Nagi would take care of it personally. So Nade had to take matters into her own hand and ask Nagi about it."

"But my idiot brother doesn't believe it's Saaya's fault at all, instead your fault!" I exclaimed. Utau calmed me down after the outburst. I sighed. "Anyways, Rima-chi, you were going to finish your statement."

She instantly formed a glum expression. "Yeah. The truth is, Amu and I talked and we came to the conclusion that… I've fallen in love with someone."

"You what!" Utau and I screamed.

Rima jumped back. "Um…"

I shook my head. "Sorry," I apologized. "It's natural for our reactions to be this way, Rima-chi."

"Yeah, really, for anybody. You should've seen us when Nagihiko told us who he liked before Saaya arrived…" Utau trailed. "Oops, too much, huh Nade?"

"Kind of." Rima doesn't need to hear more news about Nagi at a time like this.

We turned toward Rima. "Wait; let me get this straight… Nagihiko used to like somebody? Who was it? Anybody I know?"

Utau face-palmed. "Me and my big mouth."

"It's alright, Utau-chan. She might as well find out now from us, rather than Beeves and Butthead later."

"You're right. Should we also tell her that he was going to confess?"

"Utau, you do know I'm here, right?" Rima asked.

Utau face-palmed. "Of course, but if we tell you, you tell us who you've fallen for," she smirked.

"Never mind, I don't want to know," Rima responded rather quickly. Luckily for Rima, Utau didn't pick up what Rima said next. Unlucky for her, I could. "It'll save me the pain if it's…" Rima trailed off.

I have a hunch on who I think it us, but it's too early to tell.

"Come on, Rima. Please, tell us," Utau begged.

"Utau-chan," I lightly scolded. "Rima-chi doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't want to." Although, I kind of wanted to know as well.

There was silence between the three of us for a brief time until Rima released a sigh. "Fine, I'll say," Utau whispered excitedly to herself as I remained composed. "But, you two go first."

Utau and I looked at each other then nodding our heads to agree on Rima's proposition.

I got comfortable on my bed. "Rima-chi, the truth is, my darling brother used to be in love with-"

"You!" Utau finished quickly, short to the point.

Utau and I awaited Rima's next move. Rima was in her same condition with a blank look. She was probably registering in her mind what we just said.

When it did register in her mind, she shouted, "HE WHAT!"

Utau and I swiftly covered her mouth with our hands. "Rima-chi, shh."

"It wasn't that much of a surprise was it? Hell, it was obvious to me," Utau stated.

Rima raised her eyebrows, but shook it off. She removed our hands from her mouth. "Nagihiko… really… confess… when?" Rima was still too shocked to form a complete sentence.

As before, Utau filled her in. "Nagi was supposed to confess to you on white day at the dance recital. Unfortunately, he didn't because he saw you with that guy."

"What guy? Oh, Kirishma-kun?"

We nodded.

Rima's mouth dropped. "Oh my G- Nagihiko was watching me! What the hell!" She threw her hands in the air.

I laughed nervously. "He wanted to make sure you were alright backstage and because he couldn't wait to tell you. He just happened to see you two together."

Rima twitched and then face-palmed. "Well, that explains why he avoided me the next day."

"It's not that big of a deal, Rima. We saw it too."

"Utau-chan, you just love to blab today, huh?" I eyed her.

Rima's eyes widened and anger painted her face. "And you guys didn't tell me!"

"At least we're getting everything out in the open," I sweat-dropped.

"No kidding. This is the second time today!"

"That reminds us, Rima," Utau smirked, "we did our end of the bargain, now it's your turn."

"Can't I have more time to be angry at you guys first?"

"No," we said simultaneously. "Later."

She groaned, then sighed. "Okay." Rima pondered on how to tell us, so there was silence. When the time came that Utau could no longer stand it, Rima raised her hand. "You promise you won't tell anyone?"

Utau and I agreed.

"You promise you won't tell your parents, the housekeepers, your manager, Kukai-kun, Tadase-kun, Ikuto, the people at school, the other teachers, the bitch…" Rima continued listing.

Her list was somewhat outrageous. Why would we even tell those people? I guess Rima wants assurance? She can count on me… Utau, on the other hand, she should watch out for.

"We promise, Rima," Utau spoke once the list was completed.

Rima sighed. "Alright, one more person." She hasn't named everybody yet? "You two promise you won't tell… Nagihiko?"

"Yes, Rima-chi. Utau-chan and I promise we won't say a…" It occurred to me. Why did she mention Nagihiko last and separately? Was my assumption right?

Utau kind of figured it out also. "Why would it matter if Nagi knew, other than the obvious reason that he hates you right now so, if he finds out he'll use it to his advantage?"

Way to go, Utau.

I would've said something to Utau, but Rima's tiny voice spoke. "Because I think I'm in love with Nagihiko…"

Utau and I took in what she said and then out came our screams.

"YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH NAGIHIKO!"

Rima nodded meekly. "Well-"

She was interrupted when my door was swung open. My brother stood at the doorway. "Could you guys keep it down in here? Saaya-chan and I are trying to study."

Rima twitched again. "Thanks Utau. Thanks Nadeshiko."

"For what? For them not kicking you out because I so would. You keep it down too, Mashiro. Your voice pisses me most of all." With that, Nagi left, slamming the door behind him."

A frown appeared on Rima's face. Why I ought to straighten him out. I can see now why Rima didn't really want to tell us. It must hurt to admit you love someone who hates you.

Sure, when Nagi loved her and Rima hated him, we all knew Rima was pretending. This case, however, Nagi is not pretending. That monster has completely overtaken my brother.

"Don't worry about him, Rima. He has no idea what he's saying half the time; I should know. Now why don't you bring us up to speed on everything you and Amu talked about," Utau said tenderly.

Thus, Rima began repeating everything she mentioned to Amu earlier today.

When that was finished, she told us more. Some of the memories she recalled were sweet, some were sad and some were funny.

During all of this Utau kept listening to Rima and posing questions. As for me, I was listening to Rima, but in the middle of it, I stopped and thought to myself.

Rima had wondered why she was saying all of these things and where it was all coming from. Well, she was saying all of these things to get it off her chest. That's what I did tell Hinamori-san to make her do. It's not good to keep everything bottled up inside.

That's probably why Rima didn't know why she was saying this; she might have never been in this position. Since she's venting now, a big weight should've lifted off her shoulders. She should be alright as long as Nagi doesn't traumatize or make her cry again.

I tiny smiled. As for where all this was coming from, it's all from…

Deep in her heart.

To be continued…


Me: I bet you guys saw that coming, huh?

Musashi: *Ponders* I think…

Me: You think what, Musashi?

Musashi: I think Nagihiko is an idiot.

Me: Yeah, I know, right? Anyone else agree with us?

Musashi: See you next time.

First things first, I want to thank EVERYONE for the reviews on the last chapter. You seriously don't know how much they made my day, especially since it was my birthday. It made it extra special. :) Hahaha.

Good news: I'm completely healed! Bad news: Slow updates.

Truths:

#47: I like making "That's What She Said" jokes at something serious.

#48: I wish I could re-visit moments in my past.