(Rima's POV)

Three days later

"This goes here and that goes there. Where the hell does this go?"

"Onee-san, Mama's wondering what you're doing; she can hear you downstairs."

I stopped rearranging my shelf and turned to where Rikka was standing. "It's nothing to worry about." She gave me a look meaning that our mom wouldn't buy it. "Fine, I'm cleaning my room." Rikka gave me the look again. "Stop giving me the look! It's the truth! I can't find four of my gag mangas."

I noticed her slight.

"Rikka," I began, "you wouldn't happen to know where they are, would you?"

"Uh, I'll go tell Mama now. Bye-bye!" She shut the door so fast I didn't even have time to react.

I sighed. I really need to get a 'Keep Out' sign for my room. I put the manga in their correct spots. There were several gaps in the shelf where the four volumes I was missing were supposed to be.

I better go track Rikka down. I opened my door and saw on the ground the four volumes I was missing stacked perfectly with a little note on the top. I picked them up and giggled. "Rikka."

I tossed them on my bed to fix later and headed downstairs. As I hit the bottom step, the bell rang. I hollered out that I would get it. I swung the front door and was greeted by two guests I wasn't expecting for a while.

"Rima-tan! We're here!" I closed the door so fast they didn't know what hit them.

"Rima, who's at the door?" my mom asked.

"Just my friends," I replied. "My friends who shouldn't be here for another hour," I grumbled. Despite not wanting to let them in, I re-opened the door.

"Rima-tan, what was that for? The door slammed in Amu-chi and Yaya's faces!"

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting you for another hour. I thought I said four."

"Rima, it is four." I whipped my head to the closest clock. Oops. I guess time flies when you're rearranging your whole room searching for your gag mangas.

"It is. Come on in!" I gestured them to come inside. "What do you want to do?"

"Bake cookies!" a voice squeaked.

"Really, Yaya? Bake cookies?"

"Yaya didn't say that," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Amu?" I rotated to the pink-haired girl standing next to her, but she was shaking her head. "Then who..."

"Onee-san, let's bake cookies!"

How could I forget Rikka? She was in the doorway wearing an apron and holding a recipe for cookies.

"Rikka, don't bother Rima. Her friends are over. We can bake the cookies, just the two of us," my mom popped up behind her.

"No," Rikka refused. "I want to make them with Onee-san also!"

Amu, Yaya and I watched my mom and Rikka exchange back and forth. I sighed; Rikka really wants me to help her bake if she's willing to counter our mom. "Do you mind if..."

They shook their heads. "Of course not, Rima. We'll help too," Amu winked.

Rikka heard this and immediately ran up and grabbed my wrist, pulling me into the kitchen.

Fifty minutes later

The timer went off. Amu slipped on the gloves and went over to the oven. My mom was busy on the phone and told one of us to get it. I don't trust myself handling the oven after what happened last time, and I certainly don't trust Rikka or Yaya.

Amu got the pan of cookies and laid them on a cooling rack. She shut the oven and removed the gloves. We gathered around to examine our own batch.

I saw my batch and twitched. I still fail at making cookies. Half of mine were burnt and a fourth looked as if they could be used to break a window. I examined the others and my eyes enlarged.

Amu's cookies were almost too perfect. They were golden brown and smelt delicious. Yaya's cookies were about the same as Amu's, though I wouldn't want to have one of hers because... She dumped three times the amount of sugar into them.

And I hate to say it, but even Rikka's cookies were better than mine. I pouted.

Amu caught my fuming expression. She giggled. "Don't worry, Rima, it's not just about the outside. I'm sure they're still good." She smiled.

"Yeah, yeah." I waved my hand off.

"Amu-chi, how'd you learn to bake like that?"

Amu laughed nervously and stuck a hand behind her head. "My cousin's actually a pastry chef. He showed me a few pointers when I went to his wedding about three years ago in Kyoto," she smiled.

I smiled in return. That was the first time I met Amu.

"Rikka-chan, why are Amu-chi and Rima-chan smiling?" Yaya whispered.

"They're crazy," Rikka responded.

"Rikka! Yaya!"

"When can we eat the cookies?"

Amu sweat-dropped and I face-palmed.

Seventy minutes later

You know how I keep repeating fate is cruel? Well, not this time! Amu was right. Even though my cookies weren't so great looking on the outside, they tasted like heaven on the inside.

After chowing down on our cookies and watching some random TV show, Amu, Yaya and I went upstairs to my room while Rikka helped my mom prepare dinner.

We made it to my room. Yaya immediately plopped on my bed. "Yaya hasn't been here in a very long time!"

Amu giggled. "Neither have I."

Why Yaya hasn't been to my house is because of a red-haired and green-eyed girl. As for Amu, I usually prefer her house to mine.

I gestured for Amu to sit on the computer chair while I sat on the window bench. It suddenly got awkward and quiet. "What's up with you two? Anything exciting?" I questioned.

The two glanced at each other before replying at the same time. "Nothing really."

I sat up a bit. "Is that so?" They nodded their heads in unison. That's weird. What I find weirder though is how Amu and Yaya became close friends. I noticed this while we were baking our cookies, but I didn't want to say anything. I don't think I've ever seen them talking together at school and it's only been three days since Yaya quit being Saaya's friend. I guess now it's a better time than any to ask about it. "This may be a kinda strange question to ask..." I trailed.

"Go for it, Rima," Amu encouraged.

"Since when did you two become buddy buddy?"

I got the most unusual reaction. Yaya remained calm and cheerful while Amu stiffened at the question. I narrowed my eyes. Do you smell what I smell? It's the sweet smell of suspicion- on Amu's part at least.

"Amu?"

"Rima," Amu started, "um..."

Yaya looked toward Amu for her explanation. Wait, so does this mean that Amu's only behind this or is it a trick? Maybe Yaya's pretending not to know anything...

"Do the two of you want to tell me something?" I death glared at both of them and approached them.

I was closing in on Amu - because she was closer and it looked like she had more of the answers - that is until...

"Rima," my mom shouted from downstairs, "could you get the phone? Rikka and I are somewhat preoccupied."

I halted my death glare for the moment and did what my mom asked. I hurriedly went downstairs to answer the ringing phone. Too bad though the phone ceased its ringing by the time I got downstairs. I blame my slow stair descending ability.

Whoever was calling was about to leave a message. I clicked the speaker button on the answering machine to hear it.

Sayuri, this is Isamu. I won't be home for dinner tonight. Our company's new president is visiting, so we're having an important business meeting. Don't worry though, I'll get something to eat afterwards. Tell Rima and Rikka. All right. Bye.

I clicked the speaker button off.

"Who was it Hunny-Bunny?" I turned around to see my mom holding a knife and carrot. I slightly stepped back.

"It was Dad. He said that he has a company meeting and won't be home for dinner."

"Oh, all right then. Dinner's almost ready. Does Amu and Yaya want to stay?"

I simply shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I could ask them."

"Okay, if they do, tell Rikka so she'll be sure to set an extra two plates." I nodded my head. Right as I was about to head upstairs, my mom stopped me. "Rima, I've been wondering this, but aren't you and Yaya no longer friends?"

I bit my lip. "Uh, well, things changed. Everything's better now." It was her turn to nod her head. "By the way, what is Rikka helping you in the kitchen with?"

"Just washing a couple ingredients, wiping and cleaning the counters, setting up the table and other basic things. Why?"

"She's not handling any knives is she?" I still remember that time when she asked me to get her knives.

"Rima, she's four. I'm not giving your little sister sharp objects."

I sighed in relief. "Just making sure. I'll go and ask Amu and Yaya now." I quickly scaled the steps to my room. Those two better get ready for me.

Once I reached my room, I saw the door ajar. I decided to listen in and see if the two were talking about anything. Let's hope this isn't a repeat of what Lulu and Yaya did a while back. I wouldn't want to kick Yaya out twice, considering I already told my mom that everything was good between us. I wouldn't want to kick Amu out either.

I crossed my fingers as I approached the door slowly.

"Rima-tan's been gone for a long time. Is she mad? Yaya, doesn't want Rima-tan mad at her... again. Why does she think it's suspicious that yesterday when Yaya didn't have a ride home - since she used to ride with Lulu-chi, but doesn't anymore - Amu-chi offered to give Yaya a ride home after she invited Yaya to her house. Amu-chi, why didn't you tell her that? Why did Amu-chi make it seem suspicious? Is Rima-tan right about Amu-chi hiding something? Is that why Amu-chi isn't responding to any of Yaya's questions? Amu-chi!"

I'm sure I'm not the only one that finds Yaya speaking in third person annoying. I bet that's why Amu hasn't responded; she's still converting the pronouns in her head. I wonder if she'll ever stop.

I shook my head and paid attention to the situation. Yaya was staring intently at Amu waiting for answers while Amu...

I scooted a couple centimeters to the right to see what Amu was up to. Amu still sat in my computer chair. She had her phone in her hands and was paying more attention to it. Did she hear anything Yaya said?

After a few more seconds she gazed up from her phone. Yaya, who's rather impatient, was about to pounce on Amu if she hadn't spoken up. "Sorry about that Yaya. To answer your questions. I don't think Rima is mad, just confused is all. And I should've told her about giving you a ride home, but I guess it slipped my mind. She shouldn't be mad at something like that, should she?"

No, I shouldn't. But that doesn't explain why Amu randomly invited Yaya to her house and gave her a ride home if the only time they've really talked was yesterday.

"For your final question, however," Amu started. My ears perked up and my eyes widened. "It's true; Rima's right. There's something I haven't quite informed you about, but I think now would be the perfect time."

Impatience was beginning to grow on me.

"What is it, Amu-chi?"

Amu stood up from the chair. She cast one last glance at her phone before stowing it in her pocket. She put a finger to her lips and closed one eye. "Not here, Yaya. It's a surprise. I'll tell you when we leave. First, after Rima gets back we have to tell her we have to go."

"Why?"

"You'll see." Amu winked and presented an assured smile.

Yaya nodded. "What happens if Rima-tan asks us the question again?"

"I'll just tell her I gave you a ride and if she doesn't buy that... Well, her problem."

I grumbled to myself. I wanted to know the other reason, but I doubt Amu's going to spill anytime she's here. She's dense and is horrible at lying, but if it's for something that counts, she's pretty good at hiding it. I sighed before barging in.

I took a few steps back and made heavy steps to alert them I was coming. I pushed open the door and played along with asking the question again so they wouldn't know I was eavesdropping. "When did you two become buddy buddy?" I questioned as I pointed a finger at them.

Amu was standing next to my bed while Yaya got up. "I gave her a ride home after school yesterday. Now Rima, I hate to say this, but Yaya and I have to leave. It's urgent."

I eyed her. "Really? What is it?"

Amu stiffened. "What is it for? That's a good question. We have to-"

"Amu-chi and Yaya have to take care of Tsubasa-chan. Yaya's parents are going out and they need Yaya to take care of him. Yaya asked Amu to help to make sure Yaya doesn't kill him or anything. Right, Amu-chi?" Yaya smiled.

"Right, Yaya. If you'll excuse us Rima, we'll be on our way."

I eased. "All right. If you say so. " I'll buy that excuse for now. "If your parents can wait a half hour or so, dinner's almost ready. My mom was wondering if you'd like to stay."

"Like I said Rima, it's urgent. As much as we'd love to, we have to go."

"Let me walk you downstairs then." I led them down the stairs to the door. "See you two tomorrow? But call me if you need help taking care of Yaya's little brother. I've dealt with a younger sibling also so I know the pain," I stated.

"Bye and thanks for letting Amu-chi and Yaya come over," Yaya tackled me with a hug - that I could've done without. "Don't worry, Yaya and Amu-chi should be okay. Yaya thanks Rima-tan for the offer though." With that, I received another hug.

Amu giggled. "Yeah, I'll see you in music tomorrow. You can count on that. Thanks for having us over. I'm glad you got your phone back, er... I mean... I'll see you, Rima!" Amu chuckled nervously.

During that ordeal, my eyes narrowed. How did Amu know I lost my phone in the first place? To Saayazilla nonetheless. And I wasn't thinking when I said that, seeing as I didn't get my phone back and I doubt I will anytime soon. I can already imagine Saaya calling everybody on my contact list and screwing around texting them.

"Wait a second, Rima-tan got her phone taken away?" Yaya inquired.

Yaya doesn't know anything about this, yet Amu does. I wonder why.

"Yes, Amu, how did you know I got my phone taken away?" I glared at her.

She put a hand behind her head, much like Kukai when he's trying to come up with a statement that sounds valid but isn't the truth. "You know, sometimes you do lose your phone or sometimes Rikka could steal it. I know Ami steals my things half the time. It's what little sisters do."

I'll give Amu props on that one. "Actually, though, I didn't get my phone back. I wasn't thinking when I said that."

"It's fine, Rima. Now we've stalled long enough. Tell your mom and sister bye for us. Let's go, Yaya." Amu tugged at Yaya's wrist as I waved goodbye to them.

They walked side-by-side beginning from my porch to the sidewalk where I could no longer see them. I can still smell something fishy in the air. What's the true reason Amu and Yaya had to leave? And why was Amu kinda occupied with her phone?

All I can do now is hope for the best that it's not anything bad.

I sighed again and shut the door. My mom poked in through the doorway. "Did your friends leave already, Rima?"

I stared at her with an expression that meant 'Duh!' "Yeah, they had to take care of Yaya's little brother."

"I see. That's too bad. I guess it'll be just the three of us for dinner tonight then. You better go wash up since dinner is ready in five minutes."

"Okay."

One hour later

For the umpteenth time, I went up the stairs to my room. I walked inside and closed the door, placing my back against it and sliding to the floor.

After dinner with my mom and Rikka, I washed the dishes and had quality mother and daughters time. But then I chose to go back to my room to clear my mind and think of why Amu and Yaya left. Not to mention, I also shave to figure out if I want to stay in Tokyo or go back to Kyoto.

I'm sick and tired of trying to think of what to do. Maybe, I'll just stay in Tokyo. That would save a lot on my brain.

That's right! I'll stay in Tokyo and nothing or no one can change-

Screw that. There's one person who can change that, but I don't think he'll do anything too extreme to drive me away.

Thinking about letting my feelings out by writing it in a document, I switched on my computer. Before I jumped onto the seat, I paid a small trip to the bathroom.

When I finished my business in the bathroom I heard a beep from my computer. I clicked the screen and a pop up window appeared. "You have one video chat request from AllStar101." I raised my eyebrow. Who the hell is this and why do random people keep sending me requests?

I knew for a fact it couldn't be Yua's since I already established that her screen name was WonderfulSinger. Who else could it be? I might as well reject it.

Of course though as I'm about to reject it, my finger slipped and I hit 'accept' instead. Dammit. The curse of fate returns.

The web chat window enlarged and the owner or should I saw owners of the name appeared. I rolled my eyes. I should have known.

"Why did we have to use your screen name? I bet she'll think it's a creep and reject it. If we had used mine, we wouldn't have to wait, but do you listen, no!"

"Or she'll see it's your screen name and think 'oh, it's Yua, I better reject.' Plus, I'm sure Rima-chan is smart to know it's me. At least my screen name makes more sense."

Why is it whenever I'm about to talk to them, they're always fighting? His screen name makes sense how? I suppose I'm not smart enough to understand his mind.

"Yua, Kirishma-kun, hello?" In three, two, one...

"Rima!" I kept my straight face. "How are you feeling now? The last time we talked was when you were getting over your fever and trying to decide whether to stay there or come back to Kyoto."

"I'm not sick anymore; that's a pro. As for the choice, I-"

"Hold on! Rima-chan, you have the choice of coming to Kyoto or remaining in Tokyo? When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?" Kirishma was shocked.

"If you answer your phone more, then you'd probably know," I shot at him. He backed up from the screen while Yua moved forward. "Before I get to the choice, I have a question for Kirishma-kun."

"What, Rima-chan?"

"Is it: How does it feel to be Riri-chi's second best friend after the all-great and powerful Sakurai Yua?"

I raised an eyebrow. Not even close.

"No, Yua-chan, I'm sure it's: How does it feel to be stuck with the ever-annoying and irksome Sakurai Yua?"

Here we go again with the fighting. I face-palmed and paid attention to the screen. "Here's a question for the two of you: Why is it when the both of you talk to me, at the same time, you're always fighting?"

Kirishma and Yua immediately withdrew and sweat-dropped. "Sorry, Rima-chan, it's a force of habit. We're used to you sorting out our problems, so whenever we web chat with you, I guess the fighting between us comes naturally."

I suppose that makes sense. "I guess. At any rate, the question was why your screen name AllStar101?"

"Ha, in your face, Kirishma-kun, Rima didn't get it!"

Kirishma brushed Yua off. "You see, Rima-chan, the word 'all-star' is a term used to designate a person who performs at a high level rank in their field. Since I'm a basketball all-star, I thought it'd work. As for the '101,' it just seemed to fit. Sorry if it still doesn't make sense."

"Nah, don't worry, I actually got it." Kirishma smiled as Yua was on the verge of a hissy fit.

"How does 'AllStar101' make sense to him and not 'Wonderful Singer' to me?" Yua accused.

"Yua-tan, you do tend to sing flat at parts or not be able to hit the highest note. Other than that, you're perfect! How many people can say that their best friend is a model/pop star?"

Yua released a deadly aura - it didn't compare to mine, however. "You keep that up and you won't be saying that in the near future." I just stared at her. In three, two, one... Yua's devilish aura evolved into a sugary sweet one. I taught this girl too much when we were younger. "I'm only kidding, Rima. Besides, I'm happy since you said so yourself that I am your best friend."

"Not exact-"

"Ha, Yua-tan!" Kirishma interrupted.

I twitched. "Can I finish?" My Kyoto friends silenced. "I know you two won't quit until I say that either Kirishma-kun or Yua-tan is my best friend. I don't think I can decide seeing as you've both always were there for me when I needed it. For Yua, whenever I needed help with the thing that shall not be repeated again and needed a confidence boost, you were there. And for Kirishma, whenever I had to deal with Yua's self-controlling issues or needed help with sports, you where there. There's no point in you arguing since you'll both be equal." I smiled at the end. Kirishma and Yua also smiled. "Could you two try not to fight as long as we're talking?"

Yua and Kirishma exchanged looks. "Of course, Rima."

There you see, I knew it was possible to shut the both of them up. Not that the reasons I stated weren't true; they were. That's besides the point. What was I going to do on the computer?

I then realized I was supposed to explain the current situation on my decision and write out my feelings in a document. "Yeah, I am. I- Hold on a moment." I dragged the web chat to open a document. I set the two side-by-side and repositioned myself on the seat. "All right, where was I?"

"The choice, Rima. Did you finally choose?"

"Technically, I did. And truthfully, I'm going to-" I was stopped short by Kirishma.

"Did you two hear that?"

"Hear what, Kirishma?" Yua questioned.

"I thought I heard a scream.

"You must be hearing things. Rima or I didn't hear anything. And no more interruptions." Yua clapped her hands together. "Go, Riri!"

"Thanks for that, Yua. Okay, here we go again. It'll all depend on one person, but for the moment I will be-"

"I heard the scream! Kirishma, you weren't kidding." Yua spoke up, breaking my train of thought.

"You guys doubt me way too much."

I twitched and grew irritated. "Are you two done? Obviously, the scream is coming from your side if you two are hear-" I was however interrupted again, not by Yua or Kirishma, but by something outside my window. It sounds like the scream and it was coming from outside my window. "I'll be back. I'm going to check it out."

(Nagihiko's POV)

Thirty minutes prior to the scream

"I'll see you tomorrow, Nagi-koi. I would stay for dinner, but my mom wants me home since she doesn't want to eat dinner alone," Saaya frowned.

I chuckled nervously and did my best to make her smile, not because I hate seeing her upset but because it wouldn't look like I was about to do something suspicious. I showed her to the door. I opened the door like the gentleman I was and she was about to step out.

Seeing as this would be a perfect opportunity, I halted her from leaving by snatching her wrist. She looked at me with confusion. "All I wanted was a hug before you left." Her confusion was soon replaced by a sickly sweet and fake grin.

"Why didn't you say so?"

She rotated completely around and wrapped her arms around my neck while I wrapped one of my arms around her waist. My other arm, however, sneakily went into her bag. I felt around for a while before I got what I wanted. I carefully slipped it out and shoved it in my pocket. I broke away from the hug. "Well, you need to be heading off. Don't want your mom eating alone. I'll see you tomor-"

"Wait, but first, can I-" She leaned closer into me, but I dodged to the side and pointed to the door. "Nagihiko?"

I hurriedly came up with an excuse. "Sorry, Saaya-chan, but you really need to go. I don't want your mom to lose her patience. Tomorrow though."

She fake-smiled. "Okay." With that, she was out the door. I sighed in relief and shut it. I placed my back against the door and almost slipped to the ground.

I gazed up to see Nadeshiko giving me a glare. "Guess I can eat without having to worry about puking out my food since the wicked witch of Japan is gone. Whoop-de-do! Anyways, Mom says that it's time for dinner."

I love how she and the others are so open to their feelings on Saaya. "All right then, let's go." We made our way through the house into the dining room where the maids finished setting up the table and was about to serve dinner. My mom and Baaya were seated at the table in a conversation until Nadeshiko and I walked in. They broke from their talk and watched us take our seats.

"Nagihiko, did Saaya-san leave?"

"Yes, Mother."

"And thank the heavens for that," Nadeshiko added, but in return got scolded by our mom and Baaya.

"Young miss, that's no way to talk about your brother's girlfriend."

"I know, but that's the way to talk about my brother's puppet master."

I rotated in her direction. "What are you doing?" I questioned. I really meant 'why is she saying all of this now?'

"Yes, Nadeshiko, what do you mean puppet master? And do you mind not talking like that? Nagihiko's found a nice girl that might have a few imperfections, but they're none you should watch out for."

"I'm guessing you haven't met her real self yet," she flatly said.

Our mom, Baaya and even I were shocked to hear Nadeshiko saying these things, especially now during dinner. Instead of our mom and Baaya pressing about it, they waited since dinner had arrived. I realized I forgot to wash up, so I had to do that first. I excused myself for a minute.

I returned and everyone had a platter in front of them. Where I was sitting, however, there wasn't one to be found. I re-took my place. "Mom, where's my food?"

She pointed at Nadeshiko who had two platters by her. "One of the maids gave her two by mistake. Nadeshiko, would you mind passing your brother's platter to him?" I reached out my hands, ready to receive the plate.

I was struck down though. "Yes, I mind."

I raised my eyebrows. Why is Nadeshiko lashing out? Could it be that she's showing us how much she missed having dinner with us since for the past three nights she's been having dinner at Utau's house?

Nah, it couldn't be. There's something on her mind that's making her do this.

"Nadeshiko Temari Fujisaki! What's gotten into you? First you criticize your brother's girlfriend and now you're acting like this. Is there something bothering you?"

Nadeshiko remained quiet debating to say what's on her mind or not. If she says it then I can see if it's something that I can fix. If it deals with Saaya, however, that might be somewhat difficult. "Nadeshiko? Go ahead. Say what you need to say."

In an instant, she whipped her head in my direction. "Why can't you see that Rima-chi's the one who understands you?" I stiffened when I heard that. "She's been next door and almost always been there for you whenever you needed it, so why can't you see the truth? You don't belong with Saaya, you belong with Rima! That's what I needed to say! Are you happy now?" She stood up and stared me directly in the eye. When I couldn't handle the eye contact anymore, I bowed my head.

"Nadeshiko, why don't you go to your room? We'll talk about this later," our mother softly said.

She agreed. Before leaving though, she passed my platter of food and apologized. "Sorry about that Nagi." She exited the dining room. I watched after her.

After dinner

I went upstairs. Baaya and I volunteered to my mom that I'd be the one to talk to Nadeshiko. Instead of going straight to Nadeshiko's room and winging what I was going to say, I thought about heading to my room first to think.

When I swung open my door however, Nadeshiko was sitting on my bed as if she had been waiting here the whole time. "Nadeshiko," I began, "why are you in my room?"

"I knew that Mom or Baaya was going to send you up here to talk to me in their place and to save you trouble, I just waited in your room," she replied.

I approached her a little. "What was up with that whole thing at dinner?" I kinda had a basis of what it was about, but I needed clarification to be sure. Nadeshiko got up and moved toward the window. I saw she noticed the light in the room next door was on, that light and room belonging to none other than Rima. What about the light or should I say... "What about Rima?"

She sighed. "Do you want me to repeat everything I said at dinner or would you like me to skip ahead?"

I shrugged. I didn't really care which one "Surprise me."

"Fine, then." She gave one more glimpse at Rima's window before facing me. "What are you going to do if Rima-chi moves?"

When I heard that sentence, I wish I'd picked for her to repeat everything. That way, I would've been eased into the question and wouldn't be plain shocked like I am right now. "What!" I screamed out.

"What do you mean by 'what?' I asked a simple question: What are you going to do if Rima moves?"

To her repeating it, all I could do was... be in more shock. "Rima-chan's moving! Saaya-chan promised she'd keep up her ends of the bargain as long as I kept mine up."

Now it was Nadeshiko's turn to shout. "What!" Nadeshiko took a moment to breathe in and out. " 'Her ends of the bargain?' What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, what does 'if Rima moves' mean? Explain that!"

"Nagi, the question is pretty self-explanatory. It means-"

"I'm not talking about the question itself. I'm talking about Rima's moving. Rima might be moving. Why?"

"What do you mean why? You should know. The whole school found out on Thursday when she came back after being sick- compliments of you. Let me elaborate on it, so we're both on the same page. Rima-chi's parents gave her the choice to either stay in Tokyo or go back to Kyoto - it'd only be her going - after they felt that Rima wasn't as happy here as she was when she was in Kyoto. Does that make sense now? What are you going to do?"

Feel disappointed. "It makes sense, but I didn't know that. I didn't hear anything about that at school from anybody, including you or the others, let alone Rima-chan. Why didn't you all tell me?"

"Are you serious? I kind of figured you'd know since you didn't listen to 'it' about being mean to Rima-chi. If that's the truth though, the reason we, as in our friends and I, didn't tell you was because we thought you were bound to hear it by everybody at school. As for Rima-chi, the reason why she didn't tell you was because you're her deciding factor."

"Deciding factor?"

"Yes. How you treat her in the next couple of weeks is going to make or break her choice to stay. She didn't want you to find out mainly because she wants to see how you'll normally act and not act with this piece of information as an influence."

"Really? I did that on Thursday because I didn't want to make Rima-chan cry since I care more for her than-" Nadeshiko raised an eyebrow and I sighed. I guess it's time to come clean. "All right, there'll be no other good time than now, but do you want to know why I'm really with Saaya-chan again?"

Nadeshiko literally did a happy dance. "I knew it! There had to be a reason why you were dating that beast again. I mean, who could ever like her?"

Truthfully, I did like her at first. When she came back from the Bahamas, however, I didn't like her at all. I only asked her again because I was afraid Rima was going to reject me and I knew Saaya was going to accept right off the bat. Then I somehow fell into her trap. How pathetic am I?

"You can continue your happy dance later. Anyways, I'm back with Saaya-chan for two reasons. One, she's black-mailing me." Nadeshiko snapped her fingers and mumbled something. "Two, let's put it like this, she's a spoiled brat who'll do anything to get what she wants."

"Whoa, wait. Black-mailing you with what? The Namihiko thing?" I nodded. "Seriously? Why did you even tell her in the first place? Only people we trusted and our family was supposed to know about that. As for the spoiled brat part, explain."

"I did trust her, but I wasn't the one who told her little miss who didn't bother to knock on my door to see if I had a guest over and just calls me Namihiko." She sweat-dropped. "I guess the black-mailing reason is more of why I'm with her, that she'll tell everybody - mainly the girls who invited me to their sleepovers - I'm Namihiko. The second reason is still pretty important though. Are you familiar with JS Group Corporations?"

"Should I be?"

"Not really, but I figured out what Saaya's dad's job is. He's the new president of the company after the original owner passed away. As the president, he can make his employees do whatever he wants... or whatever his daughter wants." There was a strike of confusion in Nadeshiko's eyes. "This'll be easier if I skip ahead. Do you know where Rima-chan's dad works? He works at JS Group Corporation..." I trailed in hopes Nadeshiko was picking up what I was putting down.

She did. She jumped up. "You're basically saying that the monster can tell her dad to fire Rima's dad. Why would she do that?"

"Yeah, I'm basically saying that. And if Rima's dad doesn't have a job, they might have to move to find a job. She'd do it because like I said, she wants what she wants and what she wants is Rima-chan to suffer."

"That... That... I have to say it. That bitch!" she exclaimed.

"You're telling me. Why I couldn't tell anyone of you earlier was because she threatened she'd tell if I said anything, but I realized if I don't, eventually something else might happen to Rima-chan, like her maybe leaving!"

Nadeshiko groaned. "When did our lives become a drama movie?" She buried her face in her hands, but shortly after, moved her them away and glared at me. "If you don't really like her, then why do you... you know and why did you demand a hug before she left?"

"Because-"

"What the hell are you two doing? I and the people I'm talking to via web chat can hear you."

"Hey, Rima-chi," Nadeshiko nervously laughed. "We were just having a shouting contest." Sure, Nade, she'll totally believe that.

"No, seriously," she stayed with a blunt expression.

I suppose now would be a good time to explain to Nadeshiko and give Rima something at the same time. "Hey, Rima-chan," I called out.

Her amber eyes wandered in my direction. "What?"

"Do you mind sticking your hands out and closing your eyes?"

She raised her eyebrows. "What for?"

"Just do it. It's nothing bad, I promise." She debated whether she should do it or not. When I flashed her a smile, she caved and did as I said. Why did I have to be so stupid not to see that Rima does belong with me. As Rima stuck her hands out and closed her eyes, I moved toward my window.

Nadeshiko held me back for a second. "What are you doing?"

"You'll see," I winked. She released me, so I was able to dig into my pocket for a small orange device. Nadeshiko gasped behind me and knew why I really hugged Saaya before she left. With my basketball skills, I threw the orange object next door with enough power and aim to make it in Rima's hands.

When she felt the object's weight her eyes fluttered open. Her eyes widened as she saw what is was. She gazed up at me with a loss of words. "How did you- Why did you- When did you-"

"Don't worry about it, Rima-chan," I smiled.

I saw her face slightly blush before she brushed it away. She turned her head to the side. "Thanks, Nagihiko." With that, she shut her window, hopped off her window bench and closed the curtains.

I smiled in satisfaction as I faced Nadeshiko to see what she was going to say.

"I see. The hug was actually a distraction so you could get Rima-chi's phone back. But what about the other times..."

I face-palmed. "She did them to me Nadeshiko."

She nodded her head. "All right, but that was a close one. My brain was still busy processing what you told me to think of a legit excuse."

"No problem. I saved you, so you owe me. And I suggest you not telling anybody about what I told you."

"Deal. That's such an abuse of power." Nadeshiko shook her head in disgust. Anyways, what are we going to do with the current situation of you fake-dating Yamabuki-san and Rima-chi potentially leaving for Kyoto?"

I don't know what to do about that. All I know is that we're - mostly me - screwed.

(Rima's POV)

I walked from my window to the computer, but not before I examined my phone. How did Nagihiko get my phone back from Saaya and why did he?

I pushed the thought away and re-joined reality. I placed my phone on the desk and plopped on the computer chair just in time to hear Yua and Kirishma discussing something.

"Kirishma-kun, you'll never guess it, but I have a brilliant beyond brilliant idea."

"What is it?"

"I was thinking- Rima, you're back! What were the screams?"

I pouted for Yua didn't get to complete her sentence. I knew it was too good to be true. Besides, I don't think her plans would involve me. "Just my crazy next door neighbors."

"But Riri-chi, aren't your crazy next door neighbors Nade and Nagihiko?" Pause. "I see your point. Anyways... the decision?" Yua pressed.

That's right. With so many distractions, I almost forgot about the decision and the blank word document. I told them truthfully what I was thinking and they gave their opinions on it. As they were talking, I wrote in the document what I was feeling after Nagihiko gave me back my phone.

To be continued...

Me: Another six more chapters!

Daichi: You're lucky this story is ending soon. That way, the readers won't have to deal with your procrastination. -.-

Me: They all love me though, right? Right?

I know I keep updating late and that was really rushed, but I blame summer school and my lovely friend visiting. That and I've been working on YouTube videos!

I'll try and get the next one up soon because something happens that you'll have to wait and see. ;) Hahaha!