New Page 1

--- Author's Note ---

Part eight is here. And two chapters before this one, ignore what I wrote about Matt seeing a shrink. It's not important. Anywayz, pleaz review.

* * * *

Matt

As soon as school let out, I headed straight for the Odaiba mall. I knew a lot of girls would be hanging out there but I would risk it. Sora was worth it.

I wandered around for a bit and thought about what Tai had said. 'Compliment her, dedicate songs to her, buy her stuff and address her in public.'

I have been dropping subtle hints, I mused as I strolled around. But she doesn't seem to notice. And my next concert is coming up soon. I could do something then. Buy her things. Hmm. Did roses count? Girls are supposed to like that stuff, I thought as I passed a jewelry store. But diamonds are way out of my budget.

Then I noticed a card store. A nice, mushy card would probably grab her attention. I walked inside and checked out the signs hanging above the aisles.

Birthday
Anniversary
Get Well
Sympathy
Love

I blushed so hard I thought my hair would start to turn red. What if someone saw me in the love aisle? What if Jun found me here?

Just take it easy, I told myself. I took a deep breath, then sneaked down to the end of the love aisle and peeked down it.

A woman wearing a purple pantsuit and oversized sunglasses was standing in the middle of the row. She was reading a card and sniffling into a pale, pink handkerchief.

This was the kind of person who bought these cards? I was desperate. But I wasn't desperate enough to go anywhere near that lady.

I noticed a book rack right near the end of the aisle. Books were safe, I figured. I grabbed a book of the rack and held it in front of my face, waiting for Miss Sniffles to leave.

Apparently she wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere. She put down one card and picked up another. Put down that one and picked up another.

I sighed and glanced at the cover of the book I was holding.

Secrets of Love: How to get that special girl to notice you.

I started to laugh. Forget the card- I'd just found the answer to all my problems.