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Disclaimer: Still taint mine.
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The Challenge :: Part 7

Daisuke could see Ken trying to claw his way through the steadily moving crowed. He could
not tell if the grimace on Ken's face was from trying to make it over to him or from what
Miyako had told him. Daisuke had been waiting for bus back to their apartment when he had
seen Miyako come running up, waving. Daisuke had smiled, happy for the company and they
quickly began rehashing some of their favorite old stories from the digi-world and after,
then:

I saw Ken on campus the other day.

Yeah he was give a lecture on something or other

Yeah, it's kinda funny really.

What?

All the girls. They just think he's the best thing. Smart. Handsome. None of them have
a clue that he's, you know, with you.

So?

So how do you know he really loves you? I mean, with the choices he has, why you?

He loves me.

Well I'm sure he thinks he does anyway.

What does that mean?

Well, maybe it was lack of choice. I mean, face it. Ken was really screwed up. And then
you were there.

And?

I mean, who is to say that if you weren't there he wouldn't have made some other choice?

Huh?

All I'm saying is that you'll never *really* know.

Daisuke rolled his eyes at her and gave a laugh in the barest attempt to hide the pain
gnawing away at his heart. He smirked at her unsure face before standing up on the bus
bench, and calling out, "I'm Motomiya Daisuke and Ichijouji Ken loves me!" He smiled down
to where Miyako sat; fully expecting her to laugh, but instead was met with a look of horror.

"God Daisuke!" she said pulling him back down, "What are you trying to do? Ruin Ken's
life?" 'Ok, so that may be a bit harsh,' she added to herself.

Daisuke looked around. There was a grade school girl snickering behind her hand and a
middle-aged man in a suit who looked decidedly uncomfortable, maybe even a little ill.
Everyone else just looked at him as if he were absolutely loony. But more than anyone he
could feel the way Miyako was watching him. Like he had just told everyone about Ken's
deepest and darkest secret. Himself.


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tbc

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