"I'm not too sure about this..."

He sighed. "I told you already Kimon-san, it'll be FINE. You visited LAST Sunday and there were no problems. My family doesn't CARE. I assured you that before you even SAID anything."

"Hai...wakarimasu... Demo...are you sure they're not going to treat me...differently?"

A hand rested on her shoulder. "I haven't treated you any different have I? You told one-chan the truth, and okaa-san. Don't you remember how that went?"

"You can DO this." He softly encouraged, giving her shoulder a small squeeze. She gave a tense nod and gulped before the two went through the front door.

"Oh dear it's so GOOD to have you back again! I missed you not being around last Sunday. I have so much to catch you up on. You must tell me how college is going. Are you starting to study for finals yet?"

She gave a pensive smile and embraced the woman in their traditional welcome hug. "Konnichi wa Mouri-san." She breathed, slowly pulling away. "Ogenki desu ka?"

Mouri-san smiled and patted the girl's shoulder. "You're sweet to worry about me dear. I'm very fine now, though my own children won't let me do hardly ANYTHING around here..."

He wryly snorted at the jab, but smiled and started to head back to the pottery area. "I'll be in back working if you two need anything."

"Cye-san...matte." She softly called, taking a step in his direction. Hearing his clothing rustle and then pause, she gave a small nod before turning to Mouri-san. "Gomen nasai Mouri-san. I have something to discuss with Sayoko-san."

Mouri-san smiled and gave her another pat on the shoulder. "Hai. I'll be in the living room. Take your time."

She turned to Cye and took a few steps toward him, feeling his hand reach for her arm. He entwined their arms and lead her to the back room. The more potent the clay smell, the more tense the arm around his became. Teeth harshly bit her lip as she felt his eyes. "I don't know if I...I can do this..." She fearfully whispered, gulping again. Her eyes widened even further as he stopped them in the doorway.

He let go of their arms and turned to her. One of his hands lightly took hers and gave a gentle squeeze. "You're over thinking this too much. Daijoubu. One-chan is a lot more open-minded than that. She and I have a lot in common, and I accepted it, didn't I? Have faith...trust her."

She rapidly blinked, taking slow, deep breaths to calm herself. After calming a little, she gave a jerky nod and squared her shoulders. "Lead the way..." She breathed, reaching a hand for his shirt. She loosely gripped the fabric, almost afraid to touch him, and was guided into the room.

The room reeked of pottery clay and glaze. It was nauseous to say the least, but she was too nervous to pay much attention to it. She harshly swallowed when she felt new eyes and heard the thumping of her heart. It took every bit of willpower to keep her breathing even. "Sayoko-san...I would like to...talk to you about something."

Blinking at the quiet, yet firm tone, the eldest Mouri child turned to Kimon and took a few steps toward her. "Hai Kimon-san?"

She took a few tentative steps into the room, hands subtly stretched out to feel the area. Fingertips bumped into a waist-high wood table and she leaned on it, as if for strength. Fingers anxiously clasped together over the surface and she looked to it, unable to look to the person who knew her secret, afraid of how Cye's sister would respond. Not ALL people treated her being blind with an open mind... "Sayoko-san...last Sunday...when your mother had that attack...I...I...I'm-"

"Are you trying to tell me about your blindness Kimon-san?" Lips pressed together. "I...I don't mind it you know..."

She blinked, trying to slow down her heart. "G...gomen nasai for not telling you... Cye-san told me I should, but I was so scared of what you'd think that I couldn't bring myself to...to-"

"Daijoubu." Sayoko gently broke in. "I'm actually a little awed at you. To be your age and do the things you do. I always thought you were able to see. The way you move around our house, for not being able to see...that's just so incredible..."

She gave a small, grateful smile and fought tears. "Arigatou..." She whispered.

"Mouri-san...I have something I'd like to tell you..."

"What is it dear? Oh...would you like some more tea?"

"Are? Ano...hai..." Lips pressed together almost painfully. "I've...I've been...KEEPING something from you Mouri-san...but it's nothing BAD." She quickly reassured, feeling eyes. Her ears quickly scanned for anyone else in hearing range, but both siblings were in the back like normal and Ryuusuke was at work as well.

"There you go dear." Mouri-san held the glass for her to take, but nothing happened.

"Mouri-san...I can't do things normal people can. I've been able to keep anyone from noticing this about me...and...Cye-san helps. He's kept it a secret...for a long time now. I recently told Sayoko-san about it...but it......seems hard to tell you..."

Mouri-san gently put the glass back down and slowly took her hands. "You can tell me ANYTHING dear. You know that. I'd feel offended if you DID keep something from me. How many times have we visited now? It's only spring, yet I feel like you're one of the family."

She blinked and minutely startled at feeling tears fall down her face. "Are?" She gently pulled a hand away and self-consciously brushed at the tears, feeling embarrassed. "Ah...g...gomen nasai...I...I just..."

Hands squeezed hers. "You go ahead and cry if you want to dear. You shouldn't hold emotions like that inside." Mouri-san gently consoled. She tenderly smiled and wiped away another tear. "Do you want to know something I think about you? I think you're an amazing young woman who has definite goals you're going for. I like being around you and I'm glad my musuko met you, even as friends." The elderly woman leaned back in the seat, feeling a little embarrassed. "Gomen for interrupting. What did you want to tell me?"

She felt more tears falling, but didn't pay them any mind. The words Mouri-san said were swimming in her head and it was taking all she had to not hug to the woman and call her ofukuro. A small, touched smile tipped her lips, eyes brimming with unseen happiness. Those words meant so much, even if it made her feel a little guilty about not telling Mouri-san even more. "I'm blind..." She whispered, ducking her head away. She didn't know what she'd do if Mouri-san rejected her now. Her heart would break...

There was a span of silence that seemed to last an eternity. She waited with held breath, feeling her lungs burn as she waited for either 'it doesn't matter' or 'I don't want to see you again' to come. Teeth harshly chewed on the inside of her mouth, feeling utterly tense. Never in her life had a single, positive phrase meant so much to her.

"Why are you telling me this dear?"

She blinked in shock, unable to hide her. Her head slightly jerked back as she stumbled for an answer. "I...well Cye-san said that I should...not to keep it from you all and-"

Hands patted hers, stopping her rambling. "What I mean is dear...is why are you telling me this like that? I'm sorry I didn't word that better...I was just a little taken aback. You say that like it matters..."

She sat frozen for the briefest of moments as her mind churned with the final statement. Mouri-san didn't MIND?? She didn't...she didn't care she was blind... The silence was just to process her condition...

"Arigatou gozaimasu Mouri-san!" She weakly cried, flinging herself forward. With all the relief and love she felt, she hugged the older woman, grateful tears streaming down her cheeks. "That...that means so...much to me! I was so afraid...you'd say no, or reject me..."

"There, there Kimon-san...daijoubu. You think little of me if you thought that. I think of you as one of my own as much as I care for you and your well-being. You wouldn't think such a small issue like THAT would make me change my thinking, would you?"

SMALL ISSUE!? She dumbly pulled back and tried to compose herself, yet still outwardly shocked. "But...I'm BLIND Mouri-san. I hid it from ALL of you! I feel a little guilty for that... I just thought that, well......people in the PAST have treated me differently..."

"Hush dear. Don't say such nonsense. If any of my family treated you as horribly as that, then you wouldn't deserve to know us. I raise my children better than that and I hope they haven't mistreated you or tried to placate you because of your being blind."

"Iie...they haven't." A smile tipped her lips. "Cye-san and Sayoko-san have been overly understanding about it."

"There you see? Nothing to worry about."

She sighed and minutely nodded. "Hai...I remember." She quietly uttered.

He smiled. "Then what's the problem? Still more doubts?" He patted her shoulder and ushered her into the car. "Come. We've stalled too much already and okaa-san will be wondering where we're at if we stay any later."

She got in and automatically buckled up with a small, touched grin. It was so reassuring to know that SOMEONE she got along with so well knew her secret. It was like a weight off her chest and she could act a little more normal around them. None of them tried to coddle her, more than necessary as a guest, yet just made small adjustments as Cye did. She was still getting used to the idea, even after three more visits, of holding out her hands in expectation to have something put in them.

"Now remember, you promised to listen to my final paper after lunch was over with." He suddenly announced, heading out. A grin arrived. "It's the last one, so you don't need to worry about having to tutor me again."

She blinked and looked to him. "What do you mean? Aren't you following up with another English class? Or is that as far as you can go?"

"Neither actually. I told Sayoko-chan and okaa-san I'd take the summer off to help with the business. In exchange, one-chan and I are going to talk about a few things concerning me and the place. So, no more having to study for a while." He cast her a quick glance. "What about you? Are you going to continue on with classes this summer?"

She heavily rested against the chair, but managed a silent nod. "I've been taking full-time classes since I started." She murmured, forgetting all about her phobia. For some reason, it felt like the world was ending. But that was silly...Cye had a right to take the summer off. He had a busy life to attend to outside of school...she understood that. "I just have a few more semesters and then I'll graduate. How much longer do you have?"

"Hmm...well I started the fall of high school graduation...but I imagine I have a few more semesters than you do."

How could he sound so CASUAL about it?? She felt horrible, like crying for some reason. No more encounters and tutoring at school. Somehow, she'd come to enjoy them over the past few months. What was she going to do with that free time now? More homework?? She did enough of it as it was. Why did this have to happen now? Did she go back to her original schedule before meeting Cye? That was sounded so BORING now...

"We're here." He suddenly announced, shutting off the engine.

She dully waited for him to open her door, extending a hand automatically. The day just went from good to bad. Suddenly, talking to Mouri-san didn't feel as exciting as it did before he made that statement.

"Okaeri you two." Mouri-san gaily mused. She swept Kimon in their normal hug and felt something lacking from the embrace. She made a mental note to ask the girl about it over tea. "Well musuko, don't you have work to do? Kimon-san and I have things to discuss." She bustled, shooing her son back to his job.

He smiled and started for the hallway. "Hai okaa-san." A hand waved as he was lost to sight.

"Yosh...come dear, something is on your mind."

She startled, looking to Mouri-san. "How...how did you-"

"Mother's intuition dear." A hand patted her arm. "Come; don't bother to hide it from me. You'll feel a lot better when you get it out. So...come and have tea and tell me all about it."

That was really the last thing she wanted to do, but who could refuse such a request from Mouri-san? "Yosh." She muttered, shuffling after the woman to their normal spot. Her hands rose to grab the tea glass as normal, feeling like she was on auto-pilot. Why was this bugging her so badly? This shouldn't get to her that bad; she'd still see Cye on Sundays when he picked her up, and she had a feeling that if she wanted to make small talk any other time, he would stop by again.

"Alright then...so what has got you so down Kimon?"

She blinked at hearing her normal name, and knew that she'd BETTER tell Mouri-san if she didn't want to spend half an hour beating around the bush. That insistent, motherly tone was telling her to spill her guts. She sighed and rested the teacup in her lap. "Cye isn't...going to college this summer."

Mouri-san nodded. "That's right. We talked a few days ago and he said he'd take the time off and help here if he didn't take classes. It's perfectly acceptable." She suddenly stopped and stared into gray. "Why does that bother you?" She slowly asked, gaze searching that even face. After months of visits, she was able to read the girl pretty well, seeing past the mask she put up.

She managed a meek smile, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Ano...yare..." Lips pressed together as her courage died.

A finger poked her arm, as a gossiper wanting information to spread. "Don't hide something from me Kimon." Mouri-san knowingly smiled. "Besides, I think I figured it out anyway... It deals with you missing my son doesn't it?"

The blush on her face intensified, even as she sputtered for a sentence. Words wouldn't come to deny that, even if her mind was producing all sorts of statements. She finally silenced herself, knowing she was making an even bigger fool out of herself than before. Teeth bit her lip as she looked to the teacup. "I...I just...well I..." She paused again and sighed. "I'm not helping my case, am I?"

Mouri-san's smile rose. "Iie, you're not." She chuckled quietly. "It's alright dear...to have feelings for my son I mean. It's not a bad thing to care for a male like that...even a little. You've known Cye for at least six months did you think you could stay immune to his kindness forever?"

She sputtered again, feeling like a tomato. Her face felt on FIRE! "No. He's nice enough and he treats me well and I-" She paused, knowing she wasn't helping again. Finally caving, knowing Mouri-san must be able to read and interpret her words, she heavily sighed. "He told me on the car ride up and I feel like my world is ending. I'm so used to his visits after classes that I already feel...empty. How can that be? He's just my friend. I'll still see him every Sunday, and I doubt he'd deny me an opportunity to see him outside that. Is...is it normal to miss a friend that much?"

A brow rose as Mouri-san stared at the girl. She was so blind, theoretically speaking, yet so ridiculously open for trying to hide her emotions. Once she realized it, she would be a lot better off. A hand patted Kimon's. "It is perfectly normal to miss a...'friend' that much dear. You two have been doing that all semester and you're accustomed to it. Now your time with him will be gone and you'll have to find something ELSE to do. Have you talked to Cye about this?"

Her eyes shot open. TALK to Cye?? She would NEVER have the courage to do that!! "NO! I mean...no...no I could NEVER talk to him about this! I'm too shy and reserved...I couldn't find the strength to..." Hands anxiously fiddled with her glass, teeth nibbling her lip again.

Mouri-san sighed. She had to admit, those two looked nice together, but that was just a mother thing. "That's your problem dear. You beat yourself down and accept the negative rather than think on the bright side. Maybe if you just give it a go and talk to Cye, things won't be as bad as you think. Has Cye ever done or said anything to reject your requests before?"

She thought back to their friendship, to every small or big request she had. There weren't many, but he always agreed to them. And then he helped her in times of need, like her being sick. He did things for her for no real reason, as the tea and cookies signified. He was such a nice person... Her lips curled a bit. "No."

"Then you have your answer. I raised my son to be a polite young man. If he says anything to hurt you or make you sad, you talk to me and I'll straighten him out."

Her face flamed again, though the smile wouldn't wipe off. The little things Mouri-san did or said never ceased to touch her. One woman cared about her that much...probably as much as she did back.

~*~*~

"What's on your mind ototo-chan?" Sayoko announced, briefly looking up from the pottery wheel she was at.

Cye's eyes met hers until both looked back to their work. He tried to pay attention to the small vase in his hands, but his mind was just too full of thoughts and questions. Work seemed to bring that out in him. "Eh...nothing much." He muttered, not feeling like sharing this time. It was too embarrassing to tell Sayoko without the threat of sibling teasing involved. Even though she was ten years his senior, she wasn't above it.

Sayoko's brow rose as she looked up again. "That tone of voice doesn't SOUND like 'nothing' ototo-chan." She gave a disarming grin. "Come on...what's up? Tell your one-chan and I'll make it all better."

His lips pursed as he shot her a dry look only feet away. There was no way she was going to make this 'all better', not unless she could control other people. He squelched a sigh and tried to concentrate again. "It's nothing okay? I was just wondering a few things about Kimon-san."

Her brow furrowed this time, part in concentration at the task in her hands and part in wonder. "What now? I thought you figured a lot stuff out already."

It was NOTHING like what it was in the past. Gods...how could he feel THIS unsure?? He never felt like this around her, what if she heard it in his voice? "I'm not talking about that I-" He stopped and purposely bit his lip. "It's nothing founded. It's a lot of speculation. It's mostly private."

She quietly snorted, knowing he wished to drop it. "As you wish then ototo-chan. But when you want to talk, your one-chan is here to listen. Sore wakaru, ne?" You know that, right?

"Hai..."

~*~*~

"So what else do you want to change on this thing?" Kimon quietly asked, leaning back in the chair. A hand pulled one of her calves up as the other moved to sit cross-legged. A small, sudden smirk appeared. "After all I've taught you Cye-san, I'd have thought you wouldn't NEED anymore help." She poked, looking in his direction across the room.

He looked up from the paper and shifted positions on his bed, grinning at her playful tone. "Yea well...what can I say?" His good humor dropped as he purposely looked to the paper. "I like to know I'm being directed by the best."

Her breath stuck in her throat. She didn't make that up, but it was so quiet that she rarely heard it. Slowly blinking, the hand idly holding her calf loosened. "...Cye...-san?" She whispered, feeling her stomach flutter. Why was her heart pounding so loud NOW??

Feeling his face heat up a bit, Cye quietly cleared his throat and reached for his pencil. "Anyway... A...ano...you didn't say whether or not I should add a coma in that sentence or not."

Mentally shaking herself and berating for getting off track, she shifted to finish getting comfortable and shook her head. "No. Leave it as is. Next sentence." He grinned, feeling a little like the program on her laptop.

He read off the next few paragraphs, feeling a fool for saying that to her so suddenly. It wasn't enough that they were in his room doing homework, though sitting far enough away. Why did he feel a little nervous about having her in his room? Did she feel like this when he visited those weeks ago?

It was because of his recent thought track...had to be. Ever since finals rolled around and his decision to take a small break and RELAX this summer, along with that family discussion, he was thinking of things that never crossed his mind before. Also seeing Kimon as something else.

He felt like a boy with his first crush. Which was silly because he HAD casually dated a few girls in high school, but they were more outgoing than Kimon was. The other girls were easier to talk to than her. Though he didn't date more than half a dozen times in his life, those suddenly didn't cross his mind. How did he go about asking her without damaging his pride or his hope? She was a fragile girl and he would never hurt her in any way, but she had to see that first.

"Cye-san?"

He startled, head jerking across the room. A sheepish grin sprouted as he tapped the eraser on his bedspread. "Gomen...what were you saying?"

"Just wondering what you were being so quiet about. You didn't read the next line and I didn't know what you were doing."

He blushed again, feeling like fidgeting with something. If he wasn't already tapping the pencil against his bed, he would be doing something else with his hands. The need for a distraction felt needed. And even though she was blind, he couldn't look Kimon in the eye. "Ah...just...thinking of something."

"Hmm...well...you don't...mind telling me...do you? If it apparently bothers you that much I mean. You don't have to if you don't want to." She rushed, feeling her face heat a little. A shy smile appeared as she looked to the bottom of the chair.

How could she look so innocent and so caring like that in a split second? It was no lie that she was pretty. There was a natural beauty surrounding her, one she most likely didn't notice or didn't TAKE notice of. He couldn't help but stare at her, knowing that he could without being so quickly noticed. She'd know, he knew THAT, but not as well as if she could see.

"It doesn't bother me to tell you something on my mind..." He quietly answered, staring at his paper. The final draft lay forgotten as he steeled himself to be honest and upfront. This was it. "I was...doing some thinking about the summer...and the semester since we met and throughout..." He absently looked up and stared, silent for a while. He gained a small nod to go on and quietly inhaled for strength. "I was just...won...wondering...if I could...see you outside of college...when you have time of course."

She stared at his voice for what seemed forever. There was no possible way to fully explain the relief that rolled over her, nor the happiness in that moment. She smiled and almost slumped against the chair. "You know...I was thinking something along those lines as well Cye-san? I was hoping you would allow me to see you outside of tutoring."

"MOU?" He breathed, eyes wide. Could it be?? Was she thinking some of the same things he was?? His heart almost skipped a beat in hope.

She quickly nodded, now leaning forward in eagerness. "Hai! You don't know how much it pained me to lose seeing a friend as I've done. I felt...a little sad in knowing I wouldn't be able to talk to you as we've done so far. I'm glad you want to still...hang out as we've done."

His eyes solemnly went back to staring at his paper. The pencil started twisting in his fingers at a rapid rate, the need to fidget overwhelming. Yes, she WAS innocent...and a little naive. That wasn't what he meant... "Iie Kimon-san. I mean...well what I meant when I said...seeing you...I meant was...if you don't mind-" He paused and rubbed a hand over his face. This was harder than he THOUGHT. "I mean...seeing you as...MORE than friends..." Teeth bit his lip as the breath caught in his throat. His eyes remained riveted to see her reaction, unable to look away.

She looked on with impossibly wide eyes, unable to blink. Her mind was a total blank on how to answer him. Lips slowly gaped open as if to, yet nothing escaped her mouth. She just sat there, tightly gripping the bottom of the chair, totally shocked. Why did Cye want THAT from her?? What did he see in her that warranted someone like HIM would want to see someone like HER?? She would NEVER deserve someone as nice and kindhearted like him in a million YEARS! "Atashii...ano...atashii..." She stopped, realizing she must look silly. Her mouth slowly closed. A small part of her mind knew her hands were hurting from gripping the chair so hard, but she couldn't let go. This was NUTS! What brought THIS up?!

He felt somewhat let down, even though Kimon didn't answer him yet. The look on her face said she didn't look especially pleased with his proposal. But...what did he EXPECT?? The girl probably never got many dating requests in her lifetime. He wondered if she even HAD dated in the past.

"Daijoubu." He quietly murmured, feeling his chest tighten. "I was just wondering...ya know? It's okay if you don't want to. I can only imagine what that'd do to your schedule..." A humorless grin briefly appeared, though he felt a little bitter. What if she didn't want to date because she didn't want to change that?? But that didn't make sense...as she changed it to tutor him.

Kimon rapidly blinked at the sting to his words, almost as if she were slapped. A small shiver raced up her spine, having never heard such emotion from him to her before. It was a new experience and she didn't know how to take THAT either. "No...I...you just...caught me off-guard... I...I've never...I don't know what to...SAY..." A hand went to her head, delving into her hair. Teeth bit her lip as motor functions slowly returned, thinking even slower than that. "You just...surprised me... I...I'd like to...think this through...if I may..."

A small smile appeared. So it wasn't all hopeless maybe? That tiny spark of hope blossomed. She didn't initially turn him down. He just shocked her out of her socks. But, she said she never...did that mean she never dated before, or was never asked out? Maybe both? At least it would explain her reaction, if not for the disbelief that her friend would ask her out. "Take all the time you need Kimon-san. Gomen for startling you. I...I didn't mean to."

A hand quickly waved in between them, feeling the rapid need to explain herself. Why did she feel so guilty at his chagrin? "Iie! No, no. Daijoubu desu. I didn't mean to offend! You...it's just...you're...the first to-" She stopped and clamped a hand over her mouth before she said something discomforting. As if she hadn't ALREADY.

'Just keep digging your own grave onna!' She retorted, fighting the urge to sigh at her behavior.

He nodded and looked to the paper. They wouldn't get anymore work done tonight. He effectively killed the studying mood they had going on...but that was fine. It was getting about that time to take her home soon. He'd just cut this night short, seeing as how uncomfortable it felt in here. "Do you mind if I take you home early? I think I should be able to get this done. After all, you did teach me." He quickly shut up, not meaning to compliment her so soon after such a conversation. Cye stole a quick peek for indignation, but all he saw was a cute blush and shy smile. He couldn't help but match her.

"Hai. It's fine." She whispered, mentally ordering herself to move. After finally detaching herself from his desk chair, the two silently made their way downstairs. Adrenaline surged at sensing his close proximity, but she was unable to calm it.

"You two leaving already? You still have forty minutes left..."

She smiled and turned to Mouri-san as footsteps padded their way. "It's fine Mouri-san. Next week." She was hugged like normal and returned it, her mind buzzing. This was going to be one LONG car ride!

Mouri-san pulled back and watched as Cye headed for the door, his hand extending to Kimon's arm as he did in the past, but hesitating. Her brow furrowed as she took note of that and the small, jerky moves Kimon made toward him as well. Motherly instinct kicked in as she tried to process what was going on. Something happened up there beside homework, though she knew Cye had more honor than THAT... But something still happened and those two were suddenly unsure about each other.

A finger touched her cheek as the two left. A small grin sprouted after a while. 'Maybe it's not as bad as I'm making it to be. After all, Kimon had a very suspicious blush on her cheeks as those two entwined arms. And my musuko did as well. Hmmm...'

~*~*~

Nearly racing up the steps after getting past the security door, Kimon completely ignored Beethoven as she locked the door behind her. She didn't even bother to place her father in the apartment, knowing he was still up at least. She headed directly for a phone and dialed the number by memory.

"Moshi moshi."

"Moshi moshi Mia-chan. I'm sorry for such a late call, but I need to talk to you. It's rather......serious. Is there ANY way we can meet?" She rambled, gripping the phone.

"Um...hai Kimon-chan. Daijoubu desu ka? You sound a little tense."

She smiled at being read like that. "I'll have to tell you when we meet up. Arigatou gozaimasu. I really, really need to ask your advice about something."

"I...I'm on my way."

She hung up without saying goodbye. The urge to do something, to pace or fiddle with her hands, was unbearable. She wanted to run out this energy that had her nerves on edge.

She headed directly for her room, knowing the exact time it would take for Mia to get here. She took to pacing in privacy, hands wringing behind her back. 'Ohgodohgodohgodohgod... What am I going to do?? I didn't forsee this in a MILLION years! What does he SEE in me?? I'm no one special! He can find ANYONE out there...someone more special than ME! Someone who can SEE! Why does he want to date ME??'

After nearly wearing a hole in the rug, that familiar honk came and she burst from the bedroom. "I'm going out." She hurriedly muttered, heading for the door. "Watch Beethoven onegaimasu." Not letting her father get a word in, she locked the door behind her and hurried back down the stairs.

She knew Mia would still be in her jeep waiting for her. After making her way into the parking lot a second time today, she expertly opened the side door and jumped in, buckling up. The phobia was all but gone for now with the topic at hand buzzing in her head. She turned to Mia. "Iko." She muttered, wringing her hands.

Mia blinked wide eyes and dumbly gripped the steering wheel. "What...what's WRONG Kimon-chan? I've never SEEN you this distraught!"

She heaved a sigh and slumped against the bucket seat. "It's Cye-san... He just asked me out tonight."