Chenchi: Alright readers, its time to continue on with the most popular fan fiction piece in all Digimon history!

Jyou: What are you talking about? You're four chapters in and have like…two comments.

Chenchi: Well, I choose to believe that's because after people have read a chapter, they're so enthralled by it that they can hardly breathe, much less hit the "Review" button.

Jyou: You don't think it's because this is a story involving Jyou and Sora, two unlikely friends? Or the fact that you only update once every six months?

Chenchi: Well, that could be it, too. At least that's better than thinking the lack of reviews is due to my crumby writing skills!

Jyou: Okay, okay, now that you're weak attempt at trying to cull more reviews is over, let's get to the story.

Chenchi: You're right Jyou! Let's get going with chapter 4! Oh, by the way, this chapter shifts the POV from third to first...let's get inside Jyou's head!

Jyou: Wha..?

Chenchi: No time to argue, here we go!

An Unlikely Friendship

Chp 4: As Yet Untitled

Christmastime in Tokyo – what a strange time of year! We love to celebrate it, but most of us don't really understand it. I find it funny (and a little sad) whenever I asked any of the Digi-destined about what "Christmas means." The usual answers? Songs, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, decorations and, get this, romantic love.

My family and I attend a small church in Odaiba, and I always like going to Christmas Eve services. It helps me to remember what the holiday is supposed to be about. Still, to me, Odaiba is a strange place to be around this time a year. I don't know, maybe it's because of the Christmas tree in the mall surrounded by lighted dolphins, hearts and other assorted fish decorations. Maybe it's something else.

Nope, it IS the neon dolphin Christmas tree.

This year though, I feel a different emotion that I've never felt around Christmastime. In addition to the joyful feelings and the confusion and bitterness toward how we celebrate this time of year, I'm feeling something else.

Jealousy.

Yes, jealousy. And in the time of year when I'm supposed to be most giving!

And jealous over what? Well, it's actually regarding whom.

I've had to admit to myself. I'm jealous of a lot of my friends, because they're going to spend time with her. With Sora.

And when I realize this, I feel like punching myself in the face (with my glasses off, of course). Sora and I have become very close over her first semester at Todai. Really, I would say we've become the best of friends. But where does friendship cross the line into "liking" somebody?

I don't really know the answer to that. I've never had a friend that I "liked." Mimi was never really a "friend," in the sense that Sora is. With Sora, we spend so much time together – studying, eating and just chatting. In fact, I don't really know if I've EVER had a friend like her.

But do I like her? I don't know, but I do know that I love being around her. And even if I don't "like" her, I'm still jealous about the inevitable – that I won't be monopolizing her time during this break, like I do at Todai.

I mean, it's great that she spends every minute she can with the old gang, but what bothers me is this: if she acts the way towards me like she used to (as slight friends? Good acquaintances? Barely buddies?), does that mean our friendship, which I've begun to value so much, is just one of convenience? Are we getting closer because I'm the only old friend she has at Tokyo U?

Sheesh. Will I ever stop being a worrier?

"What a lovely tree!" Kari exclaimed, pointing at the dolphin-ornament covered Christmas tree. She turned to the tall, slender student, asking, "Don't you think so, Jyou?"

He grimaced and remarked, "Well, actually..."

Tai interrupted, "Don't be such a killjoy, Jyou! It's Christmas!"

It was December 23rd and the Digi-destined were gathered at the mall to look at the interesting tree and to do some last minute shopping. Everyone was having fun and really treasuring the time – in the busyness of life and the separation of college, the group rarely met altogether anymore.

Jyou, however, seemed more sullen than usual. He trailed behind the rest and they flooded the stores and caused all sorts of commotion walking through the building. As the group walked between stores, Izzy caught up with his friend.

"Hey Jyou, why so glum?"

"Uh, it's nothing Izzy."

Izzy gave Jyou a quizzical look. His mind was cranking, as Jyou could tell.

"Is it because of Mimi?" Izzy asked.

Izzy figured Mimi would be a sore subject. She had come to visit and had dropped the big news that she planned on coming back for college, starting the next fall. She had also talked non-stop about her "hunky" boyfriend back in New York.

But Jyou anwered back, "No, Izzy, honestly, it's not her."

"Then, what?"

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

And with that, Izzy dropped the subject. But he observed his old friend all afternoon and, to his surprise, kept catching him glancing at Sora. Jyou seemed so despondent when Sora was playfully punching Tai, or when she spoke with Matt, or even when she was laughing with Mimi. Izzy couldn't help but pull Jyou aside.

"Jyou, it's Sora, isn't it?"

"Uh, NO!" Jyou responded, just a little too loudly.

"Hmm...did you and Sora become close over at Todai?"

Jyou started tugging at his collar uncomfortably as he responded, "What? Huh? Pushuu...nahh."

"And," Izzy continued, "You must have spend a lot of time with her, since she's a freshman and you're her only friend there."

Jyou looked even more uncomfortable. "Izzy, you are totally wrong. I mean...Sora goes to Todai? News to me!"

Then Izzy finished, "And now you've fallen for her!" Izzy was gleaming, with a look of satisfaction on his face. But the smile quickly faded when he looked at Jyou, who was a bit embarrassed and looked a little sad.

"Oh, sorry Jyou."

"No, it's okay, Izzy. You're right. I think I have fallen for her. But the thing is, it's not like it was with Mimi. The way I feel about Sora – I never felt that way about Mimi."

"And you're kind of sad that she's barely spoken to you since we've been here?" Izzy asked.

"Yeah, I guess so. I just feel like our friendship isn't as great as I thought. Am I only a friend to her out of convenience?"

Izzy thought for a moment, and putting his hand on the older boy's shoulder, said, "Jyou, I know Sora, She's not like that. And you know what?" Izzy paused and looked at Jyou. "Sora's a special girl. And remember, she has the crest of love – I think she values you a lot more than you think."

"Thanks, Izzy, I appreciate it."

"Hey lovebirds, why don't you come join the group?" Tai yelled across the way. The rest of the Digidestined had walked several stores down from Jyou and Izzy. The two rushed over quickly to rejoin their friends.

Jyou collapsed on his sofa at home, tired from the long day of Christmas shopping. 'No one at home,' he thought, 'A perfect time to catch some z's.'

But just as Jyou drifted off to dreamland, his cell phone started ringing. In a daze, Jyou grabbed his cell and looked at the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Jyou!"

"Hi, Sora," Jyou responded. Still halfway between being awake and asleep, Jyou wondered for a second if this was dream or reality.

"Jyou, I was wondering if you wanted to get some coffee tonight."

"Yeah, absolutely. When?"

"Can you meet now? I have so many things going on with family tonight and the next few days, but I really wanted to see you before Christmas."

She really wants to see me?

"Yeah, sure. I'm headed right over. Normal spot, right?"

"Yep! See you there!"