Hi, here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 4: Shopping

As I search through the shelves of sheet music, I find myself thinking of her again.  I don't understand why, but I have been unable to speak with her about it.  I promise myself once more that I will ask her when I see her again.  After I finish making my selections, I step to the counter and make my purchase.  I walk out the door, looking at one of the pieces, and, at the last moment, notice movement, and stop before running into someone.  

I bow and apologize without looking at the person, and am about to walk away when the person says,  "Itsuki-kun."

I look up in surprise, realizing the person is Haruka.

"Haruka, I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you. I apologize for almost running into you."

She smiles and answers, "It's all right, I should have been paying more attention, too."

"What brings you to the shopping district, Haruka?"

"I decided to buy an outfit for me, and one for Megumi."

"That sounds nice."

"How about you?"

I lift up the music I'm holding and say, "I came to buy new sheet music to study."

She nods her head yes and says, "I see."

"I notice you don't have any bags, did you just start?"

"Yep, I was on my way to that store there," she says, pointing.

"You're welcome to join me, but, of course, you probably have other things to do," she says.

"No, I'd be happy to accompany you."

I smile inwardly, realizing that this may be my chance.

"Ok, sounds good," she answers.

What a nice coincidence, meeting Itsuki-kun here.  It's kind of him to come with me, I always appreciate getting other people's input when buying outfits for myself and others.  I lead us to the store where I plan to buy my outfit.  I step inside excitedly, I enjoy choosing new outfits and it has been a while since I have done so.  He waits by the door while I wander around, searching through the shelves and racks.  I notice a lot of things that I like, but, one outfit in particular interests me, a light yellow short sleeved blouse, navy crop pants, and a yellow and navy patterned neckerchief.  As I stand admiring them, I notice someone approaching, and look and see that it is Itsuki-kun.
He smiles and says, "I'm sure that would look very nice on you, Haruka."

"Thank you, Itsuki-kun."

I lift up the outfit to inspect it more, and decide to try it on.

"I'm going to try this on, do you mind waiting?"

He shakes his head no and answers, "It's not a problem at all."

I walk to the dressing rooms, and, after I change, I look at myself in the mirror and smile.  I step out of the dressing room area and Itsuki-kun spots me and walks over.

He grins and says, "Just as I expected, it suits you perfectly."

"Thank you, Itsuki-kun.  I've decided I'm going to buy it."

He nods his head yes and responds, "A good decision."

I return to the dressing room and change back into my clothes.

I accompany her as she goes to the counter to buy the outfit.  It truly does look beautiful on her, and she seemed so happy when she was trying it on. After she finishes her purchase, she picks up the bag and we start to walk towards the exit.

"Itsuki-kun…"  she starts, but suddenly stops.

"Haruka?"

"Katun no Sadame," she says quietly, sounding sad.

I try to figure out to what she's referring.  I remember that that was the name of a song, I listen, and realize that the song is being played on the speakers in the store.  Why does this song upset her?  To my surprise, she starts running out the door and into the street.

"Haruka!" I shout as I run out the door.  I find her soon after, sitting on a bench, her eyes welling up with tears.

I sit beside her and say, "Haruka, please tell me what's the matter."

She looks at me, and then back at the bag in her lap. 

There is silence for a moment, and then she says, "He liked that song – and so did I."

He?  She takes out a picture and looks at it before handing it to me, and I stare in shock, Nii-san!

"His name was Kamina Ayato.  We lived in Tokyo and went to the same junior high school, and dated when we were both 14.  He was kind and calm, often serious, too, but, together, we would smile and laugh.  He was a wonderful artist.  When we first met, it was on a beach, he sketched me as I was standing on a rock that overlooked the ocean; I was wearing a yellow dress with a long orange bow.  I noticed him and he showed me the drawing.  We spoke, and discovered that my uncle and his father were investigating ruins there, and that we were both from Tokyo."

I struggle to remain composed, Haruka, the one I love, dated, and likely loved, my twin. 

I see the tears fall from my eyes onto the bag.

I wipe them away and force laughter as I say, "I should stop, I don't want to get my new outfit wet."

To my surprise, Itsuki-kun embraces me.

"Itsuki-kun?"

"Haruka, it tears me apart to see you so sad, I want nothing more than for you to be happy."

I do not move, too in shock.  Is it pity that is causing him to act this way, I am so confused.  He breaks apart from me and looks away.

"I'm sorry, it was inappropriate of me to do that."

He then turns his face to me once more and says, "But, what I said is true, Haruka."

"Itsuki-kun, I don't understand…"

"I'm very grateful to have shared a friendship with you, Haruka, but I haven't been honest with you, I am going to now.  Haruka, I want us to be more than friends because – I love you."

I freeze, in greater shock than even before, how can this be, Itsuki-kun – loves me?