Author's Note: Well, I'm back. No more greetings or whatsoever since I know that you're very sick of the same greeting. Well, this chap will be Ruru's POV alone. I'm really sorry if it's always POV's but I want you to see how things develop. And another thing, things will become a little serious and dramatic starting from this point. Hope you understand. But I'll try to make it not too much that it will suck. Remember, this fic is in the Drama category, right? Anyway, thanks to the reviewers!!! I luv ya all so much!!! Here's my reply to ya pip0l I luv.

Archangel-sama: Arigato for the support!!! And I really hope its getting better for the readers out there!!! Oh, and I hope you answer my email soon!!! ^-^

Abby-chan: Oh!!! Please stop telling the readers much about the story!!! I want it to be a surprise!!! But anyway, thanks for the long reviews. I appreciate it!!! And I do hope to that next time you review, you press the enter key okay? Your reviews are sometimes really hard to read!!! And, arigato too for the ideas!!!

silver star : Really?! You're a big SenRu fan too?! Yatta!!! Go SenRu fans!!! I'm A VERY BIG FAN too, that's why I'm writng fics. And by the way, I was just wondering why you always find angst fics about SenRu. If you want to read other good ones and humorous ones, I can give you advices on some really good but not angst SenRu fics out there. Just tell me okay?

Hibiki-chan: Yes, Aki-chan's TOO SWEET and TOO HENTAI!!! *grins* I really don't know if there's such a thing as a basketball brooch since I just made it up. =p Bout the girl, you'll find out, but she's not Kae-chan's ex. period. Another thing, bout Gravitation, I haven't watched it yet, but I read the episode summaries though. It's really cute!!! Shuuichi (did I spell it right?) and Yuki are just so cute!!! I know the concert, but when I made the concert part, I haven't read it yet. So, its not really based. Thanks for the support too!!!

FaNTaSY_GuRL: Arigato!!! I really luv ya so much since you always review on my fic!!! And the reviews are good ones too!!! Don't worry, I won't shorten chaps if that's what you want. I'll try to keep it long and satisfying for you guys. And, yes, I was inspired by that beautiful sword, Blue Crimson in RaVe!!! Its so Kawaii!!! Well, hope you read more and review!!! Sank Yuu na!!!

jess-miranda: *author nods nonstop till her neck and head aches* I agree in everything you said in your review!!! SenRu rule foreva!!! N thanks 4 the support!!! I appreciate it sOOOOOO Much!!!

Well, guys, these are the replies. I hope you continue reading my fic and review. Well, here's Chapter 5 for all of you!!!

Standard Disclaimers applied.

You First Believed

by Rave

Chapter Five: Sweet Memories

I awoke to the smell of breakfast being cooked in the kitchen. I sit up in my king-sized bed rubbing my tired eyes. The sun was high up already in the sky with its majestic rays displaying different patterns in my room. Adjusting my eyes to the light, I swift my attention to the clock located by my bedside. 11:40 it read. So, it's not breakfast but lunch rather. But, who's cooking? I definitely know I'm not at home.

I shake my head to awaken all my sleeping senses and stand up from bed. I walk lazily to the bathroom to wash my face and take a refreshing morning shower. Now fully awakened and invigorated, I dry my hair and change into a plain shirt and jeans before heading to the kitchen. While walking, I tried to recall the night's events.

First, I started out with a few blanks but then everything soon became clear. Last night, after the concert, I treated everyone to a celebration, which I regretted afterwards since those bastards took the opportunity and ordered a lot of foods. The problem was they weren't just normal foods but very expensive ones in huge quantities. I was forced to give up my credit card that night, and guess what happened to it? All the money in that credit card was gone!!! All gone!!! I was bankrupt with another card yet. 'Shit.' I curse mentally as I head closer to the kitchen. My head aches badly. I remember taking up a drinking challenge and getting myself totally embarrassed because of that. Those do'ahous!!! How dare they make fun out of me!!! Then, more trouble came in when all of them fell asleep and I was forced to drop them off. I even remembered taking one of them here. And who could that be? Oh, who else?

I walk right into the kitchen leaning by the doorframe. The smell of bacon and eggs filling in my nostrils. I cross my arms in front of me and smirk playfully at the hilarious site before me. A young man older than me cooking expertly with an apron tied by his waist and humming slightly while finishing his other dish of pancakes. Probably, out of instinct, he turned around to come face to face with me and smiling that megawatt smile of his.

"Ohayo Kae-chan!!!" Akira Sendoh said happily flipping the last pancake from the pan to the plate.

"Hn." Was my only reply. "What's that?" I asked walking over to the dining table which was perfectly decorated with several dishes and flowers.

"Why, breakfast of course." He said smiling yet again.

"It's already 11:40 in the morning. It's supposed to be lunch." I said grunting at his stupidity and insensitiveness.

"Oh. Anyway, whatever you call it, why don't we just eat it okay? I cooked it especially for both of us."

I glared at him hard outside but teasingly and playfully inside. "And who told you so?!"

Akira smiled nervously. "Oh, c'mon Kae-chan. I thought you were very tired yesterday to even bother cooking breakfast. That's why I decided to cook for you. And besides, it's my form of gratitude for allowing me to spend the night here."

"But I can order food from the hotel you know. "

Akira pouted cutely. To my surprise, he went behind me clutching my shirt pleading like a lost puppy. "Please Kae-chan. Just taste it first and tell me if it's bad. If it's bad, I won't force you to eat it anymore, okay? Please?" He said his eyes brimming with tears. Oh, he's just too irresistible that way.

I sighed once more. "Alright."

He carefully pulled one chair and asked me to sit on it. He didn't sit himself if I hadn't sat on the chair. When we were finally seated, he took out a pair of chopsticks, spoon and fork and handed it to me. "Use what you feel like."

I nodded taking the utensils from him. "Itadakimasu!!!" he said giddily eating the pancakes, bacon and eggs on his plate already. I smiled secretly as I look at him eating happily. Well, I decided to eat myself. I picked up the fork and sliced a piece of pancake covered with maple syrup, cream and chopped bananas. I made sure to pick one slice of banana with the pancake and tasted it.

By Gods! It was delicious! I look up to see him watching me intently. "What?" I asked. "How was it?" He asked his voice quivering.

I nodded and smiled. "It was delicious. I didn't know you cook so well. " His nervous look shattered into a million pieces to be replaced by that ever-so-famous-megawatt-smile of his. "Sank Yuu na!!!"

I smiled another time at him before taking another slice of pancake. We went over our lunch with a conversation. There was no main topic at all. We shift from different topics like last night's events, basketball, my career, a little of our past, and a lot more out of the blue. From this conversation, I learned more of Sendoh Akira. I learned about his other side he hides to the world. I was really surprised to learn that he had a lonely past and present despite the smile he has on his face. I got to see through him, his spirit, his soul. We are definitely the same. We share the same pain and loneliness from the present and the past  and we both found comfort and happiness from teammates and most importantly ourselves. I learned to trust him and let him see my other side, my soft side to the world. And I was glad he accepted me for the different personalities I have. He may truly be my savior.

I wiped my mouth clean with the napkin. "It was a nice lunch. I never thought having lunch with someone was fun. I always eat alone."

Akira looks up at me a little confused before smiling. "Then, why don't we eat together always."

"Eat together?! That's not an easy thing to do you know! I live and study near Shohoku while you on the other hand in Ryonan! Buy, that's far!" I argued back at him.

"I know that! I'm not yet finished you know? I was telling you earlier that why don't we eat together always. Schooldays, dinner; Weekends, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So?"

I tap my index finger lightly on my chin while taking in the consequences. " I really don't know. I'll thin about it okay?"

He looks down on the table. "Okay." he said in a sad tone. I frown. I never ever wanted to see Akira sad. I don't know why really. But I always love to see his eyes dancing with joy. I love it when he smiles. I feel so relieved. I never even imagined seeing him cry. No, I don't want to see him like that. I want him to experience happiness in the present like the way he has given my happiness and smile back to me. I want to give him and let him feel the happiness too. I'll return this happiness no matter what the consequences are for sure.

I look up at him and smile. He looks up at me with a confused expression and was about to ask why when I spoke. " Well, that isn't a bad idea after all. There's no harm in giving it a try right?"

Akira eyes lit up. "Really? Then will you promise that?"

"Does it need to go this far?"

Akira pouts cutely again. 'Oh, will he stop that? I feel so helpless when he does that!'  I thought while glaring at him, but then I smiled again. "Oh alright! I promise. Now, are you happy?"

Striking blue eyes danced with joy at my statements. His lips curved upwards into a very pleased smile and to my surprise, he jumped from his seat and hugged me tight. Careful enough not to scatter the food on the table or turn it down. "Arigato Kae-chan!!!" He exclaimed giddily rubbing his face on my chest and tightening his hold on my waist. I blush slightly due to our current position. He was practically sitting on my lap with his arms wounded securely around my waist and his face was buried on my chest. 'Why am I feeling like this?! And why the hell am I BLUSHING???!!! This is only supposed to be a friendly hug. Stop BLUSHING!!! I want him to get off but why can't I? What's stopping me.' I thought as different emotion started to stir inside of me.

Finally, by this time, Akira noticed our position and he moved away to sit back in his chair. He was also blushing hard. "Gomen Nasai. I was just excited."

I looked up at him and laughed despite the situation. "Daijobou. Sometimes we just need to release some excitement."

Akira finally smiled. " You should laugh and smile more often you know. You look good when you do."

I look up at him a little surprised then a noticed the cream on his lips from eating the pancake a while ago. I laugh yet again. Then, I reach for the clean napkin located beside his plate and I bent over  wiping the cream from his lips and chin.

He looked up at me perplexed. "Kae-chan?" I continue wiping his lips despite his questioning looks and the blush creeping in his cheeks. I admit I am blushing myself. I never get this affectionate in front of people.

I moved away after wiping his lips with the napkin. I showed it to him. "Cream." I said practically explaining. He nodded at me then smiled. I could've done that myself you know."

I shrugged. "I know. But I just find it interesting and funny. And I feel like doing it too."

He smiled back at me and nodded his head in response. For once, I thought his eyes were gems since they gleamed happily to be matched with a pretty and sincere smile. I always want to see him happy like this. As happy as this that his eyes dance with joy like clouds floating peacefully in the sky. And yes, I always wanted to see that smiling face that was why since this day on, I ate with him everyday. I never missed one day. It would either be lunch or dinner since we usually don't take breakfasts. I just love his company and I wish this happens till the end.

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- 5 moths later -

Warm colors filled my eyes as I leaned back on the trunk of the tree I've been waiting for almost 1 hour already. Red, orange, and yellow leaves fall from all the trees around me. It's already the month of October and Autumn has already started one month ago. I sighed as I remember that promise I made. The promise that brought me here now.

"Kae-chan!!! GOMEN NASAI!!!" My eyes snapped open to the sound of a familiar cheery voice from not a few meters away. I look up to see Akira dashing towards my direction shouting apologies like a freak. The sound of feet screeching filled my ears as he swiftly halted to stop a few feet in front of me. "Gomen ne, Kae-chan. I overslept. " He said catching his breath.

"Got used to it."

We both lay the blanket he brought under the shade of the tree. We usually eat put here since it's peaceful and the views' nice. And add the fact that only a few people know this place. Akira and I sat down to unwrap the lunch we both made. When everything was settled, we started to eat which triggered a usual afternoon conversation.

"Ne, Kae-chan, how the song you were writing weeks ago?"

I look up from the bowl of rice I was indulged into. "Still the same. Not much changes."

"Really? D'you have it with you? I'd like to see it."

I lowered my lunch on the mat to grab the piece of paper I keep in my pocket for the last few days. "Here." I said handing the paper in the shade of blue with two kinds of handwritings scribbled in it. Sendoh scanned the paper before reading a few lines out.

"…You were with me all along, Guiding my every step…" Then he paused and lowered the paper down. "Kae-chan, d'you remember all the things we've been through just for this past five months?"

I looked at him confused. "Eh? Why? Becoming senti (sentimental) all of a sudden."

"Not really. But I just can't imagine it's been five months already since we became friends. Can you remember the day we admitted to ourselves that we consider each other as best friends?"

I nodded looking at the distant sky too. "Un. It was raining that time. In Shohoku High…"

*Flashback*

"Akira?! What are you doing here?! Look! You're soaking wet!!!" I exclaimed as Akira rushed to me - with no umbrella - despite the heavy downfall of the rain.

"Oh. Don't mind this." He said as he joined me in the waiting shed.

"Don't mind?! But you might get sick, baka!"

"Oh, so you care 'bout me huh?"

I blush a little. "Of course I do! You're my friend! And tell me, why are you here! You shouldn't have run in the rain…"

"I was worried that you might be stuck here in school and lonely." Akira said smiling.

"That's all?! You're really stupid! I can manage even though I'm alone you know. I got used to it."

"But I don't want to see you lonely anymore. Remember what I always tell you, I want to see you smiling more from now on, right? And besides, you're a best friend for me. I can't just leave you alone. " Akira said smiling.

"Best Friend?"

"Yup. Why?"

"Well, it's just that I never thought you consider me as a best friend. The truth is I care a lot 'bout you cause I consider you as a best friend too."

"Really?! I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks like this! So, best friends?" Akira said raising his pinky.

I raised mine as well locking it in his. "Un. Best Friends. Forever…"

* End of Flashback *

We both laugh as we recall that day when we both promised to be best friends forever. Alongside that promise was the promise to share our feelings, meaning to say, no secrets, and to stay together forever. Akira lay softly in the blanket using his arms as his pillow to look up at the sky. Right then and there, another memory flashed in my mind as Akira read another line. "…So many times when my heart was broken, Visions of you would keep me strong…"

* Flashback *

"Why does this have to happen!!!" Akira cried clutching my arms tighter while he cried unstoppable in my half-open polo.  I stoked his back comfortably trying to ease the pain. I want him to know that I was hear for him and I'll never leave him alone.

"It's alright Akira. You can cry as long as you want. Sometimes we need to spill all the pain out." I whispered softly in his hear holding him tighter and closer into me.

"Kaede, why does this always happen to me? Why can't a find someone who will love me and accept my love? Why? WHY!!!" Akira said befoe breaking more tears.

"Shh… Everything will be fine. Every happening has their own reasons Akira. Besides, I'm here to love you and I am really grateful for the love you have given me. We are just the same. I also wish to love and be loved and you showed it all to me. I want to show it to you too, if its okay?"

Akira finally stopped crying. He wiped his eyes with his fists and turned to look at me with those puffy red eyes. Without anymore reply or warning, he hugged me tighter resting his head in my shoulder. Then he whispered softly in my ear, "Arigato, Kaede." and I felt him smile in my shoulder before falling into a dreamless sleep. I smiled secretly. "…I'll always be here for you like you are to me…"

* End of Flashback *

I sighed heavily as that memory entered my mind before sitting down beside him with my arms supporting my body to look at the ocean of blue above me too. I don't want to see Akira cry anymore. It pains me to see him heartbroken like that. Since that day on, Akira never took in any girlfriends anymore. I was really worried 'bout him but he simply told me he was already happy being with me and that was all that mattered. I smile inwardly before grabbing the paper from his hands to read the next lines. "…It was you who first believed, in all that I was made to be…" I said never taking my eyes off the sky and earning a baffled look from Akira.

"D'you also remember that whenever I have a concert, you were always there."

"Ah. I make sure never to miss one."

I smiled turning to look at this unfathomable cerulean orbs. "I'm really glad you were always there to support me. Your support were different form the others since you don't simply listen to the song but you see through my feelings as well."

Akira nodded. "I can simply understand you. We're just the same and I never judge a person from physical but from whom he or she really is. I simply adore you for you are you."

I laugh soflty. "You were the first person ever to believe me for who I am. And you know what, you always made me happy. Remember, you always visit backstage after the concert and you never fail to give me presents, congratulate me, and most of all, bankrupt my credit card."

"Ah."

* Flashback *

"Omedetou Kae-chan!!!" Akira said throwing a huge bear hug at me.

"Akira!!! Stopi it!!! I can't breathe!!!"

"Oh, gomen." Akira said releasing his tight grip on my waist. "Oh, by the way, here."

Akira placed a small and cool object in my palm. I opened my palm to reveal, "What's this? A piece of earring?"

"Ah. Mite." Akitra said pointing to the earring stud in his right ear. "Let's say it's one of those friendship thingies. Please Kae-chan, wear that one on your left ear. Please?"

I looked at the small object, then to Akira's right ear and back to his eyes before sighing. "Oh, alright." I said surrendering to his cute and irresistible pleadings.

"Yay!!! And since your concert's another success, this calls for another celebration as well!!!"

"Not again. I'm going to lose all my money if I always have concerts that end into celebrations like this." I said sinking on the floor.

* End of Flashback *

I fiddle the small object in my left ear. Yes, it was the earring Akira gave me. We both wore it since then and we never took it off. It was a simple blue earring that looked like a cat's eye to me. When you look at it from afar, you'll think it's black, but if you look closely, it's really blue just in a very rich color.

Akira stood up and sat in the same position I was. "It's fun to remember things, ne?" I simply nod at him. He snatched the paper again from my hands and read some more. "…And I've never been the same, since you first believed…"

That line caught my attention since I was the one who wrote it. I forgot to tell. Akira has been helping me in writing the lyrics of this song. So far, we only made a few lines that were not really arranged. They were simply lines that could be added in any part of the song and they just came out of the blue.

"I've changed." I said as the wind gently blew past my hair. "And you were the reason behind this." I turned around to face Akira once again. he was also looking at me. A warm smile grazing his handsome features. "I changed to the point that even my teammates noticed it."

"Last June. At the beach…" Akira said.

"I know."

* Flashback *

"This is FUN!!!" Ryota said splashing water into Mitsui's face.

Mitsui splashed water back on him. "Take THIS!!!"

"Everyone's having fun." Kogure said.

"Hai, sempai. But look at Rukawa. He';s the one terribly having fun." Ayako said pointing to where Akira and I was.

Kogure glanced over to where we are. We were playing a water fight. Akira laughed playfully. "Take THIS!!! You can't beat me Kae-chan!!!"

"Teme!!! I won't lose to you!!! Take this too!!!" I said splashing a lot of water into Akira's face that he can't fight back. I laughed seeing him panic.

"Look! The kitsune's laughing!!!Will it rain cats and dogs or what?!" Sakuragi teased. No sooner than later, everyone's attention was on me. I froze. But then, Akira was there to save me.

"He can laugh you know. He's also human!" Akira practically scolded the redhead do'ahou while hooking an arm over my shoulder. "Ne, Kae-chan?"

I bowed my head a little feeling quite uneasy with his face so close to mine. I tried hard to control my blushing, which I became successful with, but not the smile forming in my lips. "Hai."

"He's really changed." Mitsui whispered to the others.

"Un."

* End of Flashback *

Akira and I shared a lot of things already. We went through a lot of events and I could feel myself getting closer to him everyday. He was always there to inspire me, to help me, to comfort me, to protect me and to love and respect me for who

I am. I am really happy to have met him. He was the key that opened my heart to the world. He's a very special peron to me. I don't know what I would feel if I lost him but I know my life would never be the same again. I never really wanted to imagine what would happen if he was gone because I'll never ever let that happen. I feel comfortable just being with him. This is all I needed.

I shift my gaze to his direction. I study his face closely. Akira indeed is a very handsome man. His features are one of a kind that any girl would simply fall for him. He was enticing in every way. His actions, his emotions, his smile, everything about him is simply wonderful. He's like an angel from heaven.

I frantically shake my head to erase all my unwanted fantasies. 'This is wrong!!! Why am I thinking like this?! Am I? Masaka! Can I be in LOVE with… HIM? But, no, this can't be! We're both males.'

~ But it doesn't matter as long as you're happy. Love has no limitations. Love is when you are happy. ~ Another vpice inside me argued.

'Still, It can't be! This is wrong! This is ALL wrong! Maybe I'm just attracted to him! He's my best friend! That's all!'

~ Don't deny your feelings anymore! You love SENDIH AKIRA! That's the truth! Don't deny it anymore, since itll hurt you more! Look closely in you heart and you will see that it belongs to only one person. And that is…Akira… ~

'Yamete! Onegai! Just leave me alone! Allow me to think by myself!!!' I shouted mentally as I clasped my head in pain.

"Kae-chan daijobou ka? Kae-chan?" Akira shook me nervously as he kept repeating those words. I held his arms tightly signaling him to stop. "Daijobou. I was just thinking too much." I said smiling up at him reassuringly. He smiled back although I could clearly see the nervousness and fear in his eyes, and there was more. It was like a message. 'Kaede, I'm worried about you. I just love you so much that it hurts me to see you suffer.' That was the message in his eyes that I could read somehow. I shook my head. 'Impossible.' I thought. 'Both Akira and I know that a male loving a male is wrong. Maybe I'm just tired.'

I smiled up again at Akira before fully releasing my arms from his grip. I carefully stood up brushing the leaves from my clothes. "Let's go now. Leiko told me she wanted me to meet somebody today. I need to be there by 2:30"

Sendoh stood up too brushing the leaves from his clothes and packing the lunch we had back into its cases. "If that's what you say."

After packing everything, we left the place and walked over to my red sports car parked in a park nearby. I settled my self in the driver's seat and Akira made his way to the passenger's seat. Fastening our seatbelts and starting the engine we drove off.

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Silence filled the room as Akira and I waited impatiently for Leiko to come with the person she was to introduce. We arrived 5 minutes early in the studio and we are currently in the waiting room. I look at my watch. Leiko was late already. By how long? Ten minutes. Then, as if on cue, the door creaked open to and Leiko entered with a young lady behind her.

"Gomen Kaede. Traffic you see. And, hi to you too Sendoh." She said as both of us stood up and bowed dwon to both of them. "Oh by the way Kaede, this is the person I want you to meet." Leiko stepped aside to reveal the young lady beside her. "This is Ania. Ania Versailles. She's a half-Japanese and half-French. She came here all the way from Europe to be my assistant since I'm getting quite busy this days."

I eyed the young lady. She was around 16 I guess. She had long black hair that reached her waist with dark garnet red highlights. Her eyes were in a beautiful shade of amethyst and she has a very beautiful slim body to boot. All in all, she was gorgeous. She smiled at me. "Hello. I'm Ania. I believe your Kaede right?" she asked in a soft and calm voice that was music to my ears.

"Hai."

"It's nice to meet you and to work with you." she said stretching an arm.

I shook my hand with hers. "Ah. Nice to meet you too." I said my cheeks turning into a light shade of pink.

"I see you're getting along well. Well, I'll leave all of you first to get to know each other. Have fun!" Leiko said leaving the room.

"So, I want to know more 'bout you. Why don't we go to the café downstairs and have a talk?" Ania asked me.

I looked at Akira first before turning to look back at her. "D'you mind if I bring my friend along?"

"Of course not! By the way, I still don't know your name."

"Huh?! Oh me. I'm Akira. Akira Sendoh. I'm Kaede's best friend." Akira said shaking his hands with Ania's

"Nice to be meeting you. So, let's go!"

"Ah. Sure." Both of us replied in unison.

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"Really? You're good at your age."

Ania nodded taking another sip from her coffee. "Un. That was why Leiko-san asked me to go here to Japan."

"How 'bout your parents?" I asked placing my own cup down.

"They'll be staying in France. It's fine with them for me to go here since Japan's my second home and I'll be continuing my studies here."

" I see."

Ania and I continued our conversation. We talked about a lot of things and other more. She was fun to be with and fun to talk with too. I feel the same feeling from what I felt when I first met Akira in her. I have a feeling we'll be close friends. But what bothered me was that all the time Ania and I were having a heart-to-heart conversation Akira never said anything. Usually, he's so talkative when we're with my teammates or his. But now, he's so quiet. But I didn't take much notice on this since I was so much indulged in our conversation and face the fact that Ania was so beautiful. She captivated my eyes like Akira did.

'I don't know how to describe it but I think I fell love at first sight with her. yes, Akira was just a best friend. I can't love him since he's a male just like me. Yes. This is what's true.'

"Oh, it's 4 Pm already. I g2g! I made a promise to my cousin to meet her at 5. I'm really sorry. But I wish to talk with you longer."

"No. It's alright. So, see you tomorrow okay?" I said as Ania stood up to leave.

"Un. Bye Kaede! Bye Akira!" she said then she disappeared out of sight. As soon as she was gone, I let out a sigh. "She's so beautiful." I whispered to myself. Unknown to me was that, a pair of eyes were watching me.

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- 2 months later -

One month has passed since Ania and I first met each other. I'm getting closer to her everyday and at the same time I'm falling more deeply in love with her. I got to know a lot of things 'bout her. We always see each other at work and we usually go out together. It was sun being with her. She always finds a way to make someone feel comfortable and not bored. I just love her so much, but I don't now how to tell.

Actually, she also entered Shohoku High. Even my teammates like her. they say she's really pretty and fun to be with too. She's always there to watch me practice and we're even on the same class! Oh, how lucky I am! I get to see her everyday since we also work together, remember.

I sighed dreamily as I thought of Ania again. "Kaede, daijoubou?" I was snapped out of my trances when I heard Ania's voice. I looked beside me to see Ania looking at me concerned. I smiled and nodded at her. "I'm fine don't worry. I was just thinking 'bout somethings."

Ania smiled." I'm glad to hear you're fine. Ne, Kaede? I don't have anything to do this Sunday. D'you want to go out?"

"Go out?" I asked.

"Un. I heard there was a nice fun park near Ryonan."

"Oh, That one. " I remember going with Akira there 2 months ago. We had so much fun.

"So, Kaede? What d'you say?"

"Sure. Why not?" I said calmly. But deep inside I was jumping in joy! A date!!! We will go for a date!!! I had been out with her for three times already. And those times were like a date.

"Really? Yay! I think this will be a nice Christmas for me! Let's go on the 24th. And let's invite Akira too."

"Sure. If that's what you want. I'll just be the one to call him."

Ania smiled at me before stealing a glance at her watch. "G2g! Call me up tonight Kaede! Ja!" she said leaving.

"Ja!"

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"Please Akira, come on the 24th. Please?" I begged Akira to Akira on the phone for the third time.

"I'm really sorry Kaede but I'm busy." Akira said from the other line.

I frowned. "You're not busy! And what have you been doing this weeks? My god! You haven't showed yourself for about what?! 3 weeks?! I asked Koshino what have you been busy with and he told me you're just locking yourself at home. What's wrong with you Akira?"

I heard Akira sigh form the other line. "Nothing really."

"So, will you come? I haven't seen you for weeks now. Are you avoiding me?"

"No Kaede. I'm not. Anyway, I'll just think about it okay?"

"Okay. But please come Akira. Ania and I will be expecting you. Remember, on the 24th, 9 Am at Symphonia Fun Park, okay? Bye."

"Bye." Akira said the he hung up.

I sighed heavily flopping into my bed. Ever since Ania came, Akira started acting weird. At first, he still went out with us, but after sometime he rarely showed up. He's always quiet and we don't get to eat together nowadays. And then, one time he didn't really show up anymore. It's been like that for 3 consecutive weeks. He didn't even call! I was really worried about my best friend. And one thing also that bothered me was that he no longer called me Kae-chan instead he called me Kaede. I don't know what's happening to him really but I can tell that something's wrong.

I sighed once more. It's been 2 months already since he changed and it's the only time I realized that I've missed the old him so much. I felt incomplete when he started not coming. But I didn't mind it since Ania was there to fill it all up. I'm happy being with her. I close my eyes as I remember the memories I had with Akira then with Ania. I'm getting very much confused. I love Ania but something deep inside me tells me I love Akira. I don't know. 'Who is the person really deserving of my love? Who?' I thought as I drifted off to sleep.

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Author's Note: So minna!!! How was it!!! I hope you like it!!! I could say this is one of my shortest chapters. By the way, I'm sorry if time flies fast here. I am so tired already and I just typed the last 4 scenes out of the blue. I'm ver mush tired when I was typing that scenes that's why I'm very much sorry if those scenes weren't good. Anyway, what are you waitin for? Press the button down there and review. Please let me see my effort was worthy enough. And I would like to ask you guys questions which I would like you to vote into.

1) Do you want Akira to come to the fun park on the 24th?

2) What will he do in the fun park?

     a) Ignore the two and have fun himself.

     b) He always interrupts the two with his plans.

     c) He confesses to Kaede 'bout his feelings.

     d) He won't come.

     e) Others: ______________(specify)

Please answer the questions in your reviews. I'm afraid I won't be able to update  if there are no reviews and answers. Please try to understand minna-san!!! I'm not forcing you, feel free to do what you like. You can flame me but please be gentle okay? Well, till next chap! Ja!

Next Chapter Preview: Will Akira come or not? Ah!!! What is Kaede doing?! What is he saying?! Nani?! Akira leaving… and Kaede not going after him… DOSHITE?! And someone's gonna cry… Who? Are all of this true? Read and find out on the next chapter.

Possible title for next chap: 'Love, Lies and Goodbyes'