Hey there! Thanks for the reviews that came in. I really appreciate it.

Ruby, van lover and Alicia-esca: Thanks for the review. I appreciate what you wrote. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Hitomi-chan: hey, um, the world they are living in is a crossover between Earth and Gaea. It's more of.Earthy principles where what we consider as norms are also their norms. Unique physique, like Merle and other characters, which I forgot the names are a little taboo. Anyway, thanks for the review.

Rina: Before anything else, I want to apologize if there were things that were confusing. But I hope that by answering a few of your questions will help enlighten you. Um, I can't answer whom Hitomi really likes because it might spoil the entire story. Let's just wait and see. As for what Amano said and Hitomi said, well.Amano and Folken are both in the eighth grade (same age of course) while Hitomi, Yukari and Van are all in the sixth grade.two years younger than the other two. Well, thanks for being open. I'm really sorry. I know my English could be a little of once in a while because English is not our first language here in my native land so I'm sorry. I'll try to make it a little more understandable. Anyway, thanks again.

Now, I present to you chapter 2. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 2 A Door Closes, Another Opens

That afternoon after classes…

Hitomi made her way to where Amano asked her to meet him.

Hitomi didn't know that there were three certain people following her.

"I can't believe you got me involved in this." Van exclaimed.

"Come on, Van. We're not doing any harm, just making sure Amano doesn't hurt Hitomi." Yukari said.

"Yeah, Van. Where's your sense of adventure? Besides, I thought you liked Hitomi?" Folken teased.

Yukari started to giggle.

"Yeah. I like Hitomi but I don't like her-like her. I only like her as a friend. Besides no matter how you put it Yukari, this is still spying in my book. I don't think Hitomi will like it when she finds out that we're following her." Van argued back.

Folken just grinned at him.

"That is 'if' she finds out." Folken said.

"What are you talking about? Even though I just met her, I have a feeling that she has her way of finding things out without using that certain thing." Van replied.

Yukari wasn't really paying attention to them.

"Quiet you guys." Yukari whispered.

"If you guys keep it up, she'll find out we're here." She added in a very low voice, barely audible.

"Amano-sempai." Hitomi said as she joined Amano.

Amano turned and smiled at her.

Hitomi then smiled back.

"Thank you for coming." Amano said.

"Don't mention it." Hitomi replied.

Neither spoke for a moment.

"So…" Hitomi started.

"You said you wanted to tell me something." She added.

"Yeah, I do."

"Um, if you're not ready to talk to me about it, it's alright. We could talk about it some other time." Hitomi offered, noticing his uneasiness.

"No. It's better that I tell you now." Amano said.

He then took a deep breath and started, "Hitomi-chan…I…um…well…"

Hitomi smiled and said, "Amano-sempai, I never knew you were this articulate."

Amano gave a short giggled.

Hitomi surely knew how to loosen him a bit.

"You always know how to calm me down when I'm a little agitated. Well, I don't know how to put it into other words so I guess I just have to be straight about it." Amano said.

He then looked into Hitomi's eyes.

He got up his courage and said, "Hitomi-chan, I…I…love you."

Hitomi was taken aback.

She thought that she was dreaming or something.

She was speechless.

She never expected to hear Amano say those things to her.

From a distance, the three friends who followed could also hardly believe what Amano had just told Hitomi.

Yukari was delighted that what she told Hitomi was really coming true.

She just wanted her best friend to be happy.

Folken grinned.

He was proud that Amano had finally gotten the courage to tell Hitomi how he really felt about her.

But he knew it wasn't over and the next news could crush Hitomi.

Van on the other hand, was also happy for Hitomi.

Amano then laid a hand on Hitomi's shoulder and said, "I want you to know that even though I've told you the truth, you don't have to force yourself to love me back. It's enough for me to just remain as friends."

Hitomi gently placed her hand on top of Amano's and said, almost in a whisper, "Baka. Why did you just tell me now? How long were you keeping this feeling?"

Amano searched for the right words.

It crushed his heart that he had found the chance he had long been dreaming of now that he had to let her go.

"Long enough for me to realize how stupid I was for not telling you sooner."

Hitomi just smiled at him.

But she quickly hid her smile and said, "Amano-sempai, if I told you that I felt the same way, I know it would crush you somehow. Looking into your eyes tells me that with my reaction earlier, you are hurting. I don't know what the reason is but-"

Amano placed a finger on her lips to silence her.

"I told you that you are not obligated to love me back."

"I know but it would be unfair for you if I didn't reveal mine. I…I love you, too. I always have. I know I'm a little too young to know what true love is but I'm old enough to know that it happens when you least expect it."

Amano was overwhelmed with his emotions.

He was overwhelmed with happiness to discover that the girl he loved, loved him the same way.

But it also crushed him that he had to let her go.

He wanted so much to love her but he had no choice but to give it all up.

"You don't know how much I wished to hear you say that to me. But..." Amano started.

"But what?"

Amano then looked straight into her eyes again and said in a broken voice, "You are right. This wasn't meant to last. It's over even before time allowed us to start. I have to leave in two weeks because…my father got transferred to another country."

He then held both her hands and said, "I love you and I love you enough to set you free. I don't want you to hurt that's why I'm telling you this. I will always love you no matter what. All I want is for you to be happy. Find someone who could love you the way you should be loved."

Amano was surprised that throughout while he was saying those words, Hitomi still had a smile on her face.

She didn't shed a single tear.

She then said, "I understand perfectly. We both should move on. Thanks for being open with me. I can assure you that I won't treat you differently because of this. I'm really happy with the opportunity that came to you. I will always love you also. I also want you to be happy. I know how painful it must be for you because I can feel it too. Just promise me that no matter how far we are from each other or how long we won't be able to see each other, we'll still remain friends."

Amano knew she was trying to hide the pain she felt.

He just said, "I promise."

They stared awkwardly at each other for a moment.

Amano then wrapped his arms around her.

Hitomi hugged him back.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

When they broke away, their faces were near.

They then shared a sweet kiss.

When they broke off, Amano then said, "I suppose this ends here."

"You are right but our friendship won't, will it?" Hitomi said as she smiled at him.

Amano smiled and said, "No, it won't."

They just smiled at each other for a while.

"So, shall I accompany you home?" Amano asked.

"Sure."

Yukari, Folken and Van were speechless with what they had just witnessed.

Van then stood from where he was seated.

"Where are you going?" Folken asked.

"Home. I think I saw more than what I'm suppose to." Van replied as he started to talk away.

Folken then turned to Yukari.

He then asked, "What are we suppose to do now?"

"I don't know, Folken. I know how strong Hitomi is but…I just don't know. All I know is that she won't shed any tear in front of him."

"Yeah, well…I know how hard it is for both of them right now. But they showed great courage to encourage each other to move on and still preserve their friendship." Folken commented.

Yukari agreed.

"If they left it all here, we should too." Yukari added.

"You're right. We should not interfere any more. I'm sure my brother wouldn't."

"How do you know?"

"Trust me. You saw his reaction after all this."

"Yeah. You're right."

"When she calls tonight, let her do all the talking. Don't mention anything."

"Oh, yeah! I forgot about that certain detail. I shouldn't have forced her. I'm her best friend. I should have known when to back off." Yukari said.

"Now, now. Don't start blaming yourself. Who could have known? Now even I knew what was to happen even though Amano told me his plans."

"What! You knew something and you didn't even tell us?"

"Calm down Yukari! It is something between the two of them. What he told me are between the two of us as best friends. How was I supposed to know that things will turn out this way?"

"Well, Folken, what do you think? You know both of them and more or less you know what will eventually happen."

"What are you so upset about? It is better this way than they separate without a word spoken about their true feelings with each other. This will help them move on faster. They are both strong people. They will not let this take them down. You heard what Hitomi said. She said she won't treat him differently because of what happened."

"I'm sorry. I just…I'm worried about her. It's her first love and first love never dies." Yukari said.

"It is love alright but is it true love?" Folken asked.

Yukari looked at him confused.

"Amano and I are both older than you two. Hitomi may not know it but it may not be true love. She also said that herself."

"Whatever it is, they need our help."

"You've got that right. Tomorrow is sure going to be a long day for the two of them even though they will deny it of course."

"Yeah, I can see it now. They will act as if nothing happened."

"Hey let's not get over our heads. Besides, it's Hitomi's job to see through the future and not us."

Yukari just nodded and smiled at him.

That night…

"Hey, Hitomi." Yukari said as she picked up the phone.

"Hi, Yukari." Hitomi said.

"So, what's up?" Yukari asked innocently.

"Nothing much. Hey, Folken just called and wanted to know if you're free tomorrow. He's inviting us to a little get together after school. So, are you free?"

"Yeah. Sure." Yukari said.

Hitomi noticed that Yukari wasn't her usual self.

She wasn't asking her what had happened that afternoon.

"Yukari? Are you alright?" Hitomi asked.

"Huh? Of course I am…why wouldn't I be?" Yukari replied shakily.

"Come on, Yukari. What happened?"

"Nothing. You know, I should be asking you that question.'

"If I'm alright? Well, of course I am why-"

"Hitomi, be honest with me." Yukari interrupted.

"What are you talking about?"

Yukari then realized that she was pushing her.

She was giving her a hint that they had witnessed everything.

"Yukari, by any chance, did you follow me this afternoon?"

Yukari was then troubled.

She didn't know what to say.

She knew Hitomi would know if she were lying or not.

"Follow you? W…why would do that?" Yukari answered.

"Yukari…"

"What? I was with Folken and Van."

"And?..."

"And what? Nothing happened."

"Yeah right. You don't sound like nothing happened."

"Really! Nothing happened. We talked and talked and then we went home."

"Yukari!"

"Ok, ok. We did follow you."

"What did you hear? What did you see?"

"Oh, not much…" Yukari replied, trying to be calm as possible.

"Tell me the truth, Yukari. You wouldn't be this agitated if you guys didn't see or hear that much."

"Ok, we saw and heard everything."

"Oh." Hitomi said.

"I'm sorry. I know we shouldn't have but-" Yukari defended.

"Don't worry. I'm not mad. In fact, I don't even mind. At least it saves me the trouble of explaining everything to you."

"Are you sure you're not mad?"

"Positive. I don't even know where to start telling you."

"Talk to me Hitomi. Please be honest. What can I do to lessen the pain?"

Hitomi giggled a little and replied, "Nothing. You don't have to do anything. It hurts, that's for sure but it doesn't matter because somehow I knew that it really wasn't meant to be between the two of us. I'm glad that he's my friend and I'm really happy for him."

"You sure? Because you know that you could always come to me if you want to talk."

"I know. I know. Well, anyway, I guess I better call Folken and tell him what you just said."

"Sure. See you tomorrow then."

"Yeah…see ya…" Yukari replied and set the receiver down.

Two weeks had passed…

It was both an eternity and a second.

Both Yukari and Folken were surprised that Hitomi and Amano were taking things more easily than they had expected.

They were acting as nothing had happened at all.

No one, who hadn't witnessed what had happened to the two, suspected that anything happened at all.

It was true that they became closer with one another by being more supportive with the other.

But that was all that changed.

When the time came for Amano to leave, Hitomi just smiled at him and wished him a lot of luck in his new life away from Japan.

In the airport…

Only Folken accompanied Amano because the others had after-school activities.

"Well, take care of yourself Amano and don't forget to write to us here." Folken said.

"Of course I won't forget. Take care of yourself, Folken and please look after Hitomi for me." Amano said as he patted Folken's shoulder.

"Sure. To tell you the truth, she's doing better than I expected."

"You're right. I never saw her shed a tear which is good I suppose."

"No one did, not even Yukari. The night after it happened, I called her and the whole time she was cheery. You won't suspect that anything was wrong. Yukari even told me the same thing."

"She's one special girl that's why make sure she meets a guy who will love her the way she deserves."

"Don't worry about her, Amano. She can take care of herself; I'll just be around to help her if she needs it. I'm sure Yukari and Van will also be there so there's really nothing to worry about." Folken assured him.

"Thanks, Folken. Well, I guess I have to go."

"See you someday, Amano. Good luck."

"You two Folken. Bye."

Amano then turned and left.

Meanwhile…

"Ready, get set, GO!" Hitomi's coach shouted.

All the runners, including Hitomi, began to run around the oblong track.

Hitomi could feel the breeze in her face.

She could feel her heart beat fast.

She wanted her mind to remain blank but it as she ran, it reminded her of Amano.

She hid her smile and said silently to herself, "Sayonara, Amano- sempai."

Hitomi ran and ran.

They were running the 150-meter course that day.

Since Yukari's violin lessons were over, she went to the field to wait for Hitomi.

A moment later, she was joined by Van.

"Hey, Yukari." He greeted.

"Hi, Van. How was basket ball?" Yukari greeted back.

"It's not so bad. So, how's Hitomi doing?"

Yukari signed and looked at her best friend sprint.

"As you can see, she's fine."

"What's up? You don't sound so enthusiastic." Van commented.

"You've noticed that too, huh? Well, to tell you the truth, I'm worried about her. This is the day that Amano leaves and ever since, you know, she hasn't shed a single tear. I can understand the pain but I can't understand why she keeps it all hidden." Yukari explained.

Van just grinned.

He then said, "Don't you think you should have a little more faith in her?"

Yukari signed again and replied, "I know. I have known her long enough to trust her. Thanks for reminding me, Van."

"No problem."

They then glanced to where Hitomi was now standing getting last minute instructions from their coach.

She glanced and smiled to where Yukari and Van were.

Van then had a flash back to a few days after the incident.

Flash back

It was late one afternoon and the bus still hasn't arrived.

Folken had already left with Amano with a few of their friends.

Their other bus mates were out in the fields playing while waiting for the bus to arrive.

Hitomi had track practice earlier so she was tired.

She decided to just sit near the bus port and read ahead on the assignments that were given that day.

She was alone.

Van noticed so he sat beside her.

Hitomi glanced at him and just smiled, not uttering a word.

"Are you ok?" Van asked.

Hitomi then turned to him and placed the book down.

She was a little confused with the sudden question.

Van could see it from her eyes.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" Hitomi finally answered, trying to be reassuring.

"Come on Hitomi. You told me once to be careful because you knew that there was trouble waiting for me. You wanted to help me. Now, I feel that there is trouble you are experiencing and I want to help." Van said. "So, what did happen?" She asked, ignoring his answer.

"Oh, it was nothing. Just a small trouble involving Folken and me." Van answered.

"Oh." She said.

Hitomi then turned away for a while.

She didn't know how to put her feelings into words.

"You must know that Yukari is very worried about you. My brother is too. When they ask you if there is something wrong, you just say otherwise. So, I thought that maybe I'll have more luck. We want to help you. We don't want you to hurt like this. I also talked with Amano. He said that if he treated you any differently, he was afraid to hurt you more so he tries to be as normal as possible just like you." Van said.

"I…I know. I'm just afraid, Van. I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

That was when Hitomi couldn't hide her tears any more.

"I'm afraid to let Amano see me crying or hurting because I don't want him to feel guilty. I also don't want you guys to see me like this because I don't want to bother you with nothing."

"No one cries for nothing, Hitomi. Being a lone wolf doesn't suit you, you know. You are not alone so you don't have to take it all by yourself." Van said as he handed her his handkerchief.

Hitomi got it and gently wiped her tears away.

Hitomi then smiled at him and said, "Thanks Van."

But her smile soon faded.

She then said, "There is also one thing I haven't told you."

"What is it?"

Hitomi hesitated.

"I don't feel right crying like this. Somehow I feel…I don't know. My emotions are mixed up. I'm not even sure any more if I really do love him. I mean...I like Amano but...I'm not sure if I love him more than a friend." Hitomi said.

"I'm not an expert with love but I suppose you're suppose to feel that when you hurt. It makes you think otherwise."

"No. It's nothing like that. I've felt this way for a long time now...even before…you know."

"Well, you know what I think?"

Hitomi just looked at him.

"I think you love him because if you didn't I suppose you don't need to ask yourself whether you love him or not."

Hitomi gave him a small smile.

She then said, "You're very wise, Van Fanel. But I also think that love is very generic. We use it all the time that we abuse it. What I'm trying to say is that I don't think it was true love after all."

"Well then, if you feel that way, then it means that there is someone out there who you're really destined to be with. It may not necessarily mean that it's Amano…for now…it's an anonymous someone."

Hitomi giggled.

"You're right. I'm not in a hurry actually to fall in love. Maybe it's just a childhood crush after all."

"Maybe."

They just smiled.

After a moment of silence, Hitomi said, "Um, Van."

Van turned to her.

"Could I ask you a big favor?"

Van just nodded.

"Could you not tell this to anyone else especially Yukari and Folken?"

"Sure. I won't tell another soul."

End of flash back

"Hey, guys!" Hitomi greeted as she joined them after her practice.

"Have you been waiting long?" She asked.

"Not at all." Yukari said as she stood and so did Van.

"So, what do you guys want to do now?" Hitomi asked.

"You seem happy." Van commented.

"Yeah well, the tournament was postponed for another month so our coach decided to give us a break for two weeks. So, now I've got two weeks of rest and fun." Hitomi answered.

"That's great! Are you guys up for going to the mall?" Yukari asked.

Both Van and Hitomi just nodded.

"Let's just make a quick call and tell you bus driver that you guys aren't going to take the bus home." Yukari said.

Two weeks had passed.

Another new student came to their school.

His name was Allen Schezar.

He was in the same level as Folken but he was assigned to a different section.

It was noon, Hitomi and the others decided to have lunch outside by the shade of the trees.

Folken was running a little late.

"I wonder where Folken is?" Yukari said.

Hitomi turned to Van and grinned a little.

Van then said, "I don't know Yukari. I haven't really seen him since this morning."

Yukari's expression saddened.

Both Hitomi and Van couldn't help but laugh.

Suddenly, Folken interrupted.

"Hey guys. I would like you all to meet Allen Schezar. Allen, these are my friends Hitomi, Yukari and my brother, Van." Folken introduced.

They greeted Allen.

Allen then said, "Nice to meet you all."

He then looked at Hitomi.

Hitomi felt uneasy.

When Allen turned away, Yukari whispered to Hitomi.

"I think he's interested at you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Didn't you see the way he looks at you?"

"No. Besides, he reminds me of Amano. But it doesn't matter now. I need to worry about the tournament and not boys." Hitomi whispered back.

Yukari laughed.

Everyone looked at them.

They didn't seem to notice.

"Well, Hitomi-chan…you better believe me in this one or I'll not return your pendant." Yukari said.

Hitomi then felt for her pendant.

It was gone.

She had placed it in her pocket because it began to shine moments before.

"How did you do that, Yukari? Yukari give it back." Hitomi said.

"No. I won't until you accept the fact." Yukari teased.

"Yukari!" Hitomi said trying to get the pendant.

Yukari then stood and ran.

"Excuse me you guys." Hitomi said as she stood and ran after Yukari.

Folken couldn't help but laugh.

Van just smiled.

"They have never changed." Folken commented.

"Yukari always knows how to tease Hitomi. Why do you think she always does that?" Van said.

"Beats me. Those two are like oil and water when it comes to their personality but that makes them closer with one another." Folken said.

"Anyway, Allen, since you joined our group, there is only one rule." Folken addressed.

He then added, "That is to just be open."

"Ok, to start, I think Hitomi has this secret that I'm all too aware of." Allen said.

"What do you mean?" Van asked.

"I grew up with a master who had mystical powers. He had psychic abilities. Looking into her eyes suggests that she too has those abilities." Allen explained.

(To be continued…)

Well, there's chapter 2. Hope you liked it. Thanks for reading and please, please review. I'll be waiting for your review. Be as open as you like. Oh and one final thing, please don't judge the entire thing because it's just beginning and there are still a lot of things to come. Hope you enjoy.

Michiko