Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

LunaOp: An update at last! I am so excited to write now because my language arts class is very inspiring. School is actually helping me out with this story. I can't wait until everything is done. Now... on with chapter 2 of Evening Rose.

Chapter 2: Christmas cafe karaoke night

(Kouji's p.o.v.)

The blizzard had died down for now so it was rather silent walking next to Izumi down the sidewalk. I stared at her for a bit and sighed. She glanced up and pretended to smile. "What's up? You're too quiet now. I thought you'd be excited to see everyone again," I interrogated. Her cheeks were already rosy but turned a deeper shade of pink as she looked away.

"Sorry. I don't mean to be a downer right now. In fact I'm really happy to go to the cafe it's just that well... your mom said something to me."

"My real mom?" Izumi nodded.

"She told me something I didn't expect to hear. It's nothing big really. I'm just thinking over it."

"Oh." I replied plainly, not wanting to converse anymore because we were already at the cafe entrance. 'I'll just talk to her later.' I thought.

Tommy, Junpei, and Takuya were waiting at a table when they saw us coming. "Looks like Takuya's okay about all this. I'm glad he's happy now," Izumi said. I knew what she meant. His break-up with her was a big tragedy for him. But being Takuya, he managed to jump back into life.

"Hi guys! Glad you could make it!" Tommy shouted while giving Izumi and I suffocating hugs. His little arms were surprisingly strong.

"Uh, Tommy, I need to breathe." Izumi said exasperatingly. I nodded my head in agreement. Junpei came up next and did the same as Tommy. "Junpei! I don't want to die on Christmas!" She yelled cheerfully.

"Sorry Izumi-chan," Junpei said sheepishly.

"It's all right," she replied while taking off her coat.

"Junpei you just saw her two weeks ago, ya didn't need to do that," Takuya said.

"Only the best for Izumi!" he rsaid cheerfully.

"So, where's Kouichi?" Takuya pulled me aside.

"He needs to do something at home. He'll stop by later," I replied.

"Great. Soooo..." Takuyasaid.

"Hey, are you bored already?" Izumi asked.

"N-no," he replied. We all laughed.

After 30 min. of chatting I had to go outside for some fresh air. Being the quiet guy, I left without a word as everyone else was busy singing christmas karaoke tunes on the karaoke machine. Their voices intertwined but before I reached the door I heard Izumi's voice alone. She sung a cheery song. She sounded so beautiful. I stopped for a moment to listen.

(Izumi's p.o.v.)

There I was lightly going through a song on the machine when my eye wandered over to Kouji. He was just standing there but then turned around. After some shuffling of his hands he walked away towards the door. I finished the song and let everyone else get the microphone. In the dark, away from the one spotlight shining on the stage, Islipped silently outside.

I spotted Kouji leaning on the railing trying to breathe in some air, but it was too cold to even move our lips. "Hey, w-why are you out here?" I asked Kouji while shivering.

"Izumi? You shouldn't be out h-here. G-get back inside."

"O-okay. I will... but come w-with m-me." He grunted, took my arm, and pulled us under the roof hanging over the cafe. It was just as cold here but the snow didn't blow in our faces or onto out clothes.

"W-we really should go inside, Kouji."

He nodded but said, "There's something I have to tell you first though."

"What? W-what is it?"

End of chapter 2

LunaOp: I'm kind of sad right now. My crush is going out with someone. I hate that I can't do anything about it. The girl who's apparently his girlfriend also had dated another crush of mine last year. Well, anyway the guy who she's going out with now is a total jerk. He used to be so athletic and good in school now he dresses in all black and fails almost every subject. I can't stand him anymore. I still get light-headed when he's around but I hope my feelings will fade. So in light of this event Evening Rose will be completed ahead of schedule. Everything that's going on in my life right now is inspiring me to write, and write I will.

Edit 8/2/05:Sorry for all of the dialogue. I can't edit this chapter too much right now. My head's not working. But, minor changes have been made.