Disclaimer: Standard applies.

LunaOp: So, I left you off with a cliff-hanger last time, right? Sorry, I really wanted to increase the tension there. It's just so hard to get back in track with stuff outside of school right now so I'm going to spend as much time as possible with this story. Now please don't go all crazy with this, but I'd like to see some reviews with criticizing in it. I need to know what I can improve so just be kind and send a review with your true and honest point of view. And it's not that I don't like what I'm hearing lately but there is always a bad side to everything. Also, I do appreciate too that you don't go flame-mode on me.

Chapter 3:Opened up: my dearest in love

(Izumi's p.o.v.)

So there I was, freezing under an over-hanging fabric roof. "Kouji? What is it?" I was very curious to know what was going on that we had to stand out here like this.

"Izumi, I know you're going to get upset about this, but I don't think I can let you stay with me anymore unless…"

"Wait, you mean I have to leave? That's perfectly fine. I don't know where else to go, but I guess that I'll have to manage," I said, my words trailing off with the wind.

"Yeah, I think it's best that you do that, but there is a way you can stay…if you want to." He looked at me deeply.

"What's that?"

"Get a job. The main reason is that I can't afford to take care of two people alone. I've been working over-time and double shifts for us."

"Oh, Kouji, I'm sorry. Really, I can't believe you'd do that for me. You're so nice. Well… I knew I was a bother but you should've said something earlier. I was thinking about getting a job but you told me not to, remember? Was it- was it because you didn't want anyone else to suffer. N-not that it would be much of a problem to me." Frozen words in the air.

He was silent. I knew the answer. Even if Kouji seemed like he didn't care sometimes, deep inside he really wanted the best for his friends. "I guess so," he replied without making eye contact. I was surprised that he admitted it. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him and said, "Thanks. I'm lucky to have such a good friend, Kouji-kun." He hugged back like a small child seeking the warmth from a loved one.

"I-I'm glad you understand, Izumi-chan." We stood still as the snow lightly pricked our skin and faces. I let go first. "And I will get that job because I'd like to stay," I said while trying to stifle a small giggle. He smiled back and led usinside the café.

(Kouji' p.o.v.)

I was glad to get that over with. Izumi is definitely the type to be over-reacting when it comes to her friends , but that's what I like about her. When I first met her she seemed so kind but I couldn't let myself believe that. Later on, I found out that she was for real. Because of her and the other guys, I finally made the first friends of my life.

Back inside the now dimly-lit café. I saw in the dark, Takuya sneaking around, "accidentally" placing extra pepper on Tomoki, Kouichi, and Junpei's dishes… and mine too! Why that little… He can't even resist a prank on Christmas! Apparently Junpei had seen him out of the corner of his eye and was already on him in a split second. "Hey, everybody! Guess what Tacky's been doing to our food!" We all laughed and I took the chance to put extra pepper on Takuya's plate to get him back. Tommy then forced Takuya to apologize.

End of chapter 3

LunaOp: Well. That was a short chappie but it ended happily, right? I am so excited that I actually got to finish a chapter today! Now remember that crush thing I had?

My old crush got dumped by his girlfriend so now he's single again but every girl I know seems to like him too just because he's gothic and kind of punk rock- like. I hope I don't have any feelings left for that guy by January but it's hard to believe that the person who was such a good friend back then turned out like this. I'll never be able to hate him but now I know that we're too different to be together. I wish the best for him. I also wish the best for everyone who reads my fic because I'm only a child compared to the world and my coloring book is the story of my heart in which I let out from time to time. Ja ne!