As the sun hung low in the sky, the Ham-hams began to break up and make their own ways home. Talk of the Ball had been considered off-limits for the day, and the hams had enjoyed a nice day in the sunshine.

"See you tomorrow, Bijou," Called Boss as he disappeared down his tunnels for the night.

"Goodbye, Girls," Called Bijou as Sandy and Pashmina headed home as well. Dexter and Howdy were both attempting to walk home, but the fact that they had started ignoring each other was causing a problem (As they were next door neighbours, after all). Both were trying to avoid eye contact with one another, and somehow ended up tripping over and ending up in a heap further along the path. A young ham-boy walking past laughed at them. As the crowd began to disperse, Hamtaro wandered over to Bijou, who was admiring a small daisy growing in the grass.

"So, um, Bijou?" Hamtaro started slightly nervously.

"Oui, Hamtaro?" Replied Bijou, looking up from the flower, and sounding almost startled that Hamtaro was talking to her.

"I was just wondering, you know, since we both live in kind of the same direction, if you wanted to walk together?" This wasn't completely true, but Hamtaro had decided now had to be the time, he'd ask her.

"Oui, of course, Hamtaro." Replied Bijou, smiling.

"I'll catch you later, Hamtaro!" Shouted Oxnard. "Kana'll be home soon, and I don't want her to find me missing!" He raced off along the path, leaving Hamtaro and Bijou alone in the park.

"Bye, Oxi!" Called Hamtaro after him. He was feeling a little nervous.

"Well, shall we go?" inquired Bijou?

"Sure." Hamtaro agreed. The pair walked along in silence for a while, admiring the lovely day. When they looked at each other, there was little embarrassed smile from the pair, before they returned to looking around.. "Shame the weather's going to be raining tomorrow…" Said Hamtaro, in an effort to make conversation.

"Yes, it will be sad. We all had such a nice time today in the park." Said Bijou. A slight breeze blew over the park, rustling the grass. A few clouds had begun to appear in the sky, Hamtaro glanced around nervously, as the pair walked in silence again. Before long, the pair began to approach the large tree which server as Bijou's method of getting in and out of Maria's bedroom. "Well, here is my house," remarked Bijou, in a wistful voice, the now stronger wind tugging at her ribbons.

"Wait, uh, Bijou?" Hamtaro tried to pluck up his courage. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Hamtaro," Replied Bijou, looking straight at him, her eyes wide in anticipation.

"Well, um…" Hamtaro paused, trying to go on. "Would, you know, mind if…If I walked you to the clubhouse tomorrow?" finished Hamtaro, lamely.

"Oh, Ok." Answered Bijou, looking slightly crestfallen. "I will see you tomorrow then, Hamtaro." And with a smile, she scampered up the tree and leapt onto the windowsill of Maria's bedroom, before disappearing from view.

"Yeah, cya." Said Hamtaro, quietly to himself. He sighed. "So close!" He added, sadly.

"So you asked her yet?" Said a voice. Hamtaro jumped round, alarmed.

"Oxnard!" He said exasperatedly. "Don't scare me like that! Anyway, aren't you supposed to be home by now?"

"Nah, Laura and Kana are helping plan this school dance, so they're staying late this week. Didn't Laura tell you?"

"Don't think she mentioned it." Said Hamtaro. "Although I wasn't paying much attention. So why did you rush off then?" He asked quizzically.

"To give you two some alone time of course." Replied Oxnard. "You did ask her to the Ball, right?"

"Why would I do that?" Asked Hamtaro, slightly angrily.

"Well come on, it's obvious you like her," Stated Oxnard. Hamtaro began to blush. "See, you're blushing!"

"No I'm not!" Replied Hamtaro, angrily again.

"Hey, calm down! I'm just saying you should ask her. I think it's clear she likes you too. Of course she'll accept the offer!"

"Look, if I want to ask her, I will, I don't need to be told what to do!" Shouted Hamtaro. He paused for a second, "Sorry, Oxnard, I didn't mean to shout. Look, I'll see you tomorrow." Hamtaro turned round, and began to walk off. He sniffed, his eyes welling up as he fought back tears. "I can't ask her, Oxi. I can't risk our friendship." And with that, Hamtaro dashed off home, clearly upset. Oxnard stared after him, shaking his head, as the first few raindrops began to fall from the clouded sky.