Chapter Two:

Yuki smiled kindly. "All right." They both sat down on the side walk, and Yuki waited patiently as Motoko sat there, wondering where to start. Finally, while clutching her bag even tighter, she sighed. He has to know that I adore him so much.

"Do you remember that time when I first spoke to you?" Motoko asked quietly. She glanced at Yuki and she saw that he was nodding. She suddenly felt herself blush again. "Ever since then, I… I… I really like you Yuki. The truth about this is… I wasn't ready to leave you. I didn't want to graduate without you. My mother… she doesn't understand that. She won't understand it." She hesitated, almost waiting for Yuki to say something to stop, her, but when he didn't, she went on. "Last time we spoke, I made a vow to change."

"I remember that." Yuki interrupted. He was staring out into the street again, listening to her. She faltered for a minute, but then she went on.

"I didn't want to give up on our love… not then… and I wasn't ready now either. So I ran," she glanced at him, seeing the troubled expression on his face. She gasped. "I hope I haven't caused you any trouble with my confession."

Yuki looked up, surprised. "Oh, no, that isn't it…I was just thinking… You'll need a place to stay- well, a place to stay until you get the strength to confront your mother."

Motoko was surprised again. After a minute of shock, she realized where this might be going. She gasped again. "Oh, no, I'm honored that you would worry about me, but… you don't need to worry about me anymore. I'll find my way."

"Really, Minagawa-senpai… I want to help. I don't think I'll be much of a help, though." Yuki suddenly looked up at her, taking her by surprise. She blushed again and turned away as her face burned. Oh, those eyes…

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Huh?" as if on cue, Motoko's stomach growled as she asked her question. "Well, now that you mention it, I am hungry."

Yuki stood up, and Motoko couldn't help looking him up and down. She was so preoccupied with looking at him that she didn't wonder what he was doing. He turned around and reached out his hand. She stared at it, suddenly feeling weak again. Yuki is offering me his hand?

"Come with me," he said kindly. "Some food is something I can help you with."

He waited as Motoko stared at his hand, amazed. She couldn't believe it. Yuki is taking me somewhere! Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, she took Yuki's hand, and he helped her up. They walked together for several steps before something accured to Motoko. What if he's just trying to avoid the subject of talking about what I just confessed? Suddenly she felt as if she said too much. She started to slow down, before finally stopping. Yuki noticed, and glanced behind him. "What's wrong?"

"I…I… was just wondering where we are going." She lied nervously. Yuki sensed her nervousness, but misread it.

"I guess I should have asked you first. Is it all right with you if we stop by my house?..."

Motoko's jaw dropped. Yuki's house? I… I don't know if I could take it… Walking in there…It would be too much for me to take…

Her thoughts whirled around in her head until she realized Yuki's next words…

"Honda-san and I just bought something new for dinner."

Her heart dropped. That witch buys dinner with him? She suddenly felt infuriated. How could this be possible? She suddenly gasped, and she felt so weak that she could hardly keep herself standing up. Yuki gasped softly when he noticed that she was shaking. Motoko put the back of one of her hands against her forehead and closed her eyes. "No! It can't be!"

"Minagawa-senpai? What are you talking about?"

Motoko opened her eyes to see Yuki's concerned face. Oh no! Did I say that outloud? Yuki saw that she looked worried, but then her expression softened, and she slowly lowered her hand. Yuki watched her, wondering what she meant. She looked down at the ground. "Yuki…" tears started to fill Motoko's eyes again. "My heart is breaking."

Yuki stood up straighter, and stared at her, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You like Tohru Honda, don't you?"