center Chapter 3 /center
That day afterschool . . .
Zoe and Kouji were walking with each other out of the class. Zoe was still in deep thoughts about Joyce and the mess she'd made. Her eyes glued to the ground, without speaking to him.
Kouji noticed that there is something wrong with her. So he asked, "So, what's ya thinkin' ?"
Zoe was startled by him and fixed her gaze right back to Kouji. "Um, nothing."
"Come on, Zoe." Kouji begged. "I know there's something wrong with you, so tell me."
"You're not a psychologist or anything." Zoe joked. She knew that Kouji won't buy it because there are those pair of dark blue eyes telling her that he's not joking around, he's really worried about her. "Okay, you win. I'll tell you."
Kouji's face grew worrier. "Zoe, it's okay if you don't want to tell me." He paused. He then stopped walking and turned to Zoe. "I don't want to butt into your life or anything."
Zoe stopped walking too. She shook her head with a grin. "No, no, no, Kouji. I insist." Then, they both start walking again. "Is just that I feel very guilty after the mess I created for Takuya and Joyce.
"Oh now, Zoe," Kouji convinced. "You know that's not your fault."
"But I felt that everybody would be saying 'it's all your fault', even you. But they didn't say it. And yes, is all my fault. I should be the one who got blamed! It's all my fault!" Zoe said loudly, as if she wanted to shout at him without taking any breaths. Then, she looked at his hurtful eyes and she quickly said without looking at him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't do that, Kouji. I'm really sor . . ."
"It's okay," Kouji stopped and put his both hands on her shoulder to comfort her. "But you can't blame yourself for all the things you did. At least you helped, and what makes you think that I blamed on you. You're my girlfriend, why would I blamed on you? I love you more than anything else in the world."
There is no words coming out of her mouth. She couldn't argue there, but she still feel horrible. "You're right, but I still feel so horrible."
Kouji gave her a quick hug and said, "now do you still feel horrible?"
Zoe flashed him a small grin. "A little."
"Look Zoe, if Takuya doesn't appreciate of what you've done. Then it's his fault for asking you do to such things when he's suppose to be the one who do it. But he didn't blamed on you, in fact, he appreciated. That means it is not your fault. Besides, you've already done enough for them. You should stop." Kouji flashed her a grin. "We should all stay out of this, it's their own destiny to find each other. If they aren't destined to be with each other, then that's the way it is."
Zoe kissed him lightly on his lips. "Thanks, Kouji. Now that I know why we need each other so much, and I want you to know that you're the most important person in my heart."
"I know," Kouji said sweetly, "now are you feeling a little better?"
"Not really," Zoe's face went sad again. When she noticed that his face was full of concerns, she surprise him with a big smile on her face. "But I'll feel much better if I can have a dinner with you and your brother."
Kouji laughed.
"And . . . speaking of dinner," Zoe said, smiling. "Can you please tell me or show me a picture of your brother, please?"
"No," Kouji laughed. "I said I wanted to be a surprise."
Zoe pretended to be sad again, but she knew that he won't buy it because there is still a smiled that appeared on her face. "Fine."
Kouji's face turned serious again. "Listen Zoe, I need to go and prepare the dinner, okay?"
"Okay," Zoe nodded.
"I'll pick you up at 6 tonight! See you there!" Then, Kouji kissed her lightly on her lips and said, "bye."
"Bye!" Zoe watched till he disappeared into the crowd and start heading for her locker.
When she reached to her locker, she saw Takuya was standing in front of it, so she walked to him and called out, "Takuya, what's up?"
Takuya's face was more serious than Zoe could ever imagine.
"Listen, Zoe. I just wanted to apologize for . . ."
"Hey!" Zoe interrupted. "I thought I was the one who should be apologizing to you."
Takuya smiled. "Yeah well, I told you to help me."
"So, what are you going to do with her?" Zoe asked.
Takuya paused for a moment and answered her in his most polite way. "Well, maybe I should just, you know." Zoe nodded as she listened to Takuay. "Give a break here."
Zoe frowned. "Why?"
"Don't you see that Joyce likes Jake now? Not me!" Takuya explained.
Zoe threw her hands up with a frustrating groan. "So that's why you shouldn't give up now and win her heart back!"
"I know, but I should just take a break here and start concentrating on my school work. When I feel like I want her back again. I promise I'll win her heart back."
Zoe smiled. Then, she put both of her hands on his shoulder. "Well, just to tell you that you are a kind person, you're gorgeous, and you have great personalities. If Joyce doesn't know that, then she doesn't deserve you."
Takuya smiled back. "Thanks Zoe. Can I have a friendly hug?"
"Sure!" Zoe said. Then she wrapped her hands around his neck and gave him a quick hug. Then they let go of each other. "Now, I want to see you win her heart back!"
"Bye, Z." Takuya waved, then he walked out of the hallway and blend into the crowd.
Zoe waved back. When he's gone, she turned back to her locker and got her backpack and her jacket out of the locker. She then slammed it shut and walked out of the school.
At Home . . .
Dear Diary,
Now that I got everything, I'm ready to go to Kouji's dinner. I'm so excited to meet his brother! Diary, I'm sorry that is has to be short, but I'll tell you every details about the dinner later. Now it's almost six'o clock. I have to be ready. Oh, there's someone knocking on my door. It's probably Kouji. I have to go, bye!!!!
"Zoe, Kouji's here!" Mrs.Orimoto called out.
"Tell him that I'll be there in a few seconds!" Zoe called back. she shut her diary, then put it back in the drawers and then she rushed to the living room to greet Kouji.
"You look very pretty, honey." Mrs.Orimoto said.
"Thanks mom!" Zoe hugged Mrs.Orimoto tightly and then gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Save those hugs and kisses to Kouji." Mrs.Orimoto teased. "Kouji's about to get a little jealous here!"
"I will mom." Zoe said happily.
"Pretend I didn't here that." Kouji joked. Then, they all laughed.
"Okay, kids." Mrs.Orimoto held up a camera. "Let's take a photo of you two."
"Sure, Mrs.Orimoto." Kouji said. Then Kouji and Zoe came closer to each other and pose for their photo shoot.
"Okay, 1 . . .2 . . .3 . . "Mrs.Orimoto flashed the camera. "You guys can go now."
"Bye mom!" Zoe called out as they stepped outside of the door.
"Bye Mrs.Orimoto!" Kouji called out.
"Bye kids, have fun!" Mrs.Orimoto called out. Then she shut the door and went back to the kitchen.
Once they were outside at the front door, Kouji turned to Zoe. "You're very pretty tonight."
"Thanks." Zoe blushed.
"You know, for a fact that I am . . ." He trailed off.
"What is it?" Zoe asked.
". . . gonna kiss you." Kouji finished.
Zoe gave out a little laugh. Before she can respond, she felt that his lips are pressing against her lips. She kissed him back. finally, they pulled back to gasp for more air. They both smiled at each other.
Kouji ran through her hair with his fingers. "You know what, Zoe?"
Zoe tilted her head the the right. "What?"
"You're the first one that'll always be in my heart. You will always comes first no matter what." Kouji continued. "And you're the most important person to me in the whole wide world. I need you, Zoe."
"So do I." Zoe giggled. "Come on, let's go. I don't want your brother waiting for us."
"He's gonna come later, like at 6:30PM." Kouji checked his watch. "Now it's only 6:10PM."
"I don't want to stand here, it's freezing." Zoe whinned.
"Okay," Kouji said sadly. Then he led her to his car.
"Nice car you've got there." Zoe said. "Another new car?"
"Yeah, but this time is a Benz! My dad got it for me yesterday." Kouji answered.
"That's third in a row this week." Zoe said. "Sometimes, I just wanted to be a rich girl like you."
"Believe me," Kouji convinced. "You don't want to be rich. It's so annoying. That's why I moved out."
"But don't you miss your parents?" Zoe asked as she went inside the car.
"Yeah, so I come home on every weekend." Kouji seated on the driver's seat, he started the engine and turned to look at Zoe. "You ready?"
"Yes."
Then, Kouji pulled out of the drive way and drove out of Zoe's house.
"Okay, last stop." Kouj announced as he drove into his parking space in the parking lot. "Everybody out!"
Zoe unbuckled her seatbelt and open the door. She got up and slammed the door shut behind her.
When they got inside of his apartment. Kouji bowed down to her and he reached his hand out. "May I please have the honour, Miss Orimoto?"
Zoe giggled. She hold on to Kouji's hand and let him led to his living room. The apartment is big and fancy. It's just like the inside of Zoe's dream house.
Kouji led her to the dance floor and he opened up a slow music. "May I please have the honour to dance with you, miss?"
Zoe giggled again. "Sure!" Then she wrapped around his neck as Kouji wrapped around her waist. They both followed the rhythm of the music to dance.
Kouji leaned forward and he gently brushed her lips. Zoe closed her eyes as she brushed his lips back.
"I love you , Kouji." Zoe whispered.
"I love you, too." Kouji whispered back. then he leaned forward for another kiss.
Suddenly, the door bell rang. They pulled back as they were trying to gasp for more air.
"That must be my brother." Kouji said breathlessly. "Then he led Zoe into his room. "I want you to stay here till I tell you to come out. Like I said, it's a surprise!"
"Sure!" Zoe leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
Kouji smiled at her and then went to of the room to go get the door.
Uh, I wanted to kiss him more. Zoe thought. My knees gets weaker everytime he kisses me. I like the feeling of being kissed by him. It's so sensational. Hmm, now I wonder how his brother looks like.
"Hi Kouichi!" Kouji said. "Come on in."
"Hey Kouji!" Kouichi greeted him. His eyes glazed at his fancy apartment. "Hey, nice apartment. You keep it very clean."
"Thanks." Kouji said excitedly. "How's mom?"
"She's fine. Our dad gave her lots of money each month. My mom is also getting marry with another rich guy." Kouichi said proudly.
"She must be obsessed with rich guys." Kouji joked. Suddenly, there was a blond hair gilr who was standing behind Kouichi. He tilted his head so he can see her. "Well, hello there."
The girl came up behind Kouichi. She smiled at him. "HI, my name is Sandra, nice to meet you."
"Who is that?" Kouji teased Kouichi, suudenly, his face turned bright red.
"She's my girlfriend. I hope you won't mind." Kouichi said.
"Of course I won't mind. In fact, I got mine too." Kouji led them to the living room. "Wait here, she's in my room right now. I told her to hide there till you come because I said it's a surprise. Let me take your luggage for you."
"Oh thanks, Kouji."
Then, Kouji carried his luggage and walked into his room.
"Zoe?" Kouji whispered when he opened the door.
"Yeah?" Zoe answered.
"Just close your eyes and I'll make sure your don't peek." Kouji said, then he covered her eyes with his hand and together, side by side. They both walked out of his room.
KOUICHI'S POV
As Zoe and Kouji walked toward them. Kouichi felt something was strange.
Hmm, this girls looks a little strange, it's like I've seen her before.
Oh no, it couldn't be her. Could it?
"Okay, here he is!" Kouji said happily as he uncovered her eyes. "Zoe, this is Kouichi and Sandra."
Zoe's eyes grew wider as her jaws dropped wide open.
Oh yes! It's her, I can't believe it! She cheated on me. Well, come to think of it, I kinda cheated on her too. But my feelings for her didn't change at all. You are the most important person in my life. Such a small world.
ZOE'S POV
Oh my god! It's him. My ex-boyfriend. Well, we really didn't broke up, we just have to go back to school and everything. He's my boyfriend! My first love! Four years ago before I wen to the Digital World, before I met Kouji.
I met him during the summer! Oh, I tried to forget him and move on to my life, but I just relized that I still love him even more than before. He taught me how precious my life is. My feeling for him didn't changed at all. Oh, I feel so guilty. I feel like I betrayed two of my most lovable man in the whole world.
**************************************************************************** ***Which one would Zoe finally decide? Find out on the next chapter.
That day afterschool . . .
Zoe and Kouji were walking with each other out of the class. Zoe was still in deep thoughts about Joyce and the mess she'd made. Her eyes glued to the ground, without speaking to him.
Kouji noticed that there is something wrong with her. So he asked, "So, what's ya thinkin' ?"
Zoe was startled by him and fixed her gaze right back to Kouji. "Um, nothing."
"Come on, Zoe." Kouji begged. "I know there's something wrong with you, so tell me."
"You're not a psychologist or anything." Zoe joked. She knew that Kouji won't buy it because there are those pair of dark blue eyes telling her that he's not joking around, he's really worried about her. "Okay, you win. I'll tell you."
Kouji's face grew worrier. "Zoe, it's okay if you don't want to tell me." He paused. He then stopped walking and turned to Zoe. "I don't want to butt into your life or anything."
Zoe stopped walking too. She shook her head with a grin. "No, no, no, Kouji. I insist." Then, they both start walking again. "Is just that I feel very guilty after the mess I created for Takuya and Joyce.
"Oh now, Zoe," Kouji convinced. "You know that's not your fault."
"But I felt that everybody would be saying 'it's all your fault', even you. But they didn't say it. And yes, is all my fault. I should be the one who got blamed! It's all my fault!" Zoe said loudly, as if she wanted to shout at him without taking any breaths. Then, she looked at his hurtful eyes and she quickly said without looking at him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't do that, Kouji. I'm really sor . . ."
"It's okay," Kouji stopped and put his both hands on her shoulder to comfort her. "But you can't blame yourself for all the things you did. At least you helped, and what makes you think that I blamed on you. You're my girlfriend, why would I blamed on you? I love you more than anything else in the world."
There is no words coming out of her mouth. She couldn't argue there, but she still feel horrible. "You're right, but I still feel so horrible."
Kouji gave her a quick hug and said, "now do you still feel horrible?"
Zoe flashed him a small grin. "A little."
"Look Zoe, if Takuya doesn't appreciate of what you've done. Then it's his fault for asking you do to such things when he's suppose to be the one who do it. But he didn't blamed on you, in fact, he appreciated. That means it is not your fault. Besides, you've already done enough for them. You should stop." Kouji flashed her a grin. "We should all stay out of this, it's their own destiny to find each other. If they aren't destined to be with each other, then that's the way it is."
Zoe kissed him lightly on his lips. "Thanks, Kouji. Now that I know why we need each other so much, and I want you to know that you're the most important person in my heart."
"I know," Kouji said sweetly, "now are you feeling a little better?"
"Not really," Zoe's face went sad again. When she noticed that his face was full of concerns, she surprise him with a big smile on her face. "But I'll feel much better if I can have a dinner with you and your brother."
Kouji laughed.
"And . . . speaking of dinner," Zoe said, smiling. "Can you please tell me or show me a picture of your brother, please?"
"No," Kouji laughed. "I said I wanted to be a surprise."
Zoe pretended to be sad again, but she knew that he won't buy it because there is still a smiled that appeared on her face. "Fine."
Kouji's face turned serious again. "Listen Zoe, I need to go and prepare the dinner, okay?"
"Okay," Zoe nodded.
"I'll pick you up at 6 tonight! See you there!" Then, Kouji kissed her lightly on her lips and said, "bye."
"Bye!" Zoe watched till he disappeared into the crowd and start heading for her locker.
When she reached to her locker, she saw Takuya was standing in front of it, so she walked to him and called out, "Takuya, what's up?"
Takuya's face was more serious than Zoe could ever imagine.
"Listen, Zoe. I just wanted to apologize for . . ."
"Hey!" Zoe interrupted. "I thought I was the one who should be apologizing to you."
Takuya smiled. "Yeah well, I told you to help me."
"So, what are you going to do with her?" Zoe asked.
Takuya paused for a moment and answered her in his most polite way. "Well, maybe I should just, you know." Zoe nodded as she listened to Takuay. "Give a break here."
Zoe frowned. "Why?"
"Don't you see that Joyce likes Jake now? Not me!" Takuya explained.
Zoe threw her hands up with a frustrating groan. "So that's why you shouldn't give up now and win her heart back!"
"I know, but I should just take a break here and start concentrating on my school work. When I feel like I want her back again. I promise I'll win her heart back."
Zoe smiled. Then, she put both of her hands on his shoulder. "Well, just to tell you that you are a kind person, you're gorgeous, and you have great personalities. If Joyce doesn't know that, then she doesn't deserve you."
Takuya smiled back. "Thanks Zoe. Can I have a friendly hug?"
"Sure!" Zoe said. Then she wrapped her hands around his neck and gave him a quick hug. Then they let go of each other. "Now, I want to see you win her heart back!"
"Bye, Z." Takuya waved, then he walked out of the hallway and blend into the crowd.
Zoe waved back. When he's gone, she turned back to her locker and got her backpack and her jacket out of the locker. She then slammed it shut and walked out of the school.
At Home . . .
Dear Diary,
Now that I got everything, I'm ready to go to Kouji's dinner. I'm so excited to meet his brother! Diary, I'm sorry that is has to be short, but I'll tell you every details about the dinner later. Now it's almost six'o clock. I have to be ready. Oh, there's someone knocking on my door. It's probably Kouji. I have to go, bye!!!!
"Zoe, Kouji's here!" Mrs.Orimoto called out.
"Tell him that I'll be there in a few seconds!" Zoe called back. she shut her diary, then put it back in the drawers and then she rushed to the living room to greet Kouji.
"You look very pretty, honey." Mrs.Orimoto said.
"Thanks mom!" Zoe hugged Mrs.Orimoto tightly and then gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Save those hugs and kisses to Kouji." Mrs.Orimoto teased. "Kouji's about to get a little jealous here!"
"I will mom." Zoe said happily.
"Pretend I didn't here that." Kouji joked. Then, they all laughed.
"Okay, kids." Mrs.Orimoto held up a camera. "Let's take a photo of you two."
"Sure, Mrs.Orimoto." Kouji said. Then Kouji and Zoe came closer to each other and pose for their photo shoot.
"Okay, 1 . . .2 . . .3 . . "Mrs.Orimoto flashed the camera. "You guys can go now."
"Bye mom!" Zoe called out as they stepped outside of the door.
"Bye Mrs.Orimoto!" Kouji called out.
"Bye kids, have fun!" Mrs.Orimoto called out. Then she shut the door and went back to the kitchen.
Once they were outside at the front door, Kouji turned to Zoe. "You're very pretty tonight."
"Thanks." Zoe blushed.
"You know, for a fact that I am . . ." He trailed off.
"What is it?" Zoe asked.
". . . gonna kiss you." Kouji finished.
Zoe gave out a little laugh. Before she can respond, she felt that his lips are pressing against her lips. She kissed him back. finally, they pulled back to gasp for more air. They both smiled at each other.
Kouji ran through her hair with his fingers. "You know what, Zoe?"
Zoe tilted her head the the right. "What?"
"You're the first one that'll always be in my heart. You will always comes first no matter what." Kouji continued. "And you're the most important person to me in the whole wide world. I need you, Zoe."
"So do I." Zoe giggled. "Come on, let's go. I don't want your brother waiting for us."
"He's gonna come later, like at 6:30PM." Kouji checked his watch. "Now it's only 6:10PM."
"I don't want to stand here, it's freezing." Zoe whinned.
"Okay," Kouji said sadly. Then he led her to his car.
"Nice car you've got there." Zoe said. "Another new car?"
"Yeah, but this time is a Benz! My dad got it for me yesterday." Kouji answered.
"That's third in a row this week." Zoe said. "Sometimes, I just wanted to be a rich girl like you."
"Believe me," Kouji convinced. "You don't want to be rich. It's so annoying. That's why I moved out."
"But don't you miss your parents?" Zoe asked as she went inside the car.
"Yeah, so I come home on every weekend." Kouji seated on the driver's seat, he started the engine and turned to look at Zoe. "You ready?"
"Yes."
Then, Kouji pulled out of the drive way and drove out of Zoe's house.
"Okay, last stop." Kouj announced as he drove into his parking space in the parking lot. "Everybody out!"
Zoe unbuckled her seatbelt and open the door. She got up and slammed the door shut behind her.
When they got inside of his apartment. Kouji bowed down to her and he reached his hand out. "May I please have the honour, Miss Orimoto?"
Zoe giggled. She hold on to Kouji's hand and let him led to his living room. The apartment is big and fancy. It's just like the inside of Zoe's dream house.
Kouji led her to the dance floor and he opened up a slow music. "May I please have the honour to dance with you, miss?"
Zoe giggled again. "Sure!" Then she wrapped around his neck as Kouji wrapped around her waist. They both followed the rhythm of the music to dance.
Kouji leaned forward and he gently brushed her lips. Zoe closed her eyes as she brushed his lips back.
"I love you , Kouji." Zoe whispered.
"I love you, too." Kouji whispered back. then he leaned forward for another kiss.
Suddenly, the door bell rang. They pulled back as they were trying to gasp for more air.
"That must be my brother." Kouji said breathlessly. "Then he led Zoe into his room. "I want you to stay here till I tell you to come out. Like I said, it's a surprise!"
"Sure!" Zoe leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
Kouji smiled at her and then went to of the room to go get the door.
Uh, I wanted to kiss him more. Zoe thought. My knees gets weaker everytime he kisses me. I like the feeling of being kissed by him. It's so sensational. Hmm, now I wonder how his brother looks like.
"Hi Kouichi!" Kouji said. "Come on in."
"Hey Kouji!" Kouichi greeted him. His eyes glazed at his fancy apartment. "Hey, nice apartment. You keep it very clean."
"Thanks." Kouji said excitedly. "How's mom?"
"She's fine. Our dad gave her lots of money each month. My mom is also getting marry with another rich guy." Kouichi said proudly.
"She must be obsessed with rich guys." Kouji joked. Suddenly, there was a blond hair gilr who was standing behind Kouichi. He tilted his head so he can see her. "Well, hello there."
The girl came up behind Kouichi. She smiled at him. "HI, my name is Sandra, nice to meet you."
"Who is that?" Kouji teased Kouichi, suudenly, his face turned bright red.
"She's my girlfriend. I hope you won't mind." Kouichi said.
"Of course I won't mind. In fact, I got mine too." Kouji led them to the living room. "Wait here, she's in my room right now. I told her to hide there till you come because I said it's a surprise. Let me take your luggage for you."
"Oh thanks, Kouji."
Then, Kouji carried his luggage and walked into his room.
"Zoe?" Kouji whispered when he opened the door.
"Yeah?" Zoe answered.
"Just close your eyes and I'll make sure your don't peek." Kouji said, then he covered her eyes with his hand and together, side by side. They both walked out of his room.
KOUICHI'S POV
As Zoe and Kouji walked toward them. Kouichi felt something was strange.
Hmm, this girls looks a little strange, it's like I've seen her before.
Oh no, it couldn't be her. Could it?
"Okay, here he is!" Kouji said happily as he uncovered her eyes. "Zoe, this is Kouichi and Sandra."
Zoe's eyes grew wider as her jaws dropped wide open.
Oh yes! It's her, I can't believe it! She cheated on me. Well, come to think of it, I kinda cheated on her too. But my feelings for her didn't change at all. You are the most important person in my life. Such a small world.
ZOE'S POV
Oh my god! It's him. My ex-boyfriend. Well, we really didn't broke up, we just have to go back to school and everything. He's my boyfriend! My first love! Four years ago before I wen to the Digital World, before I met Kouji.
I met him during the summer! Oh, I tried to forget him and move on to my life, but I just relized that I still love him even more than before. He taught me how precious my life is. My feeling for him didn't changed at all. Oh, I feel so guilty. I feel like I betrayed two of my most lovable man in the whole world.
**************************************************************************** ***Which one would Zoe finally decide? Find out on the next chapter.