-- Part 8: Be still, my heart--

"Wow, this town is REALLY confusing." Serena was perplexed, scanning the building signs in awe. "There so many businesses named Awayuki. You must be pretty famous around here, Himeno." She enjoyed the late morning stroll along with her long time boyfriend Darien, clinging to him possessively.

"Not exactly," Himeno answered, "My father remarried my stepmother, Natsue and renamed the town after him." She explained, giving them a walking tour guide around Awayuki Town.

"That sounds soooooo romantic!" Serena gushed with excitement.

"Tell me about it," Himeno shook her head. "My parents are hopelessly in love."

Yayoi sighed dreamily. "It's like a fairy tale come true."

Raye opened her mouth and spoke loudly. "Well meat-ball-head, you don't need to prove that on my account. You're spacey enough as it is." She smiled gleefully, her eyes gleamed innocently.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that, Raye!" Serena shot back angrily upon hearing a few snickered on Raye's behalf.

Himeno laughed. Mina's closest friends were all a riot. It didn't take any longer to bond with them instantly. They were all kind and friendly just like Mina, making you feel a part of their group like a family and a sense of belonging. It was the same instant connection she felt with her comrades, the Leafe Knights.

Serena, very sweet girl with a unique hairstyle of two braided buns; Darien, her older gorgeous college boyfriend; Raye, a raven haired beauty with such surpassing confidence and very assertive personality; Lita, a tall strong brunette girl; Amy, a blue haired girl very shy and intelligent that reminded her so much of Yayoi; Hotaru, quiet and innocent child very much like Shin; and lastly, Rini, a carbon copy of Serena but as cousins by relationsHimeno could have sworn Rini might be Serena's daughter which in truth, Rini was the future child of Darien and Serena from the 30th century Crystal Tokyo.

Apparently, Himeno wasn't the only one admiring her newfound friends. Goh seemed to appear dazed and bashful around Lita who was deliriously flirting with him! Between Kei and Amy, they were talking animatedly about some computer related issues that were beyond Himeno's understanding. And lastly, Mannen and Rini stubbornly trading insults at each other while Hotaru tried to alleviate some kind of truce between them.

This is match made in heaven. An interesting idea fixated on Himeno's mind.

"Hmm… meat-ball-head huh? Nice nickname." Hayate grinned wickedly. "Quit stalling, tuliphead. You're moving too slow."

"Don't you even dare start with me, Hayate!" Himeno flashed him an irritated look. She quickly ignored him and then switched her attention to Mina and Sasame who were exactly like a cozy couple in love from her point of view. The picturesque scene of them together as a family with Shin, Hajime and the 3 cats walking beside them made Himeno smile even more.

"That was a very exciting game and you're very skilled as a volleyball player, Mina." Sasame noted. " I was amazed on how you intercepted the ball from Himeno! I'd never seen anything quite like it before."

"Oh… that's one of my special moves called flying somersault.." Mina said. "I've learned that technique since back in England."

"From England? You grew up there?" Sasame asked, clearly interested.

"Umm… I was there for awhile you could say that." Mina said carefully, trying to find the right words to say. Discussing one's past was not her favorite topic, too much painful for her to remember. Yet seeing his eagerness and openness, he looked genuinely interested and willing to listen whatever she has to say. He seemed to be sensitive and trustworthy person to talk too about any problems.

Sasame gave her an encouraging smile. "It's alright. You don't have to tell me anything." He sensed deep sadness from her voice, just hiding behind that façade of her smile. It reminded him of his own troubles, shutting his pain away from the world to see. "There are just some things that we don't want to talk about."

"It's okay," Mina's face suddenly brightened. "That was my old life back then, a long time ago."

"And now you're here in Japan." Sasame added. "With a new life and good memories to last a lifetime."

"Couldn't have it said better, myself." Mina nodded her head. "Thank you Sasame for understanding." She said quietly.

"You're welcome. If you ever need to talk, I'm here to listen." He said kindly.

"Just maybe….Someday…" Her voice trailed off. Sasame watched her as she took out a crumpled envelope from her pocket. It looked like a wedding invitation addressed to her. She held it for a second and shoved it right back inside.

I know too well of your pain, Mina. An old wound that never heals, the emotional scars we carry around in our hearts. Unable to forgive and forget, we too must endure the pain that never goes away…

Takako… He whispered her name.

Allan, Katrina… Mina pondered.

"I…I'm sorry. Did you say something Sasame?" Mina questioned. "I spaced out there for a second. Didn't mean too…"

Sasame laughed. "I was just thinking you must be feeling tired this morning especially we've been walking in miles by now. What do you say if I treat you for lunch?"

"Sounds great! It's a date then." Mina blushed at her response. "I didn't mean it that way." Arrgghh, come on girl. Why am I being so shy around him?

To her surprise, he was smiling at her! "It IS a date because I asked you out and my treat right?"

Don't mind spending the time with a cute guy like you. No problems at all. "Right on!" She agreed. "Where to then? What do you have in mind?" They spent a few minutes discussing, the possibility of a new romance blossoming.

- - Part 8 ends/to be continued - -