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Chapter 2: How To Hide One's Thoughts

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Kotarou, Koboshi, and Ten, sat at the park in-between their separate schools. Since Ten's lunch schedule was a little later than Koboshi's or Kotarou's, the time they spent together during school was a very small amount. But it didn't matter to either of them. They always knew they'd see each other when school let out, because their schools were so close together.

"Ten-chan," Koboshi mumbled, swallowing a large gulp of rice and egg. "Made any new friends there at Misaki?"

"Hardly," Ten sighed, putting down his sandwich. He sulked a bit, glancing to the side. "I've been working extra hard this year so I really don't have that much time to talk to anyone…" he looked up at Koboshi, seeing a frown on her face. "Heh, but…" he chuckled and smiled sheepishly. "Of course I always have you two! Heheheh…." Ugh… I probably made a fool out of myself again…

Koboshi smiled and reached across the table to pat him on the head. "That's right Mister! Who'd need new friends with old friends like us!"

Ten's cheeks grew hot and pink. "heheh… stop that Uematsu, you're messing up my hair…"

"Heheheh!"

Kotarou smiled and munched on his lunch. He was usually the silent one and was content with just watching his friends. The three of them were so much happier together, and it felt great.

There was no more jealousy between Kotarou and Ten so they didn't fight as much anymore. Koboshi herself was a completely different person. There was always a smile on her face and in her voice you could tell she was happy. All because they learned to stand on they're own. Something they could of never done without Misha…

"Kotarou-kun?"

Or Shia….

The taste of Kotarou's food suddenly became bitter to him. He imagined the taste of the lunches that Shia once made him. They were so much like his mother's, if not better. It was always the right amount to make him full and stable until dinner.

"um… Kotarou-kun?"

Shia-san…, Kotarou pictured her in his mind, smiling that always sweet, yet sad, smile. I know I shouldn't think back on these times…err…actually, maybe I should…but…ugh… Shia-san… Misha-san… I'm happy now… But I don't know how long I can truly convince myself anymore… Maybe I'm…, Kotarou, without knowledge of his actions, squeezed hard on his lunch. No! I am happy… I know I'm happy… I have to be… but…

"Yo, Kotarou, wake up, man!" Ten placed his hand on Kotarou's shoulder and nudged him a bit. Kotarou blinked a few times and suddenly returned to reality.

"uh, y-yeah, Ten-chan?" He asked, a little flustered.

"Dude, don't space out like that, man… your school bell just rang. You should get to class."

"oh, uh… yeah…" Kotarou collected his items and glanced at Koboshi, who in return gave him a worried look. She was already standing up, her lunch box and book bag placed at her side. "Is there something wrong, Kotarou-kun?"

Kotarou shook his head and gave her a small grin. "Don't worry, I was just thinking about things…"

"Misha and Shia-san, huh?" Ten asked, a sly look on his face.

Kotarou blushed a bit and nodded. Since when does Ten-chan read minds…?

"Still don't know why they don't come around anymore… are you sure you don't know, kotarou?" Ten scratched his chin, pondering on the subject.

"uh…no… I guess they just had to leave… nothing to see around here anymore, right?" He chucked sheepishly. Uh… yeah…how else can I cover this up…?

"Well…" Koboshi trailed on that word. "Maybe it's a good thing. Things seem much happier now at least. Besides, now that they've disappeared things aren't as psycho as they used to be."

"Yeah, I guess…" Kotarou mumbled.

"Anyway," Ten interrupted with a wide grin. "I'll see you guys after school… Maybe we'll head to Café Tricot to get drink, huh? Uncle doesn't need me workin' today."

"God Ten-chan…" Koboshi snickered. "Going to work on your days off? What happened to your brain THIS time?"

"Quiet, you!"

Kotarou smiled again, watching the two of them. Ever since Ten had confessed his feelings about Koboshi to him, it suddenly became so obvious. All this time he thought Ten could never like Koboshi that way… and now it was so clear. I wonder when he'll get the guts…

---

Kotarou tapped on the paper in front of him with his pencil. He hardly ever listened in social studies and found it always to be quite boring.

He sat all the way on the right side of the classroom, a few seats away from Koboshi and Dai. He wished he could sit near the window again, and wait for Misha to pop up and surprise him. But he had gotten semi-used to the fact itself… MISHA WASN'T COMING BACK. It tore at his stomach and heart. He couldn't see himself ever loving someone like that again. Not every person can find two soul mates in their life. And Kotarou had already convinced himself that it would be impossible.

He had done so well for so long. He was happy when Misha left him and he was happy in the aftermath as well. But… now… all these days had passed… he was starting to crave his angel again.

All the time, he hid his feelings about the situation. He wouldn't cry in public, he wouldn't say her name, and he always put on a smile. It used to be real… but now it seemed just for show. No one could know about him and Misha. And the thing was, no one really suspected it at all.

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END CHAPTER 2

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Aww, the story is still going by pretty slow, but at least its not going uber fast. ; I'm trying to take my time and sort out things right now… I don't know Koboshi's feelings about everything yet… (xx);; I mean, I know how Kotarou feels about Misha and Shia… I Know how Ten feels about Koboshi… but … (XX);; Koboshi herself is a difficult character to put thoughts into. ;

Anyway, this chapta is OVA. P Thanks for reading so far. ; this is like… my first Pita-ten fanfic… (xx); so I'm trying my best. ;

I loved Misha and Kotarou's relationship, so that's why my story is focused on it. ; But I'm trying to see how I can get Misha to come back to the human realm in a semi-realistic way. (Xx); not like:

Misha: POOF hiya kotarou-kun! I'm backy-wacky su! The PTB (powers that be) let me come back to earth! Tee hee hee!

Kotarou: uhh… (oo) really? You mean your back for good?

Misha: yup yup yuppers! XD lets go have fun! Su!

XX I plan the moment to be a little more dramatic than that. (yes I HAVE seen stories where Misha comes back to him… and it's almost exactly like that. XX)

So, hope you had fun reading so far. ;; yes it's sad at first, but it will become a joy ride sooner or later.

Cappy