a/n: slow-going, but going...

June 15th, 19:46:33

From: Izumi Koushirou

'Hello Mimi-san. I realize it is incredibly presumptuous of me to contact you like this, but I just wanted to apologize for my harsh words. It was not a good reflection of what I truly felt, and after a lot of consideration, I realized that I was worried about how dangerous the situation was. I did not mean to offend you, nor did I intend to say that there was a problem with your character. In fact, that "selfishness" that I so rudely accused you of is something I find rather admirable, and I know that your strength of self and bright personality have helped us when we've had difficulties in more ways than I can count. I apologize for hurting you due to my inability to control my emotions.'

'Though I do not deserve it, I hope that we can get along once more, although I understand if you do not feel comfortable interacting for the time being. Please feel free to disregard these messages if they offend you in any way.'

June 15th, 19:55:06

From: Izumi Koushirou

'Hello again. I also wanted to apologize for sending such a verbose message, which I'm sure was not at all interesting to read and perhaps a complete waste of your time.'

June 15th, 20:24:52

From: Izumi Koushirou

'I am sorry if this is an odd question, but what is your opinion on Hawaiian shirts?'

June 16th, 00:03:07

From: Tachikawa Mimi

'Thanks.'

June 16th, 00:03:16

From: Tachikawa Mimi

'I think Hawaiian shirts are cute.'

The days passed without much incident except for the looming heat. The sky opened up to clouds that hung in the air like lofty white palaces.

At Odaiba Middle School, preparations for the cultural festival kicked into overdrive, and the two youngest chosens' usual walk home together was temporarily set aside as they stayed later and later, working on their respective projects. Hikari's class had complete reign over the auditorium, which was slowly filling with elaborate sets and props made with the help of the art clubs.

The basketball team was practicing harder than ever for their exhibition game with the visiting rival team, which, despite only being for sportsmanship and entertainment, would be a good benchmark for how they would perform nationally the following season.

Takeru spent an increasing number of hours surrounded by the cheer team, which would perform during their game, but for all of their fawning and fangirling, he found himself constantly thinking about Hikari and glancing towards the auditorium where she would be.

They were really only able to greet each other in passing. Hikari was at school until 10 pm most days for rehearsal, and around a week into preparations, Takeru was on the verge of throwing in the towel.

He contemplated whisking her away from her rehearsal, consequences and rumors be damned. What difference would a day make? Who cared what anyone said?

And then, as if somehow aware of his unspoken frustration, she called that night.

"Takeru-kun? You're planning on going to Tsukishima High School's festival next Saturday, right? Where do you want to meet?"

Where do you want to meet. Not, would you like to go together. She had skipped right past that, and he wasn't complaining.

"How about 10:30 in front of Tsukishima station?"

"Okay!"

It was practically a date. He got through the week that followed in relative bliss.

He was also oblivious to the increasingly desperate Kikuchi's attempts to get him on his own. Unnerved by recent developments between the two childhood friends (in particular, that picture from the onsen that had spread like wildfire), she had resolved to confess—or at least ask him out on a date. She tailed him at every possible moment, running to hand him a towel or following him to the water fountain as he went to fill his bottle. She even waited to leave the club rooms until he did, hoping to catch him alone on his way to the gym. Unfortunately for her, someone always seemed to jump in at the worst possible moment. Fujioka joining them at the water fountain. Suzuki popping out of the club room right after Takeru so that he never was alone on the way to the gym. After the fiftieth or so ruined attempt, she felt like screaming, convinced that the very heavens were against her.

And while that was clearly an exaggeration, she was right in that there was someone trying to get in her way.

"Oi, Takaishi! Wait up."

Suzuki jogged out of the boys' clubroom towards his friend, ignoring the glares that stabbed him from behind.

"What, can't make it to the gym on your own?" Takeru laughed.

Suzuki pouted and fluttered his lashes. "I'm lonely, honey."

It was obvious to Suzuki what Kikuchi, readily assisted by Ogawa and Andou, was trying to do. In fact, he was pretty certain that even Takeru would have picked up on it, if not for the fact that he was distracted by something that clearly made him very happy—he was beaming and way more cheerful than usual, even for him. Something good must have happened. Something that has to do with Yagami-san, Suzuki thought.

"Suzu-kun, can we have a sec?"

Ogawa, Andou, and Kikuchi approached them. Kikuchi looked miffed, while Ogawa and Andou shot daggers from their eyes. The message was clear: come with us now, or else.

Suzuki scuffed his shoe on the dirt. He knew what he had seen pass between Takeru and Hikari when she and her friend came to visit their practice during 3-on-3s; it was total fixation. In their minds, they had been the only ones there. No one else existed, no one else mattered. They had their own little world, and there was no room for anyone else. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kikuchi's confession would end in rejection.

He wasn't sure why, but he didn't want to see that happen. He had encouraged her, reassuring her with what he now knew was merely false hope, so perhaps he felt somewhat responsible. Of course, it would be impossible and unfair to Kikuchi to keep her in the dark indefinitely, but until there was something he could do to preempt or soften the blow, he would do everything in his power to keep a confession from happening.

"As much as I'd love to hang out with you girls, we've got to get to practice. If I'm the last one at the gym again, Captain's going to have my ass. He's all serious because our exhibition match is coming up."

"Seriously? It's just a sec. We just want to ask you something," Andou said between gritted teeth. Figure it out, you idiot.

Suzuki grinned, playing dumb. "No can do. Takaishi never gets yelled at, so I've settled on my strategy. Just go with him, wherever he goes. I can't go wrong."

"Delightful," Takeru sighed.

"Hey." Now Fujioka ran up to them. "What's taking you so long?"

He and Suzuki exchanged quick glances. Fujioka had already been at the gym, and there was no reason for him to come back. Was he also trying to get in the way of Kikuchi and co?

"What's with you guys? Why are you so clingy lately?" Takeru joked.

Fujioka pushed up his glasses. "Just your imagination."

Ogawa and Andou were fuming, but there wasn't much else they could do. Kikuchi looked deflated, and Suzuki couldn't help but feel sorry. He told himself that he would make up for it by giving her another reason to smile.

Hikari stood by the station exit in the dappled shade of a tree. The cicadas were singing already as she raised a hand against the glaring sun. So many peaceful summer days without a single distortion. She hoped they would last.

Her phone buzzed. Was Takeru running late? No. She frowned worriedly at the group message that popped up on screen.

"Gomamon…" she murmured.

'Gomamon's not here. Is everything okay?'

Gomamon had run away, she guessed, gazing up at the clouds as she tried to figure out where he could have gone. They really were having a hard time this time around. In hindsight, this should have been easy. They were veterans, after all. They'd done it twice before—fighting for justice and good, making all of the right decisions without thinking twice, framed by a sparkling azure sky and the thrill of adventure. But small cracks were forming in the picturesque summer of their childhood days. The tension between Taichi and Yamato. Mimi's frustration. And now, Jou and Gomamon.

They were faced with a multitude of choices again, but this time, the stakes were higher. Hikari knew it had to be the hardest on Jou, who had always been the cautious, sensible one of their group; that had been clear enough from his conversation with Mimi on that rainy night. Because he knew what was at stake, he was scared of making the wrong choice.

A or B. Two choices, and no way to know for sure which is right. But the more she thought about it, the more she felt that perhaps it wasn't just about choosing one or the other.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." A familiar voice brought her back to reality.

She turned to him. "Takeru-kun! Ohayo."

Her tone was light, but he could catch even the slightest traces of worry in her face.

"Is it about Gomamon?" He smiled, and suddenly the harsh sun softened, becoming almost comforting. "He probably hasn't gone very far. You know he hasn't given up on Jou-san."

As if on cue, their phones both lit up with another text.

'Gomamon is with me, so please don't worry. He doesn't want me to tell Jou-san, but I thought I would let you all know for now.-Koushirou.'

"Right?"

She nodded, returning the smile.

They started down the street towards the high school, trying their best to stay in the shadow of nearby buildings. The street was narrow, but they walked side by side, matching footsteps. He let his eyes drift over to her. In the heavy heat, she seemed weightless, floating delicately on a pair of sandals in a gauzy yellow top.

"Have you heard back from anyone?" he asked.

"Not yet. I haven't been able to get a hold of Miyako-san… and I haven't gotten any answer from Iori-kun. It's been over a week. Maybe he doesn't use this email anymore…"

"Phone number?"

She checked. "I don't have it."

He did as well. "Me neither. Come to think of it, I don't think he even had a cell phone. At least, not that I know of."

"I haven't heard from Ken-kun, either…" she murmured.

"You emailed him?"

"Texted."

He raised an eyebrow at this. "I didn't know you had his number."

Had she and Ken always been that close? He knew they had a shared sensitivity to the dark ocean, but he couldn't remember ever seeing them speak or associate closely with each other.

She seemed too preoccupied to notice that he was somewhat disgruntled. "Oh, I forgot when I got it. Probably when we had our last reunion… was it two Christmasses ago? Don't you have it too?"

He shook his head. He and Ken hadn't exactly been bosom buddies. They'd started to get along surprisingly well once he had finally accepted that Ken had changed for the better, but not to the extent that they were texting each other or hanging out regularly.

"What about Daisuke-kun?" she asked.

"Radio silence. But that's probably just because it's me. He hasn't emailed you?"

It was common knowledge that the 2nd gen leader was (still) nursing a gigantic crush on his soccer idol's younger sister.

"Not recently. I did think it was odd when I stopped hearing from him a couple months ago, but I figured he was just busy…"

So Daisuke had been writing to her up until recently. Of course. And had she replied each time? Takeru was curious, but he didn't ask. He sighed. "Maybe we ought to see if we can reach him at the school he's studying at in California. Koushirou-san might be able to help us contact them."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I don't know the name of the school, but I'll see if oniichan knows. Or maybe we can ask Daisuke-kun's family?"

"I can go. Niisan knows where he lives."

"Why does Yamato-san know where Daisuke-kun lives?"

"Long story…"

Silence. They plodded along slowly, thinking about their missing friends. Perhaps they really were all just busy. Or maybe someone, or something, was trying to stop them from making contact, for whatever reason. It was an unsettling thought.

"You look nice today, Hikari-chan," he commented suddenly, trying to clear the heavy atmosphere. He would not let despair cloud over those soft brown eyes.

The light returned to them as she answered. "You do, too. Have you always had that shirt? I like the purple logo."

"Thanks. Come to think of it, didn't you wear purple recently? At Oedo onsen."

"Yeah. I've been liking purple lately."

"Hmm." His hand bumped hers unwittingly, but it was comfortable. They were used to it. "I feel like most of your summer clothes are yellow."

"I guess you're right." She laughed softly then, as if remembering something. "When we were younger, you told me you liked my shirt because it was yellow and it was your favorite color. The one I always wore in second grade."

He grinned. "I remember."

She folded her arms behind herself, almost shyly. "It made me happy. I think I just got into the habit of wearing yellow after that."

He was pleasantly surprised, discovering that there were aspects of her that had always belonged to him, in a way. He turned towards her, and the back of his hand brushed against hers again—deliberately this time, but she had no way of knowing that.

"You know, yellow's still my favorite color. It suits you."

Bright, soft, luminous. My favorite. Like you.

She squinted at him then, ready to good-naturedly protest what she was sure had been a teasing statement on his part. But the sincerity in his eyes stopped her. Deep and clear as the sky above them, they were fixed directly on her without a trace of his usual levity. She registered that this was somehow different from the way he complimented other girls, and she was simultaneously enthralled and unnerved.

"Takeru-kun," she started, then paused, trying to organize her thoughts. Fujioka's words from before came to mind with startling clarity.

'Takaishi is a guy, you know. When a guy does something, it usually means more than you realize.'

Her heartbeat quickened, and she didn't like it. Every time she considered opening that door, she was partially afraid of what she would find, afraid of the rug being pulled out from under her feet. Like leaving behind solid ground and diving straight into open ocean.

Not now. Not yet. The glimpses of something different, of his strength and growth and all of the new, confusing feelings—she would figure that out some other time. For now, she knew that he was the boy with the green hat and that he was hers. She wanted to stick to what she knew.

She smiled, at ease again. "You're always sweet."

He knew by the way she said it that nothing had changed for her. Their relationship and the way she chose to view him was like a freeze frame of when they were little. But he wasn't about to complain—he had already decided to take things as slowly as she needed. Besides, the fact that she chose to cling so determinedly to their current relationship was testament to just how precious it was to her.

And, no, he wasn't really always sweet, as she had said. Only to her.

He wasn't sweet to the various boys who stared at her as they arrived at Tsukishima High School and walked around exploring the various stands at the festival. He had nothing but frigid, tight smiles for them, and they quickly averted their eyes. And he wasn't sweet to the giggling high school girls who tried to get his attention. He thoroughly ignored them. (On any other day he might have smiled and waved, but not today).

And he certainly wasn't sweet to the fluffy mascot character who yelled, "It's Yagami's sister!" and grabbed her in an uninvited bear hug as she was buying shaved ice. He smiled widely, the very picture of friendliness, while simultaneously wringing the arm of the poor boy inside in a merciless death grip.

Actually, he could be quite terrifying. But to her, he was always sweet.

"Are you okay, Hikari-chan?" He beamed at her as the mascot went yelping and running away in abject terror.

"Yeah!" She answered. The hug had certainly been surprising, but she was otherwise unharmed. "That might have been one of oniichan's teammates from the soccer club. I wonder why he went running off all of a sudden, though..."

"...Oh, look, nii-san's band is on. Want to check it out?"

"I really liked the third song of their set."

"Me too. Was it a new one? I don't think I've heard it before."

The school courtyard was bustling with people, but they had managed to find an unoccupied bench, taking a break from the 12 o'clock heat as Hikari cycled through photos on her camera.

"I think Nii-san said they were supposed to play it at their last concert." Takeru leaned back, carefully adjusting his cap.

"It's too bad it got cancelled," she said.

"Yeah. I think they're doing another one around Christmas," he answered, and was just about to nonchalantly add something to the effect of "We should go together!" when a loud call interrupted him.

"Hey! Takaishi-senpai!"

Two younger boys, flushed and grinning, came running up to them as Takeru inwardly cursed to himself.

But he returned the grin and joked, "Hey. Is it just you two? You better not be causing any trouble."

"Not at all. How long have you been he—" one of them started, then stopped abruptly as they realized who he was with. They both blanched and backed up a good ten feet or so. "Y-yagami-senpai!"

Takeru turned to Hikari, who had put down her camera. "Underclassmen from basketball," he explained as they gaped.

"I see! Hello," she said.

"G-good afternoon," they stammered.

"Have you been around the booths, yet?" she asked amicably, and they nodded, relaxing a bit.

"We were inside looking at the class exhibits, but we got hungry."

"If you're looking for food, the takoyaki is really good," she mentioned.

"And the shaved ice, right?" Takeru interjected.

"That too," she laughed.

They couldn't help but wonder if the two second years were on a date. Takeru was all smiles and good-natured conversation as they chatted about the different attractions at the festival, but they didn't dare ask.

"By the way Takaishi-senpai, have you been to the Dater's Cafe yet?" One of the boys said. "It's amazing. We were just there, and the waitresses are all super cute. There are two of them that do this cheer dance."

"Oh, that's probably Mimi-san and Meiko-san's cafe!" Hikari said. "I remember Meiko-san talking about it."

Takeru nodded. "Let's go say hi, then."

"Wait. Do you know them, senpai? The two dancers?" The one on the right asked eagerly.

"They're friends with my brother. Why? You interested?" He smirked.

"Nakamura's fallen head-over-heels for one of them. The one with the long black hair and glasses. He's like her biggest fan," the other sniggered.

"Shut up!" Nakamura protested, blushing, then admitted, "She's totally my type. I wanted to get a picture, but she kept shying away, and there were too many people waiting."

"Ah… right," Takeru laughed. He clapped Nakamura on the shoulder with a wink. "A picture, right? Leave it to me."

"Seriously? You're the best, senpai. I swear, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth."

Hikari giggled to herself. It was somewhat refreshing seeing Takeru taking care of the younger boys.

Takeru grinned. "Just promise you'll behave during practice."

Koushirou stood silently in front of the sliding door. All he could remember was a blurry shot of Mimi in a cheerleading outfit, and the next thing he knew, he was there. His hands felt clammy. They'd apparently cleared the air (at least, he hoped), but this was still his first time seeing the bubbly girl since the incident with the news helicopter. What if she was still angry? Had he bitten off more than he could chew by coming by himself? He wondered briefly if Takeru was around for moral support. (Not Taichi or Yamato, because they were characteristically unreliable in this kind of situation).

While he was in thought, the door suddenly slid open as a group of students left the classroom, leaving him exposed. She noticed him right away.

"Ah! Koushirou-kun! Welcome!"

He flinched, unable to hide, and inched inside. No one would ever accuse Koushirou of lacking in intellect, but when his eyes fell upon her wide smile, everything in his larger than normal brain seemed to go flying out the window. "Uhh… hello."

Mimi seemed unfazed, and it was as if nothing had happened between them. "Table for one!" She called happily.

She had the same smile for him, the same welcoming enthusiasm. He found himself even more struck by her character—that long, awkward text had been enough for her to let go of what had been some horrible comments on his part. Her purity and her sincerity were blinding.

That was fine. But now that he knew she wasn't still mad at him, he finally noticed the perfect curves that were barely hidden behind her bright orange outfit. He gaped like he was seeing her for the first time and was struck with a new dilemma. He realized he had no idea how to put out the burning in his cheeks.

A familiar voice came to his rescue. "For three, please."

He turned. There stood the two younger chosen, looking fresh and sweet side by side, and to Koushirou they were literally guardian angels for how relieved he was to see them. "Takeru-kun, Hikari-san!"

Takeru grinned seeing that Koushirou and Mimi had managed to make up.

"Mind if we join you?" Hikari asked.

"Absolutely."

Mimi was all the more excited by the new arrivals. "Come on in! Table for three! Meimei, can you show them to their seats?"

Meiko looked flustered as she came running over in the same outfit that Mimi was wearing, but she seemed to be enjoying herself somewhat. "Yes, right away!"

Takeru hung slightly behind as Koushirou and Hikari followed Meiko. He flashed a discreet victory sign on his way past Mimi, who gave him a thumbs up in response.

"Date?" she mouthed, raising her eyebrows, and he shrugged exaggeratedly.

For a moment Mimi was smiling in approval, watching as he slid into the seat next to Hikari and gallantly handed her the menu, looking pleased as punch. And then she immediately frowned as he turned towards Meiko, who waited shyly by their table to take their order.

"Mochizuki-san, that outfit really suits you," he commented winningly.

He had said the exact same words that morning to the girl sitting next to him, staring deeply and fully into her eyes. Only his words were the same—his tone of voice was thin and light, completely different from the carefully placed weight it had earlier. If the use of the same words with someone else bothered Hikari, she didn't show it, humming happily and rifling through the menu, more interested in the sweets selection than in the conversation going on next to her. Takeru complimenting another girl wasn't anything new.

Meiko's eyes widened and her cheeks stained bright red. She looked back and forth from Takeru to Hikari in confusion. "W-what? N-no, I'm not… that's…"

He whipped out his phone. "Let me take your picture!"

Beside herself with embarrassment and unsure of what to do, she tried to hide behind her hands. Unfortunately, her body chose to sneeze at that exact moment.

Takeru laughed out loud. "Cute," he added, not wanting her to misconstrue his laughter.

She was mid-sneeze, but he had gotten a pretty clear picture. Well, hope that does it for Nakamura, he thought.

By this time, Mimi was at their table, fuming at the younger boy's behavior. She gave him one serious stink eye that would have sent anyone else running scared. "Takeru-kun, what about me, huh?"

He smiled innocently. "Mimi-san, you look good, too."

The nerve of this little playboy! "TOO? What do you mean, too?"

Unaware of the true reason for Mimi's anger, Hikari giggled. "Meiko-san, could I have a coffee jelly please?"

"Oh, I'll take an affogato," Takeru said.

"An iced oolong tea," Koushirou managed to get out, visibly nervous at Mimi's closeness.

Meiko nodded, still half-traumatized by what had just happened, and went running off to prepare their orders.

Hikari stood up. "I'm going to go to the restroom."

The fact that several boys did double takes as she passed on her way out of the classroom did not go unnoticed by Takeru, though, likewise, he didn't show any sign of being bothered.

With the coast all clear, Mimi turned her fangs on Takeru. "And what was that about?"

He grinned like a snarky younger brother. "What?" And then, before Mimi could get any angrier, explained, "Nothing really. One of my underclassmen was here earlier and is apparently a huge fan of Mochizuki-san, so I was just trying to get a picture for him."

While this placated her slightly, she was clearly still not happy. She narrowed her eyes. "Still, you really have no delicacy! It's rude to Meimei. Besides, what are you going to do if Hikari-chan misunderstands?"

"Sorry, hehe," he coughed, then sighed in resignation. "I don't think that'll happen… she was there when my underclassmen came to talk to me. Besides, did you see her just now? It's like she didn't even notice. At this point, I'd be glad to see her at least a little bit worried… I know it's selfish."

Mimi relented finally, seeing his forlorn expression. "Hikari-chan's mature. Do you really think she's going to fall for such an immature way of getting her attention?"

Well, what else could you do if you knew that someone you liked still saw you the same way they did in elementary school? He thought, but didn't say.

Koushirou, who had been quietly listening for a while, chuckled.

"What is it?" Mimi asked.

"It's just that we've seen Takeru-kun and Hikari-chan together since they were little. They always used to be the little ones, holding hands and running around…" he said. "So, to hear about this now makes me feel that we really have all gotten older."

Not one to give up an opportunity, Takeru smirked. "What about you, Koushirou-san?"

The poor computer genius turned beet red.

Thankfully, Mimi just laughed, oblivious. "You're all red, Koushirou-kun. It's hilarious!"

The tension deflated like a balloon and Koushirou gave a large sigh at her naivety, half relieved and half disappointed. Clearly she didn't even entertain for a moment the fact that he might be interested in her.

I'm no different from Takeru-kun, he thought, then started as something caught the light, momentarily flashing and making him blink. What was that? Mimi was laughing, clapping her hands together as the afternoon sun filtered in through the window. Green and purple beads danced on her wrists, intertwining.

It took Koushirou a moment to realize what they were. But when he did, he felt all of the rampant emotions he had been feeling for the past couple of weeks—embarrassment, awkwardness, uncertainty, disappointment, longing—clear out. And he smiled.

"Sorry for the wait." Hikari settled back into her seat, slightly out of breath. "I ran into some of oniichan's club members on my way back…"

"Were you running?" Koushirou asked in concern.

"Kind of…"

Takeru said nothing, but the otherwise pleasant expression on his face hardened.

One of Mimi's classmates came by with a tray. "Here's your order! Mochizuki-san wanted me to bring them to you... maybe she's not feeling very well."

Ah. Takeru quickly looked away from Mimi, who shot him a death glare again. The poor girl had clearly been mortified and now felt too awkward to come back.

"Hm? Is Meiko-san okay?" Hikari asked.

"She's probably alright," Koushirou said hastily.

"By the way, Koushirou-san, weren't you staying to watch the Digimon?" Takeru brought up, suddenly remembering and also eager to switch topics.

"That's right! I thought you were staying at the office?" Mimi added.

Koushirou cleared his throat, thinking about the special picture that had brought him here from said office. "Hi-Himekawa-san offered to go watch them in my stead. Leomon is with them as well, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about."

"Hmm, I see." Takeru stirred and took a sip of his drink, enjoying the sweetness of ice cream against the bitter coffee.

"Ah, that's why Himekawa-san left all of a sudden! She was here not too long ago," Mimi said. She bolted upright as some of her classmates called. "Ah, geez. So busy. Coming!"

"I want to see Leomon." Hikari murmured.

Both boys glanced at her. She gazed down at the table, uncertainty clouding her eyes.

"Hikari-chan, are you okay?" Takeru asked.

She shook her head slightly as if to clear it and gave a small smile, digging her spoon into the coffee jelly. "I'm okay. I think I need this caffeine, hehe."