Lovefool (Love Me)
"Taichi Tae-Bo Kamiya, get your butt in here!" Tai's mom screamed.
"Uh oh. She used your full, including middle, name. This must be serious," Kari muttered.
"Kari! You better get here too!"
"What's up with Mom?" Tai exchanged glances with Kari as they made their way to the kitchen.
"Tai! Can you explain to me what these are?" Tai's mom angrily shoved crinkled-up papers in his face.
"Uh…they look like rejection letters to community college?" Tai nervously bit his lip.
"And why is that happening?! What's going on with soccer?!" Tai's mom yelled.
"Well…I haven't really had any time for that cause of work," Tai winced.
"And is that our fault? Now because you're too busy playing around at the mall, you threw away your shot at a good scholarship! If your dad finds out about this, he'll be so mad! You know we don't have anything saved for your college fund!" Tai's mom smacked him with the letters.
"Hey! Cut it out! I'm sorry!" Tai whined.
"All of these years of soccer, and you throw it away! And for what?! To play with makeup and hang out with girls all day after school?! Kari, you better not follow his example!" Tai's mom huffed.
"Hey! What if I don't want to go to college?" Tai gasped.
"Kari, go back to your room! I need to talk to your brother alone!" Tai's mother barked.
"Gladly…," Kari grimaced.
"You're obviously not getting into college this upcoming semester! Where are your report cards? I need to some grades!" Tai's mom yelled.
"In the trash?" Tai winced.
"Lovely! Are you going to even graduate this year? Did you think we weren't going to find out when you'd be the only one who wouldn't be walking the stage in a cap and gown?" Tai's mom crossed her arms.
"I dunno, I didn't think you'd notice…," Tai nervously laughed.
"Of course we'd notice! You're eighteen years old! You have two choices to make! You're either going to college, or you're moving out after you graduate high school, because we're not raising a freeloader! And if you can't pass high school, we'll make you pass! Is that clear?" Tai's mom shook his finger at him.
"Crystal," Tai gulped.
"Hey everyone, tickets to the spring formal are official open for sale!" Yolei exclaimed.
"Do you think it would be weird if I asked Joe to go?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, totally weird," Mimi immediately scoffed.
"As honest as that reply was, I'd have to second that. He's not necessarily the most popular guy in the mall. No offense, he might wreck the mood," Kari frowned.
"Oh. I just wanted a last hurrah," Sora shrugged.
"You can still have it, I just probably wouldn't invite him," Kari winced.
"He's really not as bad as everyone thinks. He's just a normal college guy stuck in a crappy job," Sora said.
"He can always find another job, like me!" Mimi said.
"You found another job already?" Kari asked.
"Yeah, I'm working at some bridal shop. I get to tell people their dresses are ugly and pick nicer ones for them," Mimi beamed.
"Huh. That must go over smoothly," Sora raised an eyebrow.
"It is! I get commission, and I'm almost done paying off my credit card bill! We also sell prom dresses, so if you need any, stop by! I'll hook you girlies up!" Mimi beamed.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan," Kari nodded.
"Hey, what's got you down Spikes?" Matt chewed on a lollipop stick.
"My mom gave me an ultimatum this morning. I need to either get to university or I'm being kicked out of the house after graduation," Tai sighed.
"That shouldn't be a problem, should it?" Izzy asked.
"Kind of…I'm failing Spanish and Math," Tai winced.
"I understand Math, but how are you failing Spanish? Don't you just add an -o to the end of every word?" Matt scoffed.
"I don't take Spanish classes, but I feel like that is completely wrong," Izzy sighed.
"It is wrong. There's obviously more to it than that," Tai pulled a paper from his backpack.
"I really hate to suggest it, but I believe Yolei is taking Spanish as well…maybe you can ask her for help?" Izzy winced.
"Come on…isn't there someone else?" Tai sighed.
"If I knew, I wouldn't be recommending Yolei," Izzy shot him a look.
"I guess you've got a point. Ugh," Tai sighed. "But then there's my math as well…"
"I'm sorry, but you're barking up the wrong tree. I'm not a good teacher. Remember last time I tried to help?" Izzy shook his head.
"Oh. Right…," Tai frowned.
"Dude, why don't you just do summer school? I've done it plenty of times," Matt said.
"Can I do that for senior year?" Tai asked.
"I don't see why not. You probably wouldn't be able to take part in the graduation ceremony, but hopefully that's not much of an issue," Izzy shrugged.
"Well, that's basically the only solution I have," Tai groaned.
"Sorry, man…," Matt shook his head.
"If that wasn't enough, I just got the invoice back from the bakery. Do you wanna know how much your moms spent on a cupcake tower?" Tai asked.
"How much?" Matt asked.
"Five hundred dollars! And there was like what, fifty cupcakes?" Tai gasped.
"Fifty cupcakes left after we ate them," Matt winced.
"I told your moms that the bakery would give them their money back by the end of the week, but how am I gonna do that? I'm a big bullshitter," Tai huffed.
"Hey, I also was a part of this, so I'll take half the responsibilities. That should make it easier," Matt said.
"Great, thanks…but then now the tickets to the spring formal are already on sale and I'm already strapped for cash. I'm so screwed!" Tai groaned.
"We'll have to come up with something…like you said, the spring formal is coming up and I'm not sure how I feel about it either," Matt pouted.
"Why? Having a hard time finding a girl?" Tai smirked.
"Actually…Rina and I are talking and I dunno. We're actually kinda being friendly, for now," Matt tried to act nonchalant.
"Huh. Let's see how long that lasts," Izzy raised his eyebrow in disbelief.
"Congrats, I guess…but what about Davis?" Tai frowned.
"I think Davis will be fine. You ask me, I think he's completely moved on," Matt put his feet up on the table.
"What makes you say that?" Izzy flicked the lid on his coffee cup.
"Hi Kari!" Davis walked up to the register.
"Hey Davis, what brings you by? What would you like to order?" Kari smiled.
"How does a small cinnamon sugar cookie latte, with extra sugar sound? That's you, by the way," Davis winked.
"Excuse me?" Kari looked at him in confusion.
"I got two tickets to the spring formal, and I'd love it if you came with me," Davis held up a ticket.
"Oh my god! I'd love to!" Kari gasped.
"Great! It's a date then," Davis grinned. "Now, you go ahead and do your dress shopping. Let me know what color you end up picking so we can match."
"Okay, I will!" Kari beamed.
"Unbelievable, how does she get all of these guys coming up here and asking her out?" Zoe muttered under her breath.
"Zoe, don't be so upset. Have you seen the type of guys who ask her out?" Catherine whispered back.
"At least she has boys asking her out," Zoe huffed.
"People can smell desperate, you know. Change that," Catherine shrugged and walked off.
"I smell desperate?" Zoe smelled her hand.
"You did what?!" Miki growled.
"It was a mistake! I thought it was there for everyone- I mean, it was there for everyone. Me and Matt just kinda had earlier access to it, and now we're paying the price for it," Tai gulped.
"You should have came clean to the brides! Now look, you're hundreds of dollars in the hole- and that's before you did anything for Megumi!" Miki flicked Tai in the head.
"Cut it out! I messed up, okay? I need help!" Tai whined.
"What you need to do is be more responsible! What are you? Eighteen years old?" Miki continued to flick him.
"Come on! I'm just in high school!" Tai whined.
"So? And once you're done with high school, you'll be out in the real world!" Miki flicked him in the forehead.
"Okay, I get it! So what do I do? I want to fix this," Tai whined.
"Hmm…actually, I think I know some ways you can come up with some quick cash. I do have a cousin coming in from the boonies, and god bless, I love her to death and all, but she's kind of a dud. Honestly, I could pay you to keep her busy," Miki tapped her nails against a makeup display.
"Like a babysitter?" Tai made a face.
"When you say it like that, it sounds baaaad…she's our age, I just don't have anything in common with her and to be honest, if I can avoid spending as much time with her as possible, that would be great," Miki tapped a makeup brush against her chin.
"She can't be that bad," Tai looked at her in disbelief.
"Oh, she is. Hey Megumi, do you remember my cousin Meiko?" Miki shouted from across the store.
"Is she the one with the glasses?" Megumi winced.
"Yep," Miki nodded slowly.
"She's nice," Megumi cringed.
"That's very reassuring," Tai raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, she is nice…she's just a little bit too much for me to tolerate. Look, I think she's supposed to meet me tomorrow night to hang out, but I'll work your shift under your employee number and I'll pay you an additional $100 to keep her busy," Miki bargained.
"I can't pass that up. It's a deal," Tai shook hands with Miki.
"Are you seriously thinking of wearing that?" Mimi made a face.
"I thought it looked nice…," a girl whimpered in front of a three-way mirror.
"Honey, pink is soooo not your color! Here, why don't you try coral instead?" Mimi pulled out a random dress from a rack.
"Oooh, I think I like this. Thanks," the girl took the dress and walked away.
"Impressive. We saw a girl almost go through a roller coaster of emotions in a matter of one minute, and it was all because of you," TK smirked.
"Hey everyone, what brings you by?" Mimi gasped.
"We're just dress shopping. As you may have known, tickets went on sale today and we want to get the good dresses before they're sold out," Sora nodded her head.
"Oooh, do you guys already have dates?" Mimi's face lit up.
"Yeah. Davis asked me out earlier," Kari smiled shyly.
"Really? And you said yes? On purpose?" Sora looked shocked.
"I mean, why not? He is kinda…cute," Kari turned red.
"Oh my gosh, Kari! Shut the front door, are you…?" Mimi gasped.
"Am I what?" Kari looked confused.
"You know…are you and Davis, you know?" Mimi winked.
"You mean like…?" Sora cocked her head.
"Are any of you going to finish a sentence anytime soon?" TK interrupted in frustration.
"Sorry, Teeks…but can't you be more excited for your friends?" Sora asked.
"I'm super excited! See?" TK stuck both thumbs up.
"Sora, Kari! Why don't you take a look through the dresses and get back with me in a few? I'm gonna get TK measured for a suit," Mimi smiled.
"What? That's not going to be necessary-"
"Okay! We won't be too long!" Sora said.
"So, Teeks…what's going on?" Mimi led TK into a dressing room and pulled out a measuring tape.
"Nothing. I just think everyone's making a big deal about some stupid dance," TK turned red.
"And you wanted to ask a particular person out, but someone else beat you to the punch, didn't they?" Mimi shook her head.
"Yeah…I mean, I feel like maybe it wouldn't hurt as bad if it weren't for the fact that it seems like they both want to go out with each other, but where does that leave me?" TK shrugged.
"I'm sorry. It's not easy," Mimi wrapped the tape measure around TK's wrist.
"How would you of all people know? I bet if you told someone you liked them, they would be completely okay with that," TK scoffed.
"I dunno about that…I was kind of an awkward person when I was younger. I still am emotionally damaged from some of my fashion mistakes…," Mimi grimaced.
"But that was back then. What about now?" TK smirked.
"Uh…," Mimi turned red.
"Come on, I told you what I was going through! It's only fair," TK pouted.
"No, I guessed…which means I was totes right! So you and Kari?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"No! Why does everyone think it's Kari?" TK grunted.
"Because the only other possibility would be Davis. Oh ny gosh, TK, are you g-?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"Shut up!" TK immediately covered Mimi's mouth with his hand.
"Mmmph…," Mimi whined.
"You can't tell anyone!" TK turned red.
"Okay, I won't," Mimi said, muffled under TK's hand.
"Promise me!" TK pressed his hand down harder on her face.
"Hey…," Mimi bit his hand.
"Ow!" TK yelped.
"Sorry, but you were being kind of rough…," Mimi pouted.
"I'm sorry…but can you keep it a secret?" TK winced.
"I won't tell a soul," Mimi smiled.
"Izzy, Izzy, Izzy!"
"Oh god…hi Mimi," Izzy smirked.
"I have a secret to tell, but you gotta promise not to tell anyone," Mimi pulled him by the front of his shirt.
"Are you sure that's a great idea? Isn't that how rumours get started?" Izzy winced.
"But I trust you…and this is a good secret. It can be just between us," Mimi nodded in excitement.
"Fine. But only because if you don't tell me, you'll tell someone else. You look like you're ready to burst at any moment," Izzy sighed as he straightened up a table of stationery items by the register.
"TK is gaaaay…," Mimi whispered.
"What?!" Izzy dropped a stack of notebooks to the floor.
"Yeah, he told me himself," Mimi said with wide eyes.
"You can't be telling other people something that personal," Izzy looked at her in shock.
"I know, but I couldn't help it…so what do we do now?" Mimi bit her lip.
"We," Izzy grabbed Mimi by her head and pulled her close, "we don't do anything…is that clear?"
"Uh huh," Mimi nodded.
"How interesting….if it isn't my favourite person in the whole wide world exchanging Eskimo kisses with his beau," Yolei popped up in between them.
"Gah…what do you want, Yolei?" Izzy let go of Mimi's face and stepped back.
"Nothing! Just here to share some great news with you…," Yolei pulled a name tag out of her pocket and handed it to him. "Look at your new promotion! Effective as of yesterday!"
"You know your name tag says 'Ass Man', right?" Mimi pointed at the name tag.
"The company approved this? I appreciate whatever this…is, but you know I'm not going to wear it, right?" Izzy frowned.
"Yes you will, because you're the new assistant manager!" Yolei grabbed the name tag and forcefully pinned it on Izzy's shirt.
"Thanks for the promotion, but what's the catch?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"No catch at all! But listen, me and Angie both called out for the next Saturday…since that's the night of the spring formal. That means you have to stay here to keep the store open. No hard feelings?" Yolei clasped her hands.
"Are you serious? You guys bailed out the other weekend too! What's the point of actually being on the payroll if you don't show up to work?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"Spoken like a true manager! Listen, we need to have someone here on that day, and you didn't call dibs!" Yolei shrugged.
"You've got to be kidding me," Izzy groaned.
"Don't be too mad, you get a pay raise of 3 dollars," Yolei smiled.
"Wow, that's amazing," Izzy sarcastically said.
"I know, isn't it! Keep up the hard work!" Yolei punched him on the shoulder and walked off.
"I guess you won't be able to take off for the spring formal then, huh?" Mimi pouted.
"No. Not that I was planning on going. I should really focus on paying off those go-kart damages anyways," Izzy shrugged. "Mimi?"
"Yeah?" Mimi excitedly looked at him.
"I think I know what you're thinking, and drop it," Izzy dryly said.
"What are you talking about?" Mimi turned red.
"I'm serious. Drop it. Leave TK alone and let him handle that however he chooses to do so," Izzy let go of her.
"Fine, you can get out of my head now…," Mimi sighed.
*screeech*
"Miki…hi," Tai's eye began to twitch as Miki whistled at him.
"Hey Taichi! This is my cousin Meiko. She's here visiting for the summer, so we'll hopefully be doing a lot of that before university," Miki pulled a timid-looking girl over to Tai.
"Hi, nice to meet you…," the girl glanced down at the floor. She had long, straight black hair and thin framed glasses.
"Alrighty…," Tai whistled. "So just call me Tai. Nice to meet you too, I guess."
"Soooo….because I'm a manager, I'm so busy here and I can't skip out on work! I'm totally responsible and all, but Tai would be happy to take you on a tour of the mall and maybe grab some dinner? I would haaaate to have you wait up for me to wrap up my shift!" Miki heaved.
"Uh…," the girl, Meiko looked bashfully up at Miki.
"I'll get changed- I only wear this dress at work! Promise," Tai nervously laughed.
"It's not that…I…when do we get to hang out, Miki?" Meiko asked.
"I'm so sorry, I don't know at the top of my head. I'll have to check my schedule later! But seriously, you guys have fun. Take my card, my treat…but there's like only $50 on it so don't go crazy," Miki handed Tai her debit card.
"Thanks….," Tai forced a smile.
"Listen, I'll pay you when the deed is done," Miki whispered in Tai's ear.
"What? I didn't agree to sleep with-"
"No, you dingus! Just keep her busy for the whole shift and I'll pay you. Don't care what the two of you do, just don't run up my card and don't get into any trouble," Miki gave him a stern look.
"Got it," Tai nodded.
"Good. Now go!" Miki shooed him away.
"So, Meiko. How do you like it here so far?" Tai walked up to Meiko.
"I dunno. I just got here five minutes ago," Meiko said.
"What do you mean five minutes ago?" Tai raised an eyebrow.
"I left my suitcase outside the store. I didn't want my cousin thinking I was suspicious. Speaking of…what happened to my suitcase? It was right outside!" Meiko pointed to the entryway.
"Okay…let me get this correct. You came all the way from god knows where straight to the mall with your personal belongings? You didn't stop by Miki's place or a hotel first to drop your crap off, like any other person in the world would do?" Tai could feel his heart race rapidly.
"When you say it like that…*achoo*," Meiko sneezed out in the open air without covering her nose or mouth.
"I think I get it now. Screw you, Miki…," Tai grunted to himself.
"What do you think of this color?" Kari put on a lavender dress.
"You look nice," TK stared at the wall.
"TK, you're not even paying attention to me," Kari stomped her foot.
"I'm sorry, I just got a lot on my mind…," TK sighed.
"I'm sorry. I don't have to go out with him. I know how you feel about it," Kari shook her head.
"Don't be silly. The both of you like each other, he likes you," TK took in a deep breath.
"I'm sorry. Is there something I can do to help you out? I feel bad," Kari sighed.
"I just want you to have a good time. Don't feel bad about anything, it's kismet. I'm just stressing because now Mimi knows," TK sighed.
"Mimi knows? How does she know?" Kari gasped.
"She guessed and I couldn't cover it up," TK blushed.
"Do you think she'll tell anyone?" Kari bit her lip.
"Mimi told anyone what?" Sora poked her head in Kari's dressing room.
"Uhh…Izzy's gay. But don't tell anyone," Kari blurted.
"Oh…okay. Makes sense, poor thing," Sora pouted and walked off.
"Kari, what the heck?!" TK gasped.
"What? Are you ready to tell her yet? I'm just buying you some time. Besides, did you see her reaction?" Kari hissed.
"Yeah…I'm trying to avoid all of that! I just wish it wasn't such a big deal, who cares!" TK huffed.
"I messed up, I know! But TK, you're gonna have to face the music soon. You can't hide forever," Kari shook her head.
"Good thing we threw a beta tester out in the wild first. I'll see what it's like for him first before I decide," TK shook his head.
*buzz buzz*
"Matt just texted us," Kari pulled out her phone.
"SORA! Did you just text Matt?!" TK yelled.
"He's family…it doesn't count," Sora winced.
*buzz buzz*
"Tai's texting us too…," Kari grimaced.
"I think we're in trouble," TK bit his lip.
"Hey Davis, I know you don't work with the girls who gave out advice anymore buuuut maybe you could help me out with something?" Mimi pinched the air between her fingers.
"Shoot me. I got a couple minutes to spare," Davis typed away at a keyboard.
"Soooo, the spring formal is coming up and I really like this guy, but it seems like all signs are pointing to no. I can't get him out of my mind, like why do I keep wasting my time?" Mimi pouted.
"Oh dear, I think we may be facing a problem…," Davis bit his lip.
"What?" Mimi asked.
"So, how do I say this delicately? Maybe you should try looking for another guy…maybe one who truly deserves you. And is into chicks in the first place- but not too many chicks, just you!" Davis rambled.
"What are you talking about?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"We're talking about Izzy right? Yeah…there's a group chat about it. See?" Davis flipped his laptop screen over to show Mimi.
"Wait, what?" Mimi gasped.
"Yeah, it's okay that he's gay. I'm not judging- it makes sense, but like how long has he kept this a secret?" Davis asked.
"Oh god. I gotta go," Mimi's face fell.
"Alright! Keep me posted!" Davis nodded.
"Hey Sora, what are you doing here?" Tai asked, Meiko in tow.
"I don't know actually…what are you doing here? And who's that?" Sora pointed at Meiko.
"Sora- this is Meiko, Miki's cousin. She left her packed suitcase unattended outside of the store, and it's missing now. We're hoping that maybe mall security can help us out," Tai shrugged.
"She what?" Sora gasped.
"I know, I messed *achoo* up! I'm sorry," Meiko sneezed.
"Ugh," Tai and Sora jumped back.
"Sorry…," Meiko wiped the snot on her sleeve.
"So…I know we're just strangers and all, but has anyone ever told you that you should cover your sneezes with the inside of your elbow? We're in a city, surrounded by many people. Nobody wants sneeze germs sprayed on them," Sora grimaced.
"I'm so sorry…," Meiko began to sniffle.
"Great, thanks a lot Sora. I'm supposed to keep her happy and entertained with less than $50. You're not making that any easier," Tai grumbled in Sora's ear.
"Someone had to tell her," Sora retorted.
"Hi! Sorry for the delay, it's been a busy Friday. So who was here first and how can I help you?" Joe popped out from the mall security office.
"Joe, you can take care of them first. I can wait," Sora sat at a bench.
"Hey Joe, look. This girl went to the makeup store to visit Miki since she'll be staying with her for the summer. Anyways, she had brought over her luggage, but she left it outside the store entrance, and when she went back to get it, her crap was missing. By any chance, would you be able to help us out with that?" Tai asked.
"Oh…that was the suspicious luggage that was left behind," Joe sucked his teeth.
"What?" Tai cocked his head back.
"Someone reported it as suspicious so we had to get a task force to remove the suitcase out from the mall. I'm so sorry, I don't know what happened to it from there. I'm not privy to those details," Joe sighed.
"Oh no…," Meiko whimpered.
"Are you serious?" Tai groaned.
"Look, as a security guard, we have to use common sense and go with the option that is safest for everyone. I can't just assume that every suitcase left behind essentially in the middle of the concourse was simply an accident. Besides, who brings suitcases into shopping malls?" Joe exclaimed.
"Ask this little genius," Tai jerked his thumb at a nervous Meiko.
"I'm sorry, it was a mistake…," Meiko sobbed.
"Well crap, what are we going to do now?" Tai groaned.
"I don't have any clothes now," Meiko sniffled.
"I think I know who might. Mimi looks like she's your size and all she does is shop. I'll text her," Sora tapped away at her phone.
"If that's," Joe waved his hand at Tai and Meiko, "taken care of, how can I help you, Sora?"
"You know what? I think I'm okay. Sorry to waste your time," Sora forced a smile.
"Okay…but if you need anything, you know how to reach me. I mean it," Joe shrugged and closed the door.
"Dude, what was that about?" Tai whispered.
"Nothing, let's just head over to Mimi's job," Sora crossed her arms.
"Sora, come on…what's going on? You can tell me," Tai lightly tapped her on the arm.
"Yeah, like that worked out well for Izzy," Sora scoffed.
"That's because he was stupid enough to tell Mimi. I'm not nearly on BFF level with her, and I know better," Tai snorted.
"I guess you're right…but you can't tell anyone," Sora sighed.
"What is it?" Tai asked.
"I was originally going to go ask Joe if he wanted to go to the Spring Formal with me, but I chickened out. Like I asked the girls about it, and they said it would be weird if I invited him because he's the mall cop. But they don't know him like I do. At the same time, I don't want to ruin anyone else's night just because I wanted to invite Joe, but even so, I should have the same rights to take who I want out to the dance as well, shouldn't I?" Sora frowned.
"Sora, that's fucking brilliant! I think you may have solved all of our problems!" Tai exclaimed.
"Huh?" Sora blinked.
"Screw the Spring Formal, why don't we throw our own? That way you can invite Joe! We don't care, we already know. Then Izzy can invite whatever man crush he's got, and I can invite Megumi and not have to pay for tickets!" Tai exclaimed.
"Ah, I see…so there's an ulterior motive behind this," Sora smirked.
"Shut up! I have to go and start setting up, but you better set that date and invite your man!" Tai yelled.
"But where is it going to be?" Sora asked.
"I dunno yet! I'll get with Matt and we'll work out the kinks! Gotta go!" Tai ran off.
"Umm…so if Tai just left, and Miki is busy at work, what should I do now?" Meiko bit her lip.
"Wait, you're Miki's cousin? Like Miki Kurosaki?" Sora raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah…," Meiko shook her head.
"Huh. Interesting," Sora frowned.
"Izzy, Izzy, Izzy!" Mimi frantically ran into the store.
"What's going on? You sound like something happened," Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Something did happen and you have to promise not to be mad!" Mimi slammed her hands on the counter.
"What. Happened?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"I was chit-chatting with Davis, you know. Just catching up about the Spring Formal and what not and you'll never believe what happened, it's the funniest thing!" Mimi nervously stuttered.
"I have yet to laugh," Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, so remember when I told you that TK was gay?" Mimi winced.
"Takaishi's gay? No way…I could see it," Yolei smirked.
"Uh oh…you were not supposed to hear that…," Mimi turned red.
"It's okay, if he's not out yet, Mum's the word," Yolei nodded.
"As much as we appreciate that, Yolei, I think Mimi and I should continue this conversation somewhere more private before the whole mall knows. Follow me to the back room, Mimi. I had a feeling something like this would happen," Izzy sighed.
"Hey! For your information, I didn't do anything at all! You were the only person I told- I mean other than Yolei, sorry by the way! But something happened and there's a group chat going on behind our backs and now everyone thinks that you're the gay one," Mimi bit her nail.
"What?!" Izzy turned a deep red.
"Yeah! I know! I swear, I had nothing to do with this! I pinky promise!" Mimi exclaimed.
"No, this ends today! This needs to be fixed yesterday," Izzy tapped his finger down on the counter.
"Oh boy, this is rich," Yolei smirked.
"How did this even happen?" Izzy exclaimed.
"I dunno! I can ask Davis-"
"You will do nothing of that sort! I don't need you making this worse. I'm just so irritated," Izzy sighed.
"I'm sorry…," Mimi pouted.
"You know what? I should probably do some managerial duties. I'll probably talk to you later," Izzy shook his head and shuffled off.
"Okay, have a good rest of your day," Mimi frowned.
"Sup?" Matt smirked.
"I just had the greatest idea!" Tai exclaimed.
"What?" Matt put his feet up on the chair next to him.
"How about we throw our own spring formal?" Tai exclaimed.
"Okay, why would we do that?" Matt asked.
"Well, for starters, we could bring whoever we wanted as a date if we had our own Spring Formal. Sora really likes that mall cop, and I'm pretty sure Izzy would like to invite some dude," Tai shrugged.
"You think Izzy's the spring formal type of guy?" Matt smirked.
"He could be, if he had the chance of an accepting environment," Tai shrugged.
"But Sora and the fucking mall cop?" Matt made a face.
"Maybe he can give us a hookup? I've got my eye on the Soft Rock cafe as one of our venues," Tai nodded.
"Whatever, sure…so let's say we go ahead and do that. How are we going to get people to come?" Matt asked.
"We sell tickets for cheaper than the spring formal, and that can help pay for the expenses of the venue. And we can hire a DJ or a live band…," Tai winked at Matt.
"Oh, I'm a live band. I like this. Let's go ahead and draw this baby up!" Matt rubbed his chin.
"That's right! Tai and Matt's last high-school antic together! Like the old times!" Tai high-fived Matt.