A.N: Welcome to the third chapter of this fic! Now, this is where the story moves on. As we all know, we have Takeru, the main male protagonist, and the other protagonist, the female, Hikari. As we saw in Chapter 01, it slowly got to where Takeru was starting to have a mental breakdown.

So anyway, in the second chapter, we see that Hikari's suffering as well, but not as bad as Takeru was. Unlike Hikari, who had told Daisuke and Yolei her problems, Takeru has only told his problems to Mimi, and noone else. But it gets to the point where Hikari needs Takeru as much as he needs her.

So in this chapter, Hikari makes her way to New York City, to reunite with Takeru. Will Takeru welcome her with open arms, or will they have tension between each other? It's time to find out…

11/13/05- This chapter has been revised for grammar, spelling errors and for consistency.

From what I heard, Season 02 took place in 2002, so that means it would be 2009 in this story…

And now, to present the third chapter…

Italicized words: Thoughts, or sometimes the narrative…and there will be a song inputted later…

Bold words: Might be pointing out certain words, like Japanese words.

Bold italicized words: The thoughts of Takeru's dark side.

"Second Chances are so Few"

By

Malcolm Yuy

Chapter 3: Reunion for Unrequited Love

Well, I'm finally going to New York. I just hope I'm doing the right thing. What if I get there and he doesn't want anything to do with me? What if he's forgotten about me? After all, it's been two years. He didn't even make the effort to come home for Christmas holidays…

I guess I'm being foolish. If I haven't forgotten him, then surely he hasn't forgotten me. Maybe, just maybe I'll have the chance to worm my way back into his heart, if only as a friend.

Alas, unrequited love can be a crippling pain…

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"Well guys, I guess the next time I'll be seeing you all will be Christmas holidays," Hikari replied, as she looked at the people that were there with her. It was her parents, Tai, Matt, Sora, Daisuke, Ken and Yolei. Izzy and Cody had already said their goodbyes to her earlier when she was given a going away party.

"Yeah, and be careful sweetie. We'll miss you," Mrs. Kamiya said, smiling at her daughter. "Come here." The two hugged, and her father joined along in the embrace. The three then separated, and Hikari looked at her dad.

"Knock 'em dead honey. Takeru doesn't know how lucky he is," Mr. Kamiya said, petting her on the head. Hikari blushed.

"Dad!" Hikari exclaimed. Everyone else laughed. She then went over to Tai. "Well onii-san (big brother), thanks for loving and protecting me all these years. I'll miss you," Hikari said, hugging him. Tai returned the embrace, smiling down upon his sister. The two then released their hold a little to make eye contact.

"Say hi to T.K. for me, alright? And good luck. I"ll miss you too," Tai replied. The two then parted as she walked over to Sora and Matt.

"New York's a big place Kari. Do you think you'll be alright?" Sora asked. Hikari nodded, smiling.

"Of course I will. I have Takeru, Mimi, and Joe there with me. I think I'll be okay," Hikari answered. Sora embraced the girl.

"Well, good luck with wooing Takeru. I just hope you two will be able to pick up things where you left off," Sora said.

"Me too Sora, me too…" The two then released their embrace and Hikari turned to Matt. "Want me to say hi to Takeru for you?" Hikari asked.

"Yeah, and can you tell him I miss him? You have my e-mail address and number, right?" Matt asked. Hikari nodded. "Good, then if you could, please give it to him. That way, he'll be able to contact me. And Hikari," Matt said as he cutoff, getting Hikari's attention.

"Hai?"

"Please be careful."

"I will Matt, thanks." The two then smiled, before Hikari finally made her way over to the last group, Daisuke, Yolei, and Ken. She approached Daisuke first.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye, for now," Daisuke said. Hikari just shook her head.

"No, not goodbye. Just an 'I'll see you later', okay? And Dai, please take care of yourself while I'm gone. You're one of my best friends," Hikari said as she embraced the young man, and giving him a kiss on the cheek. This made Daisuke smile, and blush as well. He then gave her a kiss on the cheek back.

"You too. And don't worry, I will. Go get him," Daisuke said, smiling. Hikari could only smile back.

"Yes sir!" The two laughed, before Hikari turned her attention upon Ken and Yolei. She then hugged Yolei.

"I'm gonna miss you guys, especially you Yolei…After all, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be going to New York right now to surprise Takeru. Thank you for allowing me to follow my heart. I'll always have a deep place in my heart for you," Hikari stated. Yolei could only smile as tears came to her eyes.

"You're welcome Kari. You'll always have a place in my heart too. To me, you're like a sister that I've never had. Good luck with Takeru," Yolei replied.

"Thanks, I'll need it," Hikari nodded, and released her hold upon Yolei, and turned her attention towards Ken. "Well Ken, I just want to say thank you for being a great friend, and for being a great boyfriend to Yolei. You've really made her happy. I just hope you two will continue to be happy," Hikari replied. Ken smiled as he embraced her.

"Me too Kari, me too. Good luck with Takeru. And, thank you for everything," Ken replied. Hikari smiled in return.

"You're welcome." She then broke her embrace, and stepped back to look at everyone one last time. "Well everyone, I must be going. I'll see you-"

"Wait, wait!" a voice said, as the person the voice belonged to made his way to the terminal. The person sighed in relief when he saw Hikari. He also had someone else with him as well. The voice belonged to no other than Cody Hida, and with him was Izzy Izumi.

"Cody, Izzy, I thought you had already said your goodbyes at the party, remember?" Hikari asked, putting her hands on her hips. Cody and Izzy looked up at her while they were breathing hard and bent over.

"I know…but…I…want…you…to have this…it's for you…and Takeru," Cody said, handing her a box. It had Japanese symbols written on the center in dark black marker on two of the sides.

"Arigato. I'll open it when I'm with him," Hikari said. She then turned her attention upon Izzy. "And what did you want to say Izzy?" Hikari asked.

" I just…wanted to reply…that you've been a prodigous friend…Good luck with T.K. in New York," Izzy said. Hikari smiled at the two.

"Thanks you guys. Really, I don't what I would do without you. But, I should go now. So, I'll see you all later," Hikari said, stepping back again to look at her friends and family one last time. She then turned around, and started approaching the terminal. The others waved to her.

"GOODBYE KARI!" they all replied in unison. Hikari turned around to give them one last wave.

"Goodbye everyone, and thanks for everything!" Hikari then disappeared into the tunnel, making her way towards the interior of the airplane. The others sighed, as they began going their separate ways. Yolei could only say one thing to herself as she was leaving with Ken…

"Good luck Kari…I think you're going to need it…"

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Meanwhile, in New York City, Takeru was finally making his way to class. He sighed as he found his usual spot, in the back of the room in the center. He situated himself in a desk, and got out his materials for class, ready to take notes from his professor. Soon, two guys made their way into class, and sat on either side of him. To his right, was a boy with short blonde spiky hair and green eyes, while the other had long, shaggy black hair and brown-red eyes. They got their materials as well and prepared for class. The spiky blonde then his attention upon Takeru.

"So T.K, got any plans for tonight?" the blonde asked. Takeru sighed.

"Probably. It's the beginning of the week you guys, so you know the professors will assign us a lot of homework," Takeru said. The blonde sighed.

"Yeah, you're probably right. But you know what? You study too much. You need to get out more. You know, meet some women, mingle with the in-crowd, like us," the blonde suggested, grinning as he said the words. Takeru could only glare at him as he was saying this.

"And what would make you think I would do that Willis? I'm busy with school and work right now. The last thing I need is to go out and meet some chick," Takeru replied, taking his glare from Willis and looking off in another direction. Willis just sighed.

"Oh come on T.K, please man? You have time for school and work. How much would it hurt going to a few parties here and there?" the black-haired one asked, trying to persuade the other blonde to join them. Takeru just sighed tiredly.

"You just don't get it, do you Jim, Willis? I don't have time for that right now. Maybe later this week, okay? Dave will probably have me work the late shift tonight anyway," Takeru replied. His other friends just sighed.

"Fine, whatever floats your boat," Willis replied, as he and Jim quieted down. Takeru then turned his concentration upon the board, as he began writing down notes…

"Oh come on T.K, just one party. That's all!" Willis exclaimed as he, Jim and Takeru were walking through the halls. Takeru just glared at the spiky blonde.

"Willis, what part of 'no' don't you understand? I'm sorry, but I'm just tied up at the moment," Takeru said, raising his voice. Willis then backed off.

"How tied up can you be T.K? Other than school and work, you do nothing. You don't really have much of a social life," Jim stated, walking on the other side of him. Takeru just sighed.

"So what? At least I'm making my way in school. I'll be out in four years. Some of the people at those parties will probably flunk out," Takeru replied, going to his locker, unlocking it and switching books for his next classes. He then shut the door and continued walking with his friends.

"That might be the case. But man, you need time to relax. All work and no play makes T.K. a dull boy," Willis said. T.K. sighed as he looked at the ground.

"Alright, alright, I'll go to one party. But one party only, you've got that?" Takeru asked. Willis and Jim nodded.

"Sweet, now we'll be able to be pimp with the ladies," Jim said, giving Willis a high-five. Takeru just sweatdropped.

"Whatever. So, when is this party?" Takeru asked.

"Wednesday my man, Wednesday. Well, later man, I'm going home since my classes are over here," Willis said, taking his leave. Takeru nodded, and now it was only him and Jim. Jim scratched his head.

"Well, I gotta go too," Jim said.

"Okay. See you tomorrow," Takeru replied.

"Yeah, tomorrow." Jim then left Takeru by himself, and the boy just sighed as he made his way into the cafeteria, alone. He then bought his lunch and sat at a table all by himself. He then looked over towards another table, which was filled a load of young women. Three of them had caught his glance, and giggled at him. Takeru furrowed one of eyebrows at them, before looking away and concentrating more on eating.

They were looking at you, you know…

Thanks for stating the obvious Sherlock. I don't care though, Takeru thought, as he took a bite out of what he was eating, which at the moment was some mashed potatoes. He continued to contemplate the situation.

Why don't you do what Mimi and everyone else want you to do? Why don't you just move on? It seems Hikari is doing fine without you. Besides, those girls over there were pretty attractive…

I told you earlier, I love Hikari too much to do that. Besides, I don't feel like flirting, or anything with them right now. Or ever, Takeru thought as he finished eating his food. He then quickly drunk down his beverage before going to throw it away. He then sighed as he made his way to his next class.

And why's that, 'cause you're a loser? I'm just trying to help you here. After all, I am a part of you, Takeru's dark half replied. Takeru sighed.

I know, I know. But I thought you wanted me to be alone…

And when did I say that again?

When you appeared in my head for the first time, remember?

Oh yeah, well sorry Mr. Writer. I just wanted to see how far I could push you, and I pushed you to where you almost had a mental breakdown. Now that's just pathetic… you know what? I'm not gonna help you out anymore. I'll just be what I've been to you a few days ago. Your negative side. After all, that is what I am.

Whatever. I'll just ignore you. Now go away, Takeru thought, as he pushed away his negative side and got his materials out for his favorite class, English. Everyone else soon entered the room, sitting in their desks, waiting for the professor to come out. She then came out, wearing a dark gown with slippers. She had short curly red hair and glasses, and was round.

"Why good afternoon class? Are you ready to turn in your papers on the fabulous love of Romeo and Juliet?" the professor asked. Everyone else in the class groaned.

"Oh come on, this is college. Now, everyone, turn in your papers on my desk. This paper will count as twenty-five percent of your grade," the professor replied, tapping her hand on the table as she told them to turn in their papers. Everyone got up and then formed a line, dropping their papers on the table. Takeru sighed as he stood in line, waiting to advance so he could drop off his paper. He then sighed in relief as he dropped his paper on the table. Ironically, out of all the people in class, the professor decided to pick Takeru's paper to evaluate.

"Ah, Mr. Takaishi, I've decided to pick your paper to read and evaluate to the class. Is that alright with you?" the professor asked.

"Yes Professor Handley, it's okay," Takeru replied, before making his way back up to his seat. Professor Handley took out her reading glasses and started scanning the paper. She smiled as she read it.

"Good…good…good. It's time for you all to pay attention here. Mr. Takaishi obviously spent a lot of time on this paper," Professor Handley stated. She then began reading the paper.

"Romeo and Juliet, one of the Bard's greatest plays, was a woe of tragedy and love. Two families feuding, causing chaos in the town of Venice. Yet, in all the havoc, a love was found between two members; Romeo, from the house of Montague; and Juliet, from the Capulets. Though their love only lasted for a few days, those days were the best days of their lives. Love had found a way to break the barriers.

Now, Romeo was a Montague. Recently, he had swooned over another female who did not return his favor, a girl by the name of Rosaline. Benvolio, his cousin, tried to cheer the poor boy up by taking him to a party, which was hosted by the Capulets. Originally, Romeo was going to the party so he could get over the girl. Yet, his heart found another.

That another was Juliet, a Capulet. The Capulets were rivals with the Montagues, causing brawls in the streets. The prince had warned the two families that if they had one more argument, that they would then pay for the peace. The two parties separated, and later, the Capulets hosted a party. Juliet went because she was a Capulet, of course. Through circumstances, she and Romeo met, and the two fell in love. Upon discovering that he was a Montague, she was deeply troubled.

Despite their circumstances, the two found a way to love each other, even though they came from two feuding families. But, ironically, the two families that they were trying to hide their love from interfered with their happiness. Mercutio, Romeo's dear friend, engaged in a duel against Juliet's cousin, Tybalt. Mercutio died by Tybalt's blade, and Romeo, being the virtous one, avenged his friend's death. He slayed Tybalt. But in doing so, he was exiled, to Mantua. Once Juliet learned this, she wept. She did not know what to do. But the friar, who had brung them together, formed a plan for them to see each other. But, it ended in tragedy, and death. But, they were now together in death.

Though the Montagues and Capulets had arguments, one from each family formed a bond, despite all the hate and violence that was going on within. A love that was true and majetic, and lastly, tragic. Their love may lasted on the earth for a few days, but their love for each other lasted forever. As some person has said, 'Love conquers all'."

"So, does anyone know what's wrong with this paper?" Professor Handley asked, as her eyes looked up after finishing Takeru's document. Everyone looked around confused, until one hand shot up. "Yes?" Professor Handley asked.

"Too much use of past tense?" a female student asked. Professor Handley nodded.

"Yes, there is too much use of past tense. But, in this case, it is acceptable. Any other problems?" Everyone else shook their heads. "Good. Overall Mr. Takaishi, this is a very good paper. I give you an A-," Professor Handley replied. Takeru smiled. Professor Handley then started picking other papers and discussing them with the class. Takeru sighed, and leaned back in his seat.

You know you could've done better in that paper, you know?

So, at least I got an A. What's so bad about that?

An A? It was an A-. In the Real World, if you want to be successful, your work will have to be an A, if you want be a bestseller.

You know what? I may like writing, and I may want to be a writer and all, but I'm not going to write essays and papers. I'm going to write fantasy novels, and other stuff like that.

Well, whatever floats your boat Shakespeare. I'll leave you to yourself now…

Good. Then maybe I'll finally be able to feel better without your presence here… Takeru's thoughts then ended as he shook his head, and started paying attention in what was going on in class…

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Hikari looked out the window, and smiled happily at what she saw. Finally, New York City. Oh, I'm starting to get nervous now. Calm down Hikari, calm down. Oh, but I can't wait to see the surprise on Takeru's face when he sees me! What if he doesn't want to talk with me? Of course he'll want to talk to me. Why wouldn't he? Hikari thought, seeing the different buildings, and taking a look at the place where the new World Trade Center was. Finally, the plane touched down on the landing site and made its way into the airport terminal, before connecting with the tunnel. Hikari took one of her suitcases and left the airplane as quickly as she could.

Minutes later, the girl finally made her way to the waiting area. And waiting there, in brown coat with a white fur lining was none other than Mimi herself, along with Joe. Hikari smiled as she ran up and embraced the older woman. Mimi smiled as she returned the embrace.

"Oh Mimi, it's been so long," Hikari said, happy to see her friend. The last time she saw her friend was a year ago during Christmas holidays.

"Hai Hikari, a year has been a long time," Mimi replied. The two released their embrace as Hikari looked to Joe. She smiled at him.

"Hi Joe. How's medical school going?" Hikari asked.

"Alright as always, Hikari. You know, me and Mimi are getting married soon," Joe replied.

"Really? Congratulations you guys! I can't wait to see you two at your wedding," Hikari exclaimed.

"Yeah, well you might not have to wait long. We're planning to get married soon. It's going to be back in Japan of course. But, enough talking. Hikari, are you ready for a new wardrobe?" Mimi asked. This sort of irritated the other girl.

"A new wardrobe? But what's wrong with the clothes I already have?" Hikari asked, putting her hands on her hips and pouting. Mimi just giggled, waving her off.

"Nothing, nothing. I just thought you'd like some new clothes, that's all. Don't worry, I have loads of money, so it'll be on me," Mimi said, smiling. Hikari just smiled again.

"Thanks Mimi. Now, let's go!" Hikari exclaimed. The three then left the airport, blurring into the oncoming crowd…

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"Finally, I'm home," Takeru muttered, as he made his way into the apartment. He sat down on the table and opened his bookbag, getting ready to do his homework as always. After two hours of studying and of doing homework, the young man finally sighed as he put his books away. "Finished. Now, I only have one hour until I have to go to work. I wonder where Mimi is? Usually she'd be home by now," Takeru replied. Right as he finished his sentence, the doorbell rang. "Hmm, that must be her. She must've gone shopping or something," Takeru said. As soon as he made his way toward the door and opened, his eyes widened at what he saw.

In front of him was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He looked from her hair, to her face, as his eyes traced her body. After looking her up and down, he finally made eye contact, and his eyes widened again when he realized who it was that was standing in front of him. The girl then dissolved the silence as she embraced him.

"Takeru-kun! It's been too long!" Hikari exclaimed, embracing her friend, and secretly unrequited love, or so she thought. Takeru could only mumble in shock, struggling to get the words out of his mouth as he returned the embrace. His heart had began beating ten times its normal rate.

"Hi...Hikari? How? When? Why?" Takeru asked, as a million questions made their way into his mind. The boy was totally flabbergasted.

"Well, Hikari decided to transfer over here because of New York U's education and photography programs, isn't that right Hikari?" Mimi asked, as she made her way into her apartment, holding her bags.

"Ummhmm," Hikari muffled, as she relished in her friend's embrace. Oh, how much had she longed to be with him. And now, they were together, even if they were just friends. For the moment. Her head was buried under the crook of Takeru's neck, as she looking at his shoulder. She then turned up to look at him. "I've missed you," she said. Her heart started to pump faster as she anticipated his response.

"I…I've missed you too…Hikari," Takeru replied, smiling as he tightened the embrace. He never wanted this moment to end. But alas, all moments must have an end. And this one was no different.

"Um, Takeru? Could you help me carry Kari's things into her room?" Mimi asked. Takeru nodded as he released Hikari from his hold. As soon as the two parted, they both felt the warmth that once engulfed their bodies dissipate. Takeru looked over to Mimi as he was dragging Hikari's things.

"Which room?" Takeru asked. Mimi pointed to one on the left, and Takeru made his way into the room, and put her things down on her bed. Meanwhile, Mimi and Hikari were having a little conversation.

"See, I told you he missed you. So, what are you going to do about it?" Mimi asked, as she whispered over to the other girl. Hikari blushed at the comment before responding.

"Um, well, I guess I have to see if anything's there or not. I can't tell him my feelings right now you know," Hikari whispered back. Takeru then made his way back to where the girls were, in the kitchen/living room.

"Why are you girls whispering? Is there something you want to keep secret from me? Is it about me?" the boy asked. In actuality, he didn't know how far he was from the truth. The girls giggled before one responded.

"It's nothing Takeru-kun, nothing concerning you anyways," Hikari replied, giving him her seductive smile. Takeru could only give her a smile in return. "So Takeru, care to give me a tour?" Hikari asked.

"Well, I uh, I guess so. I mean, I'd be delighted," Takeru said nervously as Hikari went over to him, linking her arm in his. Takeru blushed as he felt her body near his. He then looked at Mimi before the two left the apartment. "Bye Mimi!" Takeru exclaimed.

"Bye Takeru! You kids have a good time!" she waved, until she went to the door and closed it. It then left Takeru and Hikari to themselves…

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Takeru and Hikari finally stopped walking, as they decided to sit at a bench. Or more precisely, Takeru just wanted to take a break. He breathed hard for a few moments, as Hikari looked him over. To her, the young man still looked the same, the long, yet short enough blonde hair to distinguish him as a boy, and his blue eyes that were the color of the sea. She noticed though that he had matured, and was starting to look more like a man than a boy. But, he still had his boyish features. Hikari laughed as she watched him breathe. He looked up.

"What?…What's so funny?" Takeru asked, finally able to catch his breath. As he looked at Hikari, he couldn't help but noticed her features as well. She looked more like a young woman as well, and he noticed how she had changed her hairstyle, but also noticed that she still had her hairclip. When he made eye contact, he noticed how more beautiful her chestnut eyes had become.

"I'd thought you would be in top shape. Back home you were 'Mr. Basketball Star', remember?" Hikari asked, smiling at the exhausted young man. Takeru could only grin back.

"Well, I did make a lot of shots for the team," Takeru replied, scratching the back of his neck. And all those shots were for you, Hikari… Takeru trailed off in his thoughts as Hikari grabbed him and jerked him to a standing position. "Whoa! Hikari, what are you doing?" Takeru asked.

"Come on, you gotta show me the rest of town, remember?" Hikari asked. Takeru smiled, but seemed to forget something. He then looked down at his watch. It read eight o'clock. He cursed.

"Damn…" Takeru cursed silenly to himself. "Uh, Hikari, could I get a raincheck on that? I'm late for work," Takeru replied. The girl only pouted in return.

"Oh come on Takeru, please, just one more shop? Then you can leave, okay?" Hikari asked, pouting and giving him her puppy eyes. Takeru only sighed in defeat.

"Alright, alright, one more shop. And then we're going, you got that?" Takeru asked.

"Yes sir!" Hikari mock saluted, and then laughed as she pulled the teen over to a café. Ironically, this was where Takeru had bumped into a girl that resembled the girl he was with right now. "Umm, this looks nice…" Hikari stated, looking through the windows and peering into the café, seeing the people sit at tables and drink their coffee and other beverages, while reading newspapers and other such articles. Hikari then turned her head to look at Takeru. "Can we go inside?" she asked.

"I guess," Takeru replied. Hikari squealed as she pulled him inside. A few moments later, the two reappeared outside with two cappuccinos in their hands, walking back towards their apartment complex. Once there, the two stopped to look at the other. "Well Hikari-chan, it's been fun, but I really need to get to work. Hopefully I won't get home too late tonight. Tomorrow, I'll show you around campus, 'kay?" Takeru replied. Hikari nodded. "Great then. Syonara Hikari," Takeru said, as he started to leave. Hikari didn't want him to leave just yet. So she did the only thing she could. She shouted.

"TAKERU! WAIT!" Hikari cried, as she ran towards him. Takeru widened his eyes as she ran to him, and he caught her in his embrace. The young man was startled.

"What is it Hikari?" Takeru asked, looking into the girl's eyes. Hikari only gave him a sad smile.

"I want to give you something before you go," Hikari answered.

"And what is that?" Takeru asked. Hikari then stood on her tip-toes as she bent upward to give the young man a peck on the cheek. Takeru blushed, as he touched the spot where she kissed him. He felt a smile come upon his face. Hikari blushed after she did the act.

What's gotten into me? Well, what's done is done, and can't be undone. "That's for showing me 'round the city," Hikari replied.

"You're welcome. I'll cherish it. Now, seriously, I've got to go," Takeru replied. Hikari nodded, and the two had one last hug as they separated. Takeru grinned as he walked away, making his way toward where he worked.

I think I'm in love…

Well no duh Watson. After all, you were in love with her to begin with. But one question I wonder is this: Does she feel the same way? I doubt it…

So, you don't know that. Maybe she came to New York for more than just the photography and education programs. Maybe…maybe she came here…for me… Takeru trailed off in his thoughts, smiling at the thought. What if Hikari did come to New York for him? Then it would be a dream come true. All he had to do was confess his feelings for her. It seemed easy. But, as we all know, there is always an instance of doubt.

And you DON'T KNOW THAT! Sure, she could've come to New York to see you, but not because she needed you romantically. Maybe she only needed the support and love of a FRIEND…

That could be possible…Then again, you don't know anything as much as I do…Well, we've approached work. We'll resume this conversation later… Takeru replied to himself, before stepping in work. Fortunately, Dave wasn't at work. But that doesn't mean that anyone else was either. One of the other employees was a lot more ruthless than Dave. He had black punk rock spiky hair, and basically wore the same uniform Takeru did. Takeru then made his way to the backroom to change into his uniform. The employee followed him as he did so.

"You're an hour late you know," the employee replied. Takeru just sighed heavily as he was changing shirts.

Oh, why don't you just piss off. But if I said that, I would be fired. Oh, what to do? Takeru thought sarcastically, now done with changing shirts and moving on to pants, already out of his jeans as he slipped on his khakis.

"I know Alan, I know. It won't happen again, okay?" Takeru asked, as he tucked his shirt in and straightened his belt before slipping his sneakers back on. Alan just glared at him.

"It better not, or I'll see a cut in your hours," Alan replied menacingly. Takeru could just comply with the ultimatium as he made his way toward the cashier, before balancing out the machine. He then sighed as he began his shift…

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"Wow, this campus is enormous!" Hikari exclaimed, as she and Takeru made their way into one of the buildings of New York U. They had gotten there an hour early, so Takeru could show her around. Right now, they were making their way through the English hall.

"Why wouldn't it be? This is New York City Hika. One of the largest cities in the world, so of course they would have a lot of room to accommodate people," Takeru replied matter-of-factly. Hikari just thrusted her tongue at him.

"Eh, you're no fun." Hikari and Takeru then left the hall, and sat a bench nearby. Takeru just dangled his arms as he sat, and Hikari looked at the young man. Takeru raised one eyebrow as he noticed that she was looking at him.

"Nani? What is it?" Takeru asked.

"Something just occurred to me. It's something I've been wanting to ask you for some time, if I'd ever see you again…" Hikari responded, trailing off. She had bowed her head some, with her eyes looking towards the ground. Takeru lowered his head so he could make eye contact with the girl. It worked, having Hikari look up to meet his eyes.

"What? You can ask me anything Hikari-chan. After all, we are best friends," Takeru replied, smiling. Hikari forced a smile back as she started to speak.

"Well, okay. You see, I've always wondered why…you didn't come home for Christmas holidays," Hikari stated. Takeru sighed, looking away from Hikari and leaning back in the position he was earlier.

"That's easy to answer. The reason why I couldn't make it for Christmas holidays last year was because my flight got cancelled. New York's also famous for getting a lot of snow," Takeru answered, with the young woman looking upon him. She looked away and made eye contact with the ground.

"Oh, that's why. I thought that…you know…maybe…you didn't want to come home?" Hikari asked. Takeru laughed, and this caused the girl to widen her eyes when she looked at him. He then stopped laughing and waved her off.

"Didn't want to come home?…That's silly…Of course I wanted to come home. I wanted to see my family and friends. And I wanted to see you, most of all…" Takeru trailed off. This perked up interest in Hikari. She scooted closer to him, their shoulders making contact. This made Takeru feel a little uneasy, and he was starting to feel a little hot. Hikari smiled at him.

"And why would that be, huh?" Hikari asked. Takeru blushed as he thought of the response.

"Well…because…I wanted to tell you how much I-"

"Hey T.K!" a voice hollered, cutting the young man off. The two looked away from each other, and looked at whom the voice was coming from. It was Willis. Willis smiled as he made his way over to them, and sat in between the two. He then looked at Takeru.

"So T.K, who's the hot chick?" Willis asked. Takeru just glared at him.

"Willis, she's my best friend. Her name's Hikari," Takeru replied, as Willis had turned his attention towards the girl. Hikari just blushed.

"You can call me Kari, if you prefer…" Hikari trailed off as she looked at Willis. The young man just gave her his charming smile. This made Takeru furious.

"Kari huh? You look familiar…oh yeah…aren't you the girl T.K. was with seven years ago?" Willis asked. This shocked the girl.

Seven years ago? But that was during our adventures in the Digital World, and we were fighting Ken, and later Arukennimon and Mummymon…But wait…that boy does look familiar…Could he be?

"You're not the guy who had twin digimon by any chance, are you? The guy who also created Diaboromon by accident?" Hikari asked. Willis frowned at the mention of the Virus digimon that had caused chaos on the Net, and had almost succeeded in the destruction of Hikari and her friends (1).

"Yes, yes I am…So you are the girl that T.K. was with that time in New York and Colorado," Willis said, resuming his happy-go-lucky charm. Hikari could only smile back at him. Takeru was beginning to get even more furious than he already was. Luckily, it was time for the other blonde to leave. Willis got up, and looked at the two.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Kari. Maybe we can get together sometime…unless you have anything against it T.K.. Do you?" Willis asked. Takeru huffed, and wanted to say no, but right now, he didn't want to confess his feelings for Hikari, when he didn't know for certain if she felt the same way. After all, she has only been with him for about a day.

"Uh, no…I-I don't mind…" Takeru replied nervously. Willis grinned.

"Great, then I'll see you two later," Willis replied. Hikari and Takeru nodded, and Willis then gave them one last smile before leaving the two to be alone, again. Hikari then turned to the remaining blonde.

"So Takeru, what were you going to say to me earlier?" Hikari asked. This made the boy blush again.

Oh great, now we're back to where we were earlier. I could tell her how I feel now, and possibly be rejected, or, I could wait and see if she still has interest in me. So far, it seem like she does…

She might just be leading you on, you know…After all, girls are infamous for delivering mixed signals…

..you do have a point there, as much as I don't want to admit it. So, I'm going to do the "lay back and wait" approach. Takeru then ended his thoughts as he responded to the girl. "Uh, it was just that I wanted to see you because…because…you're a dear friend…" Takeru trailed off. This disappointed the girl.

"Oh, well, thanks Takeru…" Hikari then slid her hand atop his, smiling at him. He smiled back. Meanwhile, Hikari felt injured on the inside. A dear friend? Is that all I am to him? Well, I guess it's time to go to the next level. Flirting…

"Anytime. Now, why don't I show you the rest of campus?" Takeru asked.

"Okay…" Hikari and Takeru then got up, and proceeded to tour the rest of the university…

mnmnmnmnmnmnmmnmnmn

Over the next couple of days, Hikari had gotten used to where everything at New York U was, and was slowly getting to know her way around New York City, when her and Takeru had the time. Hikari was now making her way to a One-Hour Photo shop, which had a "Now Hiring" sign displayed in the window. Hikari sighed as she made her way inside. She then approached the booth, with a waiting employee behind the cashier, looking at some photos.

"Um, hello?" Hikari muttered in English, trying to use an American accent. Unlike Takeru, who had gotten used to the language and had developed an American accent, Hikari was still a bit new to actually trying to speak to the native speakers. Luckily, she had some practice in talking to Willis, Jim, and other people, so hopefully her English wasn't too bad. The employee looked up from his photos to look at the girl. He was pudgy, with black hair, tan skin, and big glasses with black handles.

"Hello. Welcome to the One-Hour Photo booth. How may I help you?" the employee sighed tiredly. Hikari took one of her strands of hair and wrapped it around her finger.

"Um, I was wondering if I could perhaps get a job here?" Hikari asked.

"Do you have any experience?" the employee asked again.

"Yes, as a matter-of-fact I do," Hikari replied. The employee shuffled his feet. He seemed to be thinking for a moment, before he finally decided to respond.

"Well, I guess I could try you out on a temporary basis, to see if you have what it takes…If you do, then the job's yours, got it?" he asked. Hikari nodded. "Alright. When do you feel like beginning work?"

"On Monday I suppose," Hikari answered. The employee nodded. Hikari had a purse with her, and she took out a piece of paper with a pen. She wrote down her name, telephone number and address, and handed it to the employee. He read it, and tried to pronounce her name.

"Hi…Hicar-"

"You can just call me Kari," Hikari responded. The employee nodded in agreement.

"Alright then. See you Monday, Kari…" Hikari nodded as she then left the store. The employee shook his head, before continuing to look at his photos. A shock then went through his system as he remembered something.

"Kari!"

Well, that's the end of the chapter…I've got nothing else to say…

Next chapter: So, who's the guy Hikari's going to work her? How does he know her? And will Takeru and Hikari ever admit their feelings for one another? And what about Mimi and Joe? They start planning their wedding, and there will be even more surprising twists for our characters. Will they get together, or not?

'Till later, ja ne!

And please review!

-Malcolm Yuy