A.N: Hey guys! Welcome to the fourth revised chapter of this fic!

Synopsis: Last time, Hikari finally made her way to New York to reunite with Takeru, as the boy was surprised. Slowly, their friendship was renewed, but both of them still felt uncertain about each other. Meanwhile, Hikari met Willis and was hired at a One-Hour Photo shop. Who's the guy she's working for, and how does he know her? All this and more will be answered…

11/13/05- Edited chapter for grammar, spelling errors, and consistency.

Italicized words: Thoughts or the narrative…

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

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

And now, to present the fourth chapter of this fic…

"Second Chances are so Few"

By

Malcolm Yuy

Chapter 4: Unexpected Reunion

Things are starting to pick up now. But can our friendship change? Sometimes, I feel like we're on the same wavelength. I feel like we could talk about anything, and not worry about being judged at all by our comments, because we know each other, inside and out.

Things are moving fast now. People are coming together, and forming the bonds of a couple. I hope that someday, he and I can be like that. But right now, I just want to take things slow. It seems like he's interested in me…

And yet, at other times, I feel like he only loves me as a best friend…

Is it worth it to try to go up and beyond? What if we go to the next level, but our relationship doesn't work out? What if we end up hating each other? I wonder that from day to day. But, someone dear to me said this…

"Isn't love worth fighting for?"

I think it is worth fighting for…

But can our relationship survive long enough for it to happen?…

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"Uh, what day is it?" Takeru mumbled, as he stumbled out of bed. He walked over to the wall on his left. Situated on the wall was a calendar, which had cross-marks on each day that had passed. Takeru looked at the spot that wasn't crossed.

"Friday. Finally…" Takeru trailed off, thinking of what was going on today. Other than having college to go to, he didn't think of anything else he had to do. For today, and the next two days onward, he didn't have to go to work. He smiled at the thought of what he could do over the weekend. Or whom he could share the weekend with…

The boy shook his head as he walked over to his dresser drawer, pulling out some boxers and a pair of socks, before leaving his room and going to the towel rack in the hallway to retrieve a towel and washcloth. He then went to the bathroom. Alas, it was occupied, with the door being closed. Takeru sighed tiredly. Just then, the door opened, with steam emerging. Takeru waved it out of his way. When he was finished, he looked at who was stepping out. Clad in nothing but a towel wrapped around her body, and her hair tied up in a bun, was Hikari. Takeru blushed as he felt something in his lower half begin to tense. Hikari blushed as she looked at the young man.

"Oh, um…morning?" Hikari asked. Takeru blinked his eyes, before shaking his head completely.

"Uh, sorry…uh, are you done using the bathroom?" Takeru asked nervously.

"Um, yeah I guess…" Hikari stated. The two then looked at each other again, before Takeru scratched the back of his head.

"Well…um, okay…" Takeru stated nervously.

"Okay…I guess I'll see ya at breakfast?" Hikari giggled. Takeru could only nod in agreement. "Well, see you then…" Hikari then brushed her way past Takeru as she made her way to her room. Takeru couldn't help but have his eyes follow her before she closed the door behind her. He then sighed.

Sometimes, it's times like these that I hate being a man…I hoped she didn't see that, Takeru thought as he closed the door behind himself as he prepared to take a shower…

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Hikari smiled as she applied the last bit of makeup upon her face. Even though she was a natural beauty, she still wore a little makeup. She blushed as she remembered the nervous exchange between her and Takeru that had happened earlier. She mused at the thought of the boy looking her up and down.

I can't believe that happened…That embarrassed the crap out of me. But, Takeru was looking at me…Could I have turned him on? Yeah, right…He's my best friend, after all. He wouldn't think of me in that matter.

Then again, he's my best friend, and I'm head over heels in love with him, so he could feel the same way…

And if so, then how am I going to confess to him? I just need to be patient. Maybe if I'm lucky, he might confess to me first… Hikari smiled at the thought of Takeru confessing to her…then, all would fall into place. Hikari could only grin as she moved on to brushing her hair, with untying her bun. She then thought back to the time where she realized her feelings for Takeru…

---FLASHBACK BEGINS---

It was a rainy day in the district of Odaiba. A fourteen year old Hikari sighed tiredly as she was standing outside the gym at Odaiba High. It was five-thirty, and Tai was supposed to be picking her up from cheerleading practice. She looked up at the clouds, as lightening flashed, with the sound of thunder reverberating afterwards. She tiredly looked upon the pouring sidewalk.

"Come on Tai…" Hikari said tiredly. She really wished her brother would pull up, any minute now. What's taking him so long? Hikari thought impatiently. Her cell phone then rang. Hikari unclipped it from her bookbag and pressed the "TALK" button. "Hello?"

"Uh, hi Kari…" a familiar voice responded on the other end. Hikari piped up at the voice.

"Taichi, where in the hell are you! You were suppose to pick me up half an hour ago," Hikari shouted. She then heard a sigh on the other line.

"Sorry for that sis. The problem is I would be there, but the rain delayed my soccer match." Earlier that day, Tai had told Hikari that he had a soccer match. Normally, it would have ended with enough time for Tai to pick Hikari up. But, as we all know, it did not.

"Oh. Are you still going to pick me up?" Hikari asked, understanding the situation.

"Uh, I guess I'll try. But right now though, it looks like the game might go into overtime. I'll try to make it there-"

"No, no, you don't have to. You know what Tai? Just don't pick me up at all. I'll just walk home," Hikari replied, cutting Tai off in mid-sentence.

"…Are you sure?" Tai asked.

"I'm sure. Don't worry Tai, I'll be fine," Hikari responded. Tai sighed tiredly on the other end.

"Okay, if that's what you want," Tai replied. Hikari nodded.

"Yeah, that is. Well, bye…"

"Bye…" Tai then hung up on the other end, as so did Hikari. She sighed tiredly as she put her phone away.

Guess I have no choice but to walk in the rain, Hikari thought, as she started to make her way out into the rain. But, right as she stepped out, an umbrella shielded her from the oncoming rain. She looked at her savior. There, standing with a grin upon his face, still in his dress out clothes, was Takeru Takaishi. Hikari couldn't help but smile back.

"A beautiful face like yours shouldn't be soaked by the rain," Takeru replied, as his smile faded. Hikari blushed at the comment.

"Takeru-kun, what are doing here? Shouldn't you be at home right now?" Hikari asked. Takeru only shook his head.

"No Hikari-chan, my number one priority right now is to get you home," Takeru answered. This amazed Hikari. Sure, he was her best friend, but basketball practice had ended hours ago. Why would Takeru go out of his way to take her home? Maybe her parents called him. So, she just opened her mouth to ask.

"Did you come because my parents sent you?" Hikari asked. Again, Takeru shook his head.

"No, I came here 'cause I wanted to," Takeru answered, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. This made Hikari blush, as a whole new world of feelings enveloped her.

What is this feeling? Hikari could only ask herself as she and Takeru started making their way towards her apartment. As they were walking in comfortable silence, Hikari couldn't help but take a good look at her male friend. His hair had grown longer over the years, but still had the boyish look, making the blonde look cute. Hikari then couldn't help but notice his eyes, blue as the dark waters of the ocean. Her heart couldn't help but skip a beat as she was looking at him.

Why am I feeling this way? I don't feel like this when I'm around other boys, Hikari thought. Sure, she had feelings like these around Takeru before, but not to this degree. She and Takeru turned a corner, and the boy was trying to be as careful as possible, trying to keep the rain from hitting his companion. Hikari continued to ponder over the issue, until she was snapped from her reverie with a tug upon her shoulder. "Huh? What is it?"

"We're here," Takeru simply stated. Hikari only sighed as the two looked up at her apartment complex, before going inside and ascending in the elevator. Once outside her door, Takeru turned to look at Hikari.

"Well, here we are. It was a treat escorting you, my lady," Takeru replied, giving Hikari a mock bow, while holding the umbrella with one hand. The girl just couldn't help but laugh.

"Why thank you good sir. I hope we see each other again," Hikari replied in an old British-type accent. Takeru just grinned.

"Me too my lady, me too…" Takeru then trailed off, as he stepped forward and embraced the young woman. Hikari returned the embrace, relishing in the closeness she shared with Takeru. Just as the two split, the rain stopped, as Takeru and Hikari looked out the window. Takeru grinned as he retracted his umbrella.

"Well Hikari, I gotta go. See you 'round, huh?" Takeru asked. Hikari could only nod as a blush crept itself upon her face. Takeru smiled at her one last time, before retreating towards the elevator. Hikari could only touch her cheeks in astonishment.

Why can't I stop blushing? Oh Takeru, I wish you were still here with me, Hikari wished, as thoughts of the blonde haired boy entered her mind. It was then at that moment that she realized something.

I like Takeru…as more…than a friend. No, not like…I, I…love him…I have for a long time now… Hikari realized, as she thought of all the times she and Takeru were together. Ever since he had moved back to Odaiba in the seventh grade, she had formed a crush on him. It had died after the two had gotten closer, and with the threat of the then Digimon Emperor, almost forgotten. But then, those feelings had been revived within her, the day that Takeru had saved her from the Dark Ocean. And since then, those feelings had remained within her heart.

I…I love you…Takeru…I don't know why I couldn't see it. I can't believe it took me this long to realize my true feelings for you. But someday, I'll tell you… Hikari thought, as she took out her key and opened the door to her apartment. Right before she stepped inside, she looked back at the hallway one last time.

But not yet…

---FLASHBACK ENDS---

Hikari continued to smile as she brushed her hair. She then shook her head as she came back to reality, putting her brush down on the table. She then got ready for school. Twenty minutes later, Hikari smiled as she was finally ready, fully dressed in a comfortable outfit for the day. She then took her bookbag as she left her room, turning off the bedroom light as she did so. She smiled as she made her way into the kitchen, where there was a side table where Takeru was sitting, reading a newspaper. He then lowered it as he made eye contact with the girl.

"Hello Takeru," Hikari replied as she sat down beside him. Takeru turned to look at her.

"Hello Hikari-chan. Gokigen ikaga desu ka (How are you)?" Takeru asked.

"Fine, uh…" Hikari muttered, as she couldn't find anything to say. After all, she was still thinking of what had happened earlier. Takeru noticed how uncomfortable she was, and decided to change the subject.

"So, what would you like for choshoku (breakfast)?" Takeru asked.

"I guess some cereal. You know we only got ten minutes 'till we have to go off to college," Hikari replied. Takeru nodded as he got up from the table and went to a nearby cabinet to pull out a box of corn flakes, and a bowl.

He then opened a drawer and pulled out a spoon, and then got some milk from the refrigerator, before putting the corn flakes and milk in the bowl. He then gave Hikari the bowl and the spoon.

"Anything else mi'lady?" Takeru asked. Hikari shook her head.

"Iie (No) Takeru, that's all. Thanks," Hikari answered, as she took a bite of her cereal. As Takeru returned to his seat, Mimi then made her grand entrance.

"Morning guys," Mimi replied, as she pulled out some bread and put two slices in the toaster.

"Morning," Takeru and Hikari said in unison. Mimi then made herself a glass of orange juice, and gulped it down quickly. This made Takeru furrow an eyebrow at her.

"Whoa Mimi, what's with the rush?" Takeru asked.

"I have to hurry meet the wedding planner for my wedding," Mimi answered, as the toaster oven popped out the toast, with her pulling them out and onto a plate. She then took a knife and buttered it quickly, before biting into it. "This toast is a little burnt, but it'll do," Mimi stated, before taking another bite in it. Takeru and Hikari rose from their seats, grabbing their backpacks. They then turned to look at Mimi.

"Well Mimi, we'd love to stay and chat, but Hikari and I really have to get going. Come on Hika," Takeru replied as he clutched Hikari's wrist, and the two quickly made their way out of the apartment. Mimi smiled as she looked at the two leaving.

"Ah, young love…"

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"Finally, classes are over! I thought it would never come," Hikari exclaimed as she and Takeru made their way out of the Literature hall and made their way outside. Takeru turned his head to look at the excited girl.

"I know. That's how all Fridays are," Takeru stated, as the two sat down at a bench. The two then turned towards each other, as the sun decided to shine on this cool day of Autumn.

"So Takeru, what have you got planned for this weekend?" Hikari asked, smiling at the young man.

"Well Hikari, hopefully it'll be less homework and more time for hanging out. I was uh, hoping that…maybe…" Takeru was starting to redden at the thought as he pointed his fingers and had them touch the other, which was a gesture of nervousness. Hikari leaned closer to Takeru.

"Maybe…what?" Hikari asked. Takeru looked from the ground to meet Hikari's eyes. God, how much he wanted to kiss her right now. Slowly, he started to lean his face toward hers, but unfortunately, someone had to interrupt them.

"Hey you guys! How's it goin'?" A loud voice exclaimed, causing Takeru to snap out of his trance, as he and Hikari turned their heads to look at who the voice came from. It was none other than Willis, who was with Jim. This made Takeru blush even more.

"Uh, hey Willis," Takeru said nervously, gulping. Willis could only smile at the girl which sat next to Takeru. This made the young man give the other blonde a glare.

"Hey Kari, how's it goin'?" Willis asked, repeating his question. Hikari just smiled at him.

"I'm fine. How 'bout you?" she asked.

"Fine as always. So T.K, ready for tonight?" Willis asked, looking from Hikari to the other blonde. This made the blue eyed blonde furrow his eyebrows at him.

"What's tonight?" Takeru asked. Willis and Jim just shook their heads. Jim then opened his mouth to speak.

"T.K, T.K, didn't you forget what we're doin' tonight? We're going to a party man!" Jim exclaimed. This made Takeru's eyes bulge. His mind then replayed the memory of the conversation they had a few days ago.

---"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.---

"Oh yeah, that…" Takeru trailed off. Willis just looked at Takeru in bewilderment. He just shook his head and slapped his forehead.

"Ah, I can't believe you didn't forget that…So, you still comin'?" Willis asked. Takeru just sighed tiredly.

"I guess so." Takeru then turned his head towards Hikari, before looking back at the guys. "But what about Hikari?"

"Well, Kari could come too if she wanted to," Willis suggested. This made the young woman giddy.

"Then I'm coming then. This'll be my first experience at an American party," Kari replied. Willis and Jim just furrowed an eyebrow at her.

"Whatever. Just make sure you come, alright? Here's all the info you need to know," Willis said, handing Takeru a little blue flyer of the party. Takeru nodded. "Well, see you guys then. Come on Jim, let's go," Willis said. Jim nodded as the two left. Willis smiled to himself as Hikari was watching his retreating back.

And maybe if I'm lucky, I can hook up with Kari… was Willis's last thought before disappearing into the crowd. Hikari then turned her attention towards Takeru, who at the moment had his eyes closed and his arms resting on the bench.

"What is it Takeru-kun? Something wrong about going to a party?" Hikari asked. Takeru sighed tiredly.

She doesn't even know the half of it. She's so innocent, Takeru thought, before deciding to respond. "Well Hika-chan, you know how America is different from Japan, right?" Takeru asked, as he opened his eyes, seeing Hikari nod. "Well, these parties are known for being…how can I put it in an appropriate vocabulary…uh, risqué. All kinds of things happen," Takeru replied.

"Oh, I see. Well, why don't we just go together, and if it gets too risqué, then we can leave?" Hikari asked.

"Sure, I guess so. Now, why don't we get lunch? I'm starting to get hungry, if you know what I mean," Takeru stated, smiling at the girl. Hikari could only giggle.

"Okay, Mr. Stomach Eater. Now let's go!" Hikari shouted. The two laughed as they got up from the bench, and left to get something to eat…

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Meanwhile, while Hikari and Takeru were getting a late lunch, Mimi had just come home from modeling. She sighed tiredly as she collapsed on the couch. Planning her wedding was just tiring. Of course, the wedding planner was helping, but not that much. Mimi had planned to have the wedding back in Odaiba, in a church of course. But it was frustrating. The wedding planner was trying to get a place booked for the reception, and all of the places they were calling were booked. At this rate, they would never find a place for the reception. Mimi banged her fists on the table.

"Ugh, this is so frustrating! I'll never get this wedding prepared in time!" Mimi shouted. She then looked at the clock. It stated that it was four-thirty. "Well, Joe should be done with school for today. I think I'm going to call him," Mimi said to herself, as she walked to the wall and picked up the phone nearby. She then turned it on and dialed Joe's number. After a few rings, someone picked up on the other line.

"Hello, this is Joe Kido speaking. Who is this?" Joe asked on the other line.

"Joe, this is Mimi," Mimi replied. Joe immediately perked up on the other end.

"Oh, hey Meems. How's planning the wedding going?" Joe asked. Mimi sighed tiredly.

"It's frustrating! I can't seem to get a place reserved for us and our guests," Mimi said, taking a strand of her hair and twirling it with her finger. Joe just chuckled on the other line.

"Then why don't I come over and help you? After all, I will be your husband, and my input is as much important as yours, since it is our wedding," Joe said. Mimi smiled at the thought.

"Thank you thank you thank you!" Mimi exclaimed rushingly. Joe just laughed.

"Anytime. I'll be here in like twenty minutes, okay?" Joe asked.

"Okay. Love you," Mimi replied.

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye." Mimi then hung up the phone and placed it back on the receiver. She then smiled as she went over towards the cabinet and started making herself a pot of coffee. A smile then appeared on her face.

"Thank God for Joe…"

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Two hours later, while Mimi and Joe were planning for their wedding, Takeru and Hikari were getting ready for the party. Takeru smiled himself as he put the finishing touches on his wardrobe. He was wearing a long sleeved blue cotton shirt, with a white shirt under it, with a chain necklace around his neck, with the cotton shirt buttoned up to about the middle of his chest. He also wore some simple dark gray stonewashed jeans with some white sneakers. He then made his way toward Hikari's room, and knocked on her door.

"Come on Hikari, we're going to be late!" Takeru exclaimed. He then looked towards the floor depressingly. I can't believe I'm actually getting excited about this party. Well, the only reason why I'm trying to look good is for the girl behind the door…if she ever gets herself ready in time, Takeru thought as he looked at his watch.

Seven-thirty. The party would start in about ten minutes, and the party was held at a dorm, so it would be some distance to reach it. Takeru finally sighed in relief as the white door in front of him opened, and Hikari emerged from it. Takeru eyed her choice of wardrobe. It was a pink sleeveless top with simple blue jeans and some matching pink sandals. Takeru felt breathless for a moment, but suddenly snapped himself back to reality. He then furrowed an eyebrow.

"You do know how much colder it is outside?" Takeru asked, as the two made over to the coat rack. Hikari just turned to look at him.

"Oh, thanks for the compliment Takeru-kun. I thought you would say that I'm beautiful," Hikari replied, as Takeru handed her a brown leather jacket. He also grabbed his black leather jacket.

"I think you're beautiful all the time Hikari-chan," Takeru said to himself. He spoke it as a whisper, hoping Hikari wouldn't catch it. But, the girl did. This made the young woman blush as she slipped it on. Takeru finished putting on his jacket.

"Really Takeru? You think I'm beautiful all the time?" Hikari asked, leaning towards Takeru, as the two were standing near the entrance/exit of their apartment. This caught the boy off-guard, as he blushed.

"Um, I uh…um…yeah," Takeru replied nervously. Hikari smiled at him.

"Oh, you're so sweet," Hikari said as she kissed him on the cheek. Takeru turned away, blushing in embarrassment.

I'm never going to wash this cheek again. Now that I think about it, this could be the night me and Hikari get together…

I got two words for you, pal…You. Wish.

Ugh, not you again. All I want is a chance to be able to confess my feelings for Hikari. We've been together for five days now, and it seems like we've been together for five years…

So what if it seems like you've been with her forever? Remember, there are other guys interested in her. Like Willis…

Shut up. I don't need you right now. I'm going to have a good time, and I'm going to ignore YOU. So goodbye…

Takeru then turned his attention back onto Hikari. "Ready to go?" he asked. The girl nodded while smiling, and the two made their way out of the apartment…

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"Finally, we're here…" Takeru trailed off, as he and Hikari made their way into the party. The room was dark, with lamps illuminating the dorm, while there was a table for drinks and food, and across from that table was a DJ, spinning records. People were scattered throughout the room, some getting drunk and trying to hit on other people, some making out, and others, dancing upon an area labeled "the dance floor". Takeru looked to Hikari as she looked around the room. "So, how do you like it?" he shouted over the loud music. Hikari turned to look at him.

"Well…it's different!" Hikari exclaimed. Takeru nodded. He then took her hand. Hikari could only smile at him.

"So, what would you like to do?" Takeru asked. Hikari leaned closer so she could whisper into his ear.

"Dance. Care to join me?" she asked, leaving the young man flustered. Takeru blushed as she used her seductive voice. He then nodded.

"Uh, sure…why not?" The two then made their way over towards the dance floor, and started dancing to some random song. At first, it was hard to find a rhythm to follow, but once the two found theirs, they settled into the croud. Takeru was getting incredibly excited as well as nervous by dancing so close to Hikari.

God, she's so hot… Takeru thought, as the girl rubbed up against him, as the two danced, teasing him. This caused the boy to blush even more, as he furrowed an eyebrow at her.

Is she teasing me? I just feel like-

You don't want to finish that sentence…

Right. This is Hikari we're talkin' 'bout here. Not some other girl. Stupid hormones, Takeru thought, as he continued to dance. Hikari was feeling real excited, and was relishing in the closeness of her and her best friend. She looked at Takeru as he was dancing, his body moving to the beat.

Takeru-kun…this just reminds me of the time we danced together at prom, only now he's not going to pull me off the dance floor and tell me he's leaving for New York…'cause we are in New York. Now, he has nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. This is the perfect time for me to tell him my feelings, Hikari thought, as she started to implement her plan.

"So Takeru, do you know how hot you are?" Hikari asked. This surprised the young man. He blinked as he stopped dancing and looked at the young woman in astonishment.

"Really?" The boy blushed, and blinked more. Hikari just giggled, before she leaned towards him.

"No, I'm just kidding. But seriously Takeru, I do think that you are handsome," Hikari whispered into his ear. This made Takeru liven up in a few shades of color. He then regained his composure, and decided to create a comeback.

"Well Hikari, I think you're beautiful too…and not to mention h-o-t," Takeru grinned, as he spelled out the last word. This only caused the girl to smile as the two continued to dance, now with Takeru dancing with her, not just dancing by himself, with him tantalizing her body. This caused the two to reach a natural high, until they both were starting to run out of energy. Hikari then clutched Takeru's hand.

"Well handsome, I think it's time for a drink…" Hikari trailed off as she led Takeru to the food table. When they approached it, they saw cans of beer and bottles of several different types of alcohol. Apparently, this person wanted everyone at this party to have a good time, and by a good time, meaning they wanted everyone's alcohol content in their blood to rise. Thankfully, someone did bring a two-liter bottle of Sprite. Takeru managed to get himself and Hikari a cup, before adding ice and the Sprite to it and handing it to Hikari. After all, the last thing he wanted was for him and her to get drunk and do something stupid.

"Thanks, Takeru-kun," Hikari smiled as she took a sip of her cup. Takeru could only smile back.

"Anytime Hikari-chan," Takeru replied, as he also took a sip of his Sprite. A thought then occurred to him.

You know, this would be the perfect time to tell her how you feel…

I was getting to that…and hey, why aren't you against me doing that?

'Cause, I'd like to see the expression on your face when she rejects you…

Thanks…thanks a lot…And I thought for a moment that you were on my side. Well, here goes nothing… Takeru thought, before inhaling some air. He then slowly exhaled as he looked at Hikari. "Uh, Hikari, there's something I've been meaning to tell you, for a very long time…" This caught the girl's attention, as she stopped drinking her soft drink.

"What is it Takeru? Is it something bad?" Hikari asked. Her question made the young man think again.

Damn, my confession could be something bad…

That's my point, loser. I'd like to see how you get yourself out of this. Later, haha… Takeru's dark half then left his mind, leaving the boy's main personality by himself.

Great. How am I going to do this? I guess I have no other choice but to confess. Well, here goes… Takeru sighed as he managed to answer Hikari's question. "Well, it could be, I guess. It depends on you…" He trailed off.

"Oh. Then…uh, what is it you wanted to tell me?" Hikari asked.

"Well, I've just wanted to say…well…Hikari…I…I lo-"

"Hey, look who's here!" a voice exclaimed. This cut Takeru off, as he looked at where the voice came from. Suddenly, he frowned as he saw a familiar face make his way through the crowd, and towards the couple. Takeru sighed tiredly as he looked at the ground. The other blonde wrapped his arm around Takeru.

"Well well well, what have we here? Look who finally showed up," Willis replied. Another voice chuckled beside him. It wouldn't take much to guess who it was.

"Oh, hi Willis, Jim…How are you guys?" Hikari asked. Willis just slapped Takeru on the back.

"Great, just great. Well buddy, finally glad you've decided to come," Willis replied, looking toward his friend. Takeru looked up to have his blue eyes meet Willis's green ones.

"Oh, hey Willis…" Takeru replied, looking depressed. Willis unwrapped his arm from Takeru, as he was concerned.

"Hey T.K, buddy, what's wrong? Did I interrupt something?" Willis asked.

Yes, as a matter-of-fact, you did…But, I have to keep my charade on.

But then you know what that means. That means you won't have a chance with Hikari…

Oh, just shut up. Besides, I thought you left earlier.

Me? I never leave. I was just silent earlier. Now, what are you going to say to your "buddy"?

Uh… Takeru thought, as he tried to think of what to say. Finally, his brain clicked, and he mouth managed to spit something out.

"Uh, no, no…Me and Hikari were just talkin', that's all."

"Great." Willis then turned his attention from Takeru to Hikari. "So, Hikari, care to dance?" Willis asked, as he offered a hand to the girl. Hikari looked at Willis's hand, before looking to Takeru. Takeru nodded.

"It's all right Hikari. I'll be fine," Takeru replied.

"If you say so, Takeru-kun," Hikari replied, as she took Willis's hand. The two then left for the dance floor, leaving Takeru with Jim. Jim turned his head toward Takeru.

"Well, if you'll excuse me T.K, I'm going to go check out the ladies," Jim replied, leaving Takeru by himself. Takeru sighed tiredly, before finally deciding to go outside…

Meanwhile, while Takeru was by himself, Hikari and Willis were dancing to the beat of the music. Hikari enjoyed dancing with Willis, but she liked dancing with Takeru more. Of course, the reason why she enjoyed it more was because she loved him. However, she couldn't help but admit to herself that she also had some feelings for Willis. This was causing the girl to become confused.

Why am I feeling this way? I love Takeru…I know! Willis just reminds me of him, that's all…but then, why do I feel so nervous around him? Could I like him as well? Hikari thought, as she moved with Willis. Meanwhile, Willis was also having a conversation with himself.

Man, Hikari's on fire. How am I gonna appraoch her? First, I gotta loosen her up more. Then, I can get her to do anything I want. All I have to do is slip a little vodka into her drink and she won't notice a thing, Willis smirked to himself as he looked towards his jeans pocket, which, had a cahier of vodka in it. All he had to do was lure the girl over to the table and his plan would be a success. He then looked down at Hikari.

"So, Hikari, what do you think of New York so far?" Willis asked.

"I think it's great! It sort of reminds me of home, and yet, it's so different…" Hikari trailed off. Willis could only nod.

"Yeah, considering how back in Odaiba they have symbols written everywhere with the words in Romanji under it," Willis replied. Despite how typical Willis acted as an American, he was a genius. He had graduated Colorado State University when he was very young. And this fact reminded Hikari.

"Uh Willis, why are you in college? If I remember correctly, Izzy told me you went to Colorado State when we were eight or nine," Hikari stated curiously.

"Well, you're right there. I did go to Colorado State when I was younger, but I decided I wanted to major in something else. Besides, I decided I wanted to go to college when other people my age were attending there as well, and what better place than New York?" Willis shouted over the loud music. This just gave a smile on Hikari's face. Willis just grinned.

Great. Now, it's time to put phase one of my plan into action, Willis thought, as he leaned in towards Hikari.

"So, Kari, would you care for a drink? Non-alcoholic of course," Willis asked, trying to be a gentleman. Hikari only nodded happily. Willis smirked.

She'll be putty in my hands…

mnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnmnm

Meanwhile, Takeru was outside, still trying to calm down from Willis cutting him from dancing with Hikari. Tonight, Takeru thought would have been the perfect chance to tell Hikari how he felt. Yet, his chance was ruined, again. Takeru sighed as he looked at the night sky.

Why? Why is it that every time I try to tell Hikari how I feel, fate intervenes? Does fate not want me to be with her? Fate brung her to New York, and now we're together…but only as friends…maybe, fate is just telling me that she only needed me as a friend…But then why did she flirt with me earlier?

She's just trying to confuse you…there is a possibility that she does know how you feel…or maybe she could like you…but I doubt it…

Yeah. I mean, why would she like someone like me? I'm only her best friend. Most girls never like their best friends like that, Takeru thought, as he looked back toward the inside of the dorm. He then sighed tiredly as he looked back to the night sky.

Well, better get back to the party. If I stay out too long, Hikari will probably start worrying about me… Takeru then started to walk back into the building, when he suddenly bumped into someone. The two fell to the ground, and Takeru shook his head in pain. He looked down towards the ground as he apologized.

"Oh, I'm very sorry. Uh, I didn't look where I was goin'," Takeru replied. He then offered a hand, and help the person he bumped into up. As soon as the two were up, Takeru got a good look at who he bumped into. It was girl, around his age, with straight blonde hair, and green eyes. Immediately as Takeru recognized the facial features, her name came out of his mouth.

"Catherine?"

So, Takeru has bumped into Catherine, the girl he and Tai rescued in Versailles Palace in France. How will this girl mix things up? And what about Willis? Will he lure Hikari in his trap, or will Takeru save her? Find out in the next chapter!

Next chapter: Takeru and Catherine get reaquainted, while Willis trys to get Hikari drunk. Meanwhile, Joe and Mimi are finally able to set a date at their wedding! Will this be Takeru's chance in confessing to Hikari?

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to review!

-Malcolm Yuy