hi again. a big thankies to those who took the time to review my ficcie! u guys really help me!

also thanks to all of u who r reading this fic, i hope u like this chapter.

On with the story.

" You are in a hurry today…" Yuki frowned , as he watched Machi gobble up what was left of her lunch.

' Things have been strange recently….she seems so distant, always busy…' Yuki didn't like this subtle change in her, not at all.

" …. " Machi looked up, startled.

Of course she was in a hurry. She was late, as usual! She knew that Momiji would be waiting for her, at their usual meeting place ( what he liked to call ' secret spot ' ), under the biggest cherry tree on the campus. He always used to wait for her, at the end of lunch period.

' It never works…. No matter how many times I scold him….'

Flashback

" I told you I don't want you to wait for me! " Machi yelled at a hyper Momiji, nearly at the end of her wits.

" But… But I really, really like waiting for Machi-chan! " Pools of tears shone in lustrous puppy eyes, threatening to spill at any second.

" I EVEN BROUGHT YOU CANDY! " Momiji wailed, loudly and annoyingly.

" Be quiet… don't cry…. You are making too much noise! " Machi chided, helpless.

" WAAAAAAAAAAH! " the aforementioned wailing and crying went up by several decibels.

" Alright already! I'll come! Just stop making such a racket! " she sealed his lips with the palm of her hand.

" Really? " he sniffed, crying subsiding instantly.

" Yes. " she muttered. ' As if I have a choice! '

" Really, really….? " he pouted, brown eyes shining.

" Do you want me to change my mind? " the girl growled fiercely.

" Nooooooooo……" he whimpered, cowering.

' Finally some peace and quiet….' She sighed, when..

" Here's your candy, Machi-chan! " Momiji suddenly popped a strawberry flavored sweet in her mouth, making her beet red and earning a nice big bump on his head.

Yup. School had got a lot more annoying for Machi. But as Momiji left after a quick pat on her head, she couldn't help but smile. There was something endearing about this happy blond person, his presence seemed to fill a void that she didn't even know existed before, and secretly, she couldn't help but enjoy his company….

End of flashback

" Hello! Earth to Machi. Mayday, Mayday! " Manabe waved his hands in front of his little sisters face, trying to snap her out of her reverie.

" …. " she gave him a blank look and started to pack her bag, somewhat in a hurry, Yuki noticed.

" Seriously Machi. " Manabe got up and stretched his arms. " You have been rushing off quite often lately. You don't even say good-bye to Yun-Yun anymore! " he frowned, in a mocking manner.

" Umm….. she never does that. " Yuki sweatdropped at the ridiculous comments.

Machi just whacked her brother with her bag. " This doesn't concern you! " she muttered flustered.

" But Yun-Yun really misses you! The princess has been getting more and more depressed! " Manabe pointed an accusing finger at his innocent looking best friend.

" WHEN DID I SAY THAT! Don't go assuming things on your own, you baka! " Yuki protested, having a half mind to strangle the black ranger, ridding the world of noise pollution and insanity. ' But is it far from the truth? ' a tiny voice nudged him in a corner of his mind.

" You don't have to say anything. I can tell…" Manabe shrugged with a small smile.

Yuki froze. ' Am I really that obvious? '

' Yes you are! ' the aforementioned voice answered his question.

' Does he really…. could he really….' Machi began to think when, " Machi-chan, you'd better hurry up, you are already late you know! " Kimi interrupted, a frown etched on her pretty face.

" Late? For what? " Yuki cast a sideward glace at Manabe who just nodded nonchalantly.

" NOTHING! " Machi stomped her foot, getting up and nervously smoothing her uniform. She didn't like the way things were proceeding today.

As if that was going to stop Kimi.

" Late for her rendezvous with Momiji-kun! " Kimi announced with a flourish. She had known it for a while now and was just dying to dramatically declare it to the rest of the world i.e. the council room.

Yuki stood up, shocked.

( Cliffie! I hope u liked the chappie! Do tell me what u think about it!

Note: i would like to apologize in advance if Momiji seems OOC. this is the first time i'm writing him so there might be a few glitches . i'll try my best to improve.

also please refrain from character bashing in reviews. i got one review of that nature, its really unfair to the fans of those characters, don't u think? besides it really doesn't help me with my story. i don't mind preferences, but no character bashing, ok ? constructive criticism is welcome.)