R&R please. And for those of you who have seen MG, this fic will be fairly accurate to the show. Bet you never expected this from Tala huh?

The clock continues to tick and Tala is just standing to the side and watching the whole scene in front of him. Enrique has possession of the ball and Kai is guarding him. Kira is doing her best to guard Johnny.

With 1 second left in the game, Tala suddenly jumps up, intervenes the ball that Enrique is aiming toward the net and slaps the ball out of his hand.

"What are you doing?" Enrique protested.

Kateena watches from where she is standing and suddenly starts smiling as if she knew that this was going to happen.

"I'm not playing anymore. Such a childish thing, who would want to play?"

"What are you saying!"

"This is so stupid!"

"What's going on? Why aren't we playing!" Daichi yelled from his position.

"Why do I have to stay here and sweat so much with you guys! This is messed!"

He turns and walks away from everyone.

"Tala. You said don't play so you expect us to not play? Then what about the match?" Enrique yelled

"It's up to you guys." He continues on his way without looking back.

"Tala…"

Tala stops at the sound of her voice briefly before continuing on.

"That guy is like that in the past."

"Right. In the past, we use to play cards all together. He would suddenly throw a temper and not play anymore."

"Kateena? Have you taught your brother anything?" Johnny laughed.

"Does it matter? This kind of ending – isn't it what you guys wanted?" Kateena smirked.

"Kateena, you are too mean. But for real, if we had lost, then that would have been very shameful."

"We were thinking of winning originally and then convincing Tala."

"Right!"

They give each other a high five.

"Kai, you are too impressive. Almost winning the game on your own and even taking into effect Tala's feelings."

"Let's go." Johnny slapped Kai on the back.

"Let's go." Kateena pulled Kira away form the empty court.

After leaving the gym and the game, Tala wonders around aimlessly on the streets. He bumps into a guy on the streets and continues walking.

"Eh. You bumped into me and don't even know how to say sorry?"

His girlfriend pulls him away to avoid making a scene. Tala just continues walking without even making any sort of sign that he had heard the words that the guy spoke.

It's nighttime and Tala is still wondering in the dark aimlessly. He bumps into a group of 3 guys that are sitting on the streets drinking beer.

"Eh, what are we going to do after drinking this beer?" The guy asked obviously completely drunk.

"We don't have money. What do you want to do?"

"No money, then go look for money. No money. There has to be a way. Think."

"Eh, there's a convenient store over there."

"Stop the nonsense!"

At this moment, Tala walks pass the 3 guys and they take notice of him.

"He looks so slow-witted. Let's see if he has any."

"Hey, young man."

Tala ignores them and continues walking.

"Hey, hey, hey. Talking to you." One of the guys poked him on the arm.

Tala stops in his tracks and just continues staring blankly.

One if them snaps his fingers in front of Tala's face but doesn't get any reaction at all.

"Eh, our luck is not bad today. Found someone that's stoned. Look, his eyes look so dull."

"Really? Look! His hair is so funny!"

"Look for money."

"Find money, find money."

He starts to search Tala for money.

"He really is drugged to the point of craziness. Haha how much dope do you think he smoked.

"Find it yet? Find it yet?"

"Found it, found it! Wow! It's a name brand!" The guy gasped and opens the wallet.

He opens up the wallet and gasps in astonishment.

"How much money?"

"At least $3,00, $4,00!"

"It was just waiting for us to take it! Wow! Look, look! There are lots of gold cards! This fellow is really not that simple. So many different kinds of cards!" The guy who obviously was also drunk senseless said 'zo wany kai's' of cards instead.

Tala suddenly looks up at the sound of the mention of Kai's name.

"Look, we have money to gamble now!"

"Eh, let's go immediately!"

"Of course!"

"Hey, hey, hey. You guys are such gamble addicts!"

"If not, then how can we be the same kinds of people!" Again the guy pronounced Kai instead of kind.

Tala's ears perk up again at the mention of Kai.

"Eh, what kind?" Once again Kai's name was mentioned.

Tala's hands suddenly started knotting into a tight fist.

"Deh gansta kai'!"

"Split the money, split the money."

"What were you guys talking about just now!" Tala turned around and coldly spoke.

"Wah! Why did he star' talkin'!"

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang is at the Ivanov mansion eating and drinking around a table.

"Eat more. You guys all eat more." Kateena happily offered them more food.

"Smells so good."

"Can't eat all this! Who can still eat?"

"It's good. Eat more! Eh, Kai. Pour some wine for Kira."

Kai nodded and reached for the bottle of wine.

"Yo Kai I think you drunk to much." Johnny stared at Kai.

"No, I think Kateena drunk even more" Kai protested and pointed at her.

"What the hell are you talking about, this is nothing."

"I think that Kira has drank enough too. Look, she looks a bit like an idiot!" Enrique added. He knew that Kateena had something up her sleeve, but he wasn't sure what.

Kira just sat there and continued to smile at everyone while everybody laughs and looks like they are having lots of fun.

"So fast. You guys are all grown up now. And it's that time when you guys are at an age to fight amongst yourselves over a girl."

'I feel that this isn't fighting amongst friends over a girl. Because I still don't understand whom Kai is thinking about in his heart. He has never told me that he likes me.' Kira thought sadly.

"Tala, this bastard. It's 10:30 already and he still hasn't appeared. I was just afraid that he will come back all depressed so that's why we made the atmosphere here more lively."

"Don't worry about this idiot. He's just idling around the streets. Come, let's all drink!"

"Cheers!"

Back at where Tala sill facing the 3 guys…

"WHY DID YOU GUYS JUST MENTION KAI IN FRONT OF ME BEFORE?"

"Why did he suddenly start talking?" The guy shook looking a little scared.

"What? I want to say Kai! Kai Kai Kai Kai …" The guy shouted back at him.

"KAI MY ASS!" Tala shouted and punched the guy right in the face. A sicken crunch was heard and the guy's nose most likely broke.

"You have a death wish!" One of his friends threatened him. He then lashed out an attack.

Tala easily caught and held the guy's fist easily with one hand, with anger hidden in his tone "Kai and Kira are actually treating me like an idiot!"

"You let go!" Another guy tried to save his friend by unleashing a punch also.

Tala easily catches the guy's fist in his other hand "Dare to play me, the number one Tala Ivanov in the world, for a fool?"

He tightens his hands on the two guys' fist and there are sounds of knuckles cracking loudly.

The two guys gasped in surprise as they realized who it was they were mugging "Tala Ivanov…."

Back at the mansion…

"Come, let's have another drink!" Daichi laughed

Enrique laughs crazily on the side, he was obviously drunk.

"Come, drink wine, drink wine." Kateena raised her glass, though she was still quite sober.

Kira and Kai sit to the side and watch them without saying anything.

"Hey, you two. I wanted to ask you a long time ago. Where exactly have you guys gone to in your relationship?" Johnny hiccupped.

Kira looks over at Kai and shyly looks away.

"New York, New York." Kai answered.

"Give me a break! I'm not asking you for a name of a place, ok! I asking if you guys…"

"Guys what!" Daichi interrupted

"It's none of your business! Be quiet!" Enrique yelled.

He then pushes Daichi's head to the side.

"Kai, did you guys…" Johnny winked at him

"You guys are a bunch of drunken idiots" Kai looked away as he realized what they were hinting on.

Kira stares down at the table feeling very embarrassed.

"It can't be!" Enrique then fell off the chair.

"Stop the nonsense. Stop joking around. Kai, do you have some sort of sickness?"

Kai ignores them and quietly continues to eat.

"Right. Compared to MingMing, Kira is indeed inferior to her, but you shouldn't have not even touched once?"

"Hey! Am I as bad as you said I am!" Kira looked annoyed.

"No wonder I feel that the two of you don't seem like lovers at all."

Kira is feeling very awkward at the way the conversation is going unknown too her Kai isn't exactly into it either.

Kateena laughed and stood up "Fine! I won't force you to be together with Tala anymore. But you guys are being a bunch of kids? It's because the two of you are so slow, that's why Tala, that bastard, had a chance to get in the middle of all this. Fine! The guest room would belong to you two tonight!"

Kira looks up with wide eyes, while Johnny and Enrique quickly jump up out of their seats.

"Right! Strike while the iron's hot!"

He grabs hold of Kai and pulls him to his feet and starts to drag him away. Kai who was pretty much drunk him self didn't have the strength and couldn't see straight enough to fight back.

"What! NO!" Daichi yelled

He gets up out of his chair to protest and Johnny throws out a punch at him.

"Daichi" Kira yelled knowing that she was the most sober one here, besides Kateena,

"Johnny, Enrique you guys have to move faster!" Kateena ordered and began to feel the affects of the wine kick in.

Enrique rushes over to Kira and grabbing hold of her arms pulls her out of her seat and drags her along.

"No!" Kira tried to protest back.

Tala has beaten all of the three guys and picking up one of their beer cans, he pops the lid and drinks from it. The three guys are all lying on the ground, groaning and moaning in pain.

Tala then moves his neck left and right as if to relax his muscles "Much better."

"Of course, you are much better!" The guy praised him trying to not get anymore beaten then he already is,

Tala puts his left foot on the guy's stomach and presses down "How can I be so down over one woman!"

The guy wheezed at the pressure and replied, "You don't look anything like feeling down!"

"Right. I should display vigor. I was too dumb before."

"Aren't you showing enough vigor already!"

"Aren't you guys speaking too much? I'm not playing with you guys anymore." He shrugged and walked on the other two guys that were blocking his way.

"Who's playing with who?" They groaned.

Back at the mansion, Kai and Kira are being pushed into a room by B2.

"We won't open the door until its morning."

"Kai, Go and get her" Johnny did a catcall and laughed.

They both went out of the room and closed the door behind them.

"What the heck are you guys doing!" Kira shouted

"I don't think that there's a problem with this." Kai spoke.

"What not a problem? What's that suppose to mean?" Kira thought

She gets up and turns on the lamp by the bedside table and then quickly crawls over the bed to the other side of the room and turns the other lamp on too. Then she kneels down on the side of the bed as if using bed as a divider between her and Kai.

Kai turned his head and looked at Kira "Why did you run so far away?"

"Nothing. It's not that far away. Eh, let's chat, ok? Let's talk about our high school graduation trip. What did you think about it?" Kira nervous tried to start a conversation.

"Graduation trip?"

"When everybody lived together and chatted all night long. I remember when I was in high school we went to Shanghai. What about you guys?"

"Europe."

"Europe! Rich people!"

"Humph!" Kai glared at her, obviously not like to be called that.

"What are you humph-ing about?"

"You're such an ugly person."

"What did you say!" Kira's eyes opened wide.

Kai laughed "I'm just joking. But, if one looks closely at you, then you're really not that cute. It's like the type, that if you don't look closely, then you won't notice that person."

"You're looking for a fight, right? What does it matter to you if I'm cute or not?" Kira narrowed her eyes thought she's feeling a little sadden by what he said.

"But, looking at you playing basketball today, the look on your face when you were playing so hard, that was quite cute. Originally, I had no idea why Tala liked you so much, but now I understand."

"I…"

"I'm also not quite sure what my feelings toward you are. Enrique and them says that it's because I want to forget MingMing, that's why I chose you. Maybe they're right."

He turns around so that his back is leaning against the bed and back facing Kira instead of his face.

"Maybe I really thought that I could forget MingMing this way." Kai sadly said. The whole pain that he felt with MingMing has began to resurfaced again.

He thinks back to the time when he first saw MingMing after she came back from France, the time when she gave him a kiss at the pub and the dance that they had shared at her birthday party. Time sure travels fast, one moment she was with me the next moment she's gone.

"I'm not too clear what my feelings for you are. If I didn't come back, you and Tala could have been happy together now. Sorry…" Kai lowered his head even more, resting lightly on his shin.

"You don't have to say sorry. I didn't regret it. At least now, we have made progress."

"Made progress?" Kai turned to look at her.

"Right. In the past, you would always have this cold face when you say to me, 'I'm not interested in other people's business.' And now, you can say so many things to me. I'm really very happy." She nodded with a smile on her face. All I really want s for you to open up a bit. It's not good having so many secrets.

"Fool." Kai smirked

He turns away and leans against the side of the bed again and they sat there, one on each side of the bed, in silence.

Meanwhile, B2 and Kateena are still sitting around the table and drinking.

"I think that the two of them must be getting along fine."

"No matter what, Kai's still a guy, and he's pretty much drunk " Enrique laughed and didn't notice Tala walking in.."

"It should work out this time."

"If not, then what did we waste all our strength for?" Kateena raised her glass.

"What Kateena said is right. Kai and Kira… being together is a total disaster." He quickly changed his sentence when he saw Tala standing behind him.

"Huh?"

"Tala..." Johnny quietly said.

Enrique bangs his hand on the table "Right! Tala I really had enough!"

"Enrique, behind you" He pointed to where Tala was standing.

"What's wrong with you? What's going on behind?"

He turns around and sees Tala standing there.

"Tala, Why are you standing there for?" Enrique stood up

"You must be tired. You want to rest a bit?"

"This kind of thing, we can't keep it from him. Tala, Kai and Kira are in a guest room in our house right now. They probably won't come out until morning. If you are a man, then you should wish them happiness. Understand?" Kateena gave him a glare that says do it or else.

"Kai, sure has his ways." Tala just smiled

He walks over to the table and pretends that he doesn't care about the whole matter. But deep inside his heart was breaking. Breaking into million pieces, with little hopes of restoring it.

"Isn't it best this way?" Tala forced himself to smile again.

"Tala, you've finally thought it through!" Johnny smiled and put a hand on his shoulder.

"This is the best way!"

"Maybe you have a brain after all" Kateena teased and poked him in the temple.

Tala was going to push her away but decide against it, instead, he rubbed his hands together and said " I'm so hungry, is there anything to eat?"

"I'll go get the chef to make something immediately."

"Come. Sit." Enrique ushered.

"Let's have a good drink tonight!"

"Ok! I'm going to get the wine." Kateena got up to get yet another bottle of expensive imported wine.

Tala sits down on the chair and with everybody gone, he drops his happy pretense to show his sad expression. 'Kira.."

The next morning, Kira wakes up to find Kai still sleeping on his side of the room, so she gets up and walks out of the room.

Kira walks into the living room followed by a maid.

"Miss Tagoshi is there anything else that you need my help for?"

"Nothing else, thank you."

"If you need anything, just tell me."

"Ok."

The maid bows and walks away. Kira slowly walks across the living room toward the window. Unknown to Kira, Tala walks out to the landing above and stares down at her.

Kira pulls the curtain back and stares out, thinking to herself

'Kai, thank you for telling me the truth, and not leading me on. MingMing, it seems like there's no way that I can ever win over you. You'll always be the only person he'll ever love, the only person that's in his heart. I can only become his friend. Even though my heart hurts a lot but it doesn't matter. Because I am Kira, the weed, I can survive anything life put out against me.'

Standing on the second landing, Tala couldn't control his emotions anymore and staring at Kira's back, tears rolled down his face as he remember what she did last night 'You're gone for good now'

Trying to keep his composure, he walks away, leaving Kira still staring out the window.

In school, Kai is standing outside when B2 walks over to him.

"Why did you leave so early this morning?" Johnny asked

"Why did you guys come so late? You guys ok? Sober now?" Kai crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

"What do you think? What happened last night?"

"Yesterday night?"

"Stop pretending! You and Kira."

"Huh?"

"What are you huh-ing about? We're talking about what happened between you and Kira inside the room the whole entire night." Enrique asked getting impatient

"Nothing happened between us."

"What!" Johnny's eyes went wide

" I'm not a man whore like the rest of you. I wouldn't do something like that." Kai smirked

"It's no doubt about it. Her figure is a bit bad."

Kai laughs.

"Right. Not feminine at all. That's very tragic."

"But actually, I show sympathy for her. Being locked up for a whole night with the guy that she loves and nothing happened. Is there a problem with you!" Johnny punched him on the arm playfully.

"It's not what you think. Kira is a really good girl. Even I nearly fell for her. But we didn't do anything. We just chatted very seriously the whole night in the room."

"Is it because you still can't forget about MingMing?"

"If that's not it, then what other reason can there be?"

"I will not betray Tala in order to appease myself. After all, we are good friends that grew up together." Kai replied

"What about Kira?"

"As long as I know that Tala likes her, it is impossible between Kira and I." Kai honestly replied.

"Really, you."

"I guess no one can replace Ming Ming's place in your heart." Enrique gave a serious look to Kai.

Kai doesn't answer but the atmosphere between them seems to have lightened up once this whole matter is cleared up.

Back at the Ivanov mansion, Tala is still dressed in his red gym clothes and sitting on his bed thinking.

"Hey, you're home. Why aren't you in class? Dad just called to talk about you going over to New York. I've already refused it for you." Kateena walked in and sat on the bed.

"I've decided to go to New York." Tala quietly replied.

"You want to go to New York? Why are you going to New York?" Kateena gave him a surprise look and put a hand to his forehead seeing if he has a fever or not.

"Before the basketball match yesterday, I've already decided. Doesn't matter if I win or lose, I'm going to New York to study." Tala brushed his sisters hand away.

"But Dad and Mom have urged you so many times in the past and you won't go. Why do you want to go so suddenly now?" Kateena curiously asked.

"There's no why."

"It's because of Kira?" Kateena gave a smirk knowing that she was right.

"Stop being so annoying. Anyway, I've decided to go already. Leaving tomorrow or the day after tomorrow is fine. You take care of the ticket for me." Tala changed the topic.

"Fine. Anyway, I should return to the States now. You're sure?" She signed and got off the bed and walked out.

Tala nods his head. 'It's for the best if I leave'

Returning home that night, Kira finds the house in total darkness.

"I'm back. Why aren't the lights lit? No one's here? Dad? Mom?" Kira yelled.

She walks into the kitchen and finds her parents sitting there with very solemn looking expressions.

"You're both here. Why didn't you cook dinner tonight? Did something happen?" Kira took a sit across form her parents.

"We can't keep on living in this house anymore." Her mom lowered her head.

"Why?"

"Your dad has been laid off by the company."

Mr. Tagoshi bursts out in tears.

"Is that for real, Dad?"

He nods his head, with his face scrunched up.

"We can't afford to live in this house anymore."

"Kira. The economy is not going too well outside now. Dad's company has also been hit hard. So that's why I got laid off!" With that he starts to cry even more.

"What are you crying for? I'm the one that's supposed to be crying! You're so stupid! Don't you know to keep low? How can you have been laid off! How can you have been so careless!" Her Mom half yelled half cried while slapping her husband.

"I didn't want it to be this way either, wife! I've worked in the company for more than 20 years! The boss said that he was firing me this morning and he fired me! I also don't know what to do! Losing the job at my age! I'm so useless! I'm good for nothing! I'm sorry to you and Kira!" MR. Tagoshi let out a wail.

"Mom.."

"Don't talk like that. Kira, no matter what, you have to study hard at Bakuten. You absolutely can't leave there! Because our future is in the hands of your rich husband! We don't care if its Tala Ivanov or Kai Hiwatari. For this reason, you have to continue to study hard!"

"Yes. Kira, I will try my best to find a job. Ok?"

"I will work very hard. You have to work hard."

"Ok, we'll work hard together."

"Everybody works hard!" They both said together

"Go us" Mom and Dad said excitedly but Kira not happy at all.

The next day, their family moves into a run down building with only one small room. Mom opens the door and walks in followed by Kira and Dad. They both look around the small room before stepping in.

"There's only one room?" Mrs. Tagoshi came in holding a box

"Right. It's looks so worn out. This is a place that humans can live in! And moreover, there's only one room! How can three people live in this place!" He followed carrying a suitcase in one hand.

"You dare to say that! It's all your fault!" She whacks him with the box that she was holding

"I…"

She hits him with the box on his chest causing him to fly off to the corner falling on top of the suitcase" Get away. Kira, our whole family is depending on you now. Do you hear me!"

"Right, Kira it's all up to you now. Go and get them!"

'If I tell them now that I have ended my relationship with Kai and broke up with Tala, they will definitely be very angry! And then they will kick me out! What am I going to do? I think I better fix things on my own. I have to go find another job to do."

In school…

"Did you hear? Tala is going to New York!" a random student spoke.

"You're telling the truth!"

Kira walks up and sees the two girls talking but didn't hear what they were talking about.

"Kira!" Daichi came running towards her

She stops and turns around to find him running full speed at her.

"Kira, Bad news" He said out of breath.

"What are you running so fast for? What has happened?"

"You don't know? Tala is quitting school! He's going to New York!"

"New York?" Kira said her eyes widen.

"It's today's rumor. You didn't hear about it I think he made this decision because he wanted to give you to me." He smiled shyly but only to find Kira gone.

In another part of the school…

"Tala, are you for real?"

"You don't know how to speak English! What are you going to New York for!" Johnny asked in disbelief.

"It's because I don't know how to speak, so that's why I'm going to New York to learn." Tala replied.

"But…"

"How long will you be gone?" Enrique stopped Johnny from commenting and asked instead.

"I probably won't be back within these two years." Tala crossed his arms

"What! Two years!"

"And also, I'm taking an early flight tomorrow morning." Tala stood up.

B2 both stare at him with a shock and stunned looks on their faces.

"Tala.." Kai finally spoke up.

"Don't misunderstand. I'm not going because of you. It's because my Dad has always asked me to go. After I have become a world class Ivanov then I'll be back." Tala gave Kai a smile and placed one hand on his waist.

Kira then ran up to them and stopped to stare at Tala's back.

"Tala, you're really not going to think about it some more?" Enrique put hand on his shoulder.

Tala just shakes his head to give his answer.

"You really are going to New York?" Kira nervous spoke out loud.

"Right." Tala turned around to see a red faced Kira.

"Kira, you came just in time. Hurry up and talk him." Johnny pleaded.

"No matter how we try to talk him, he won't listen."

"I've already made up my mind. There's no point in trying to persuade me. I'm leaving tomorrow." Tala sternly replied.

"What? Tomorrow? You're really leaving tomorrow? Then why didn't you tell me? Why!" Kira said stunned.

Tala folded his arm across his chest. "Why do I have to tell you! Besides, without me, such a big barrier around, then you and Kai should be able to get along very well. Right, Kai?" He gave Kai a glance before looking back at Kira.

"Tala…" Kai tried to speak again.

"You guys should nurture your feelings for each other. I will find myself a blond girl in New York." Tala smirked.

A shaken and shocked Kira reaches out and punched Tala on the face and starts crying.

"If you want to go, then hurry up and go! Doesn't matter if it's the States or Africa! If you want to go then hurry up and leave! Doesn't matter if it's 3 years or 5 years! It would be best if you left now! If you're not in Taiwan, that would be the best! I'm not crying because I'm sad… It's because I'm too happy! I'm just too happy! I think that I don't need to say goodbye to you. Anyway, we won't see each other again. YOU IDIOT!" Kira shouted crying more and more now.

Tala just stared at her tear-streaked face.

With tears running down, Kira turns and runs away from Tala, leaving him standing there struggling with his own emotions and staring after her.

In a school building somewhere…

Kira sits on a chair and thinks to herself, with tears falling

'As a matter of fact, I really don't have the right to throw a temper. But he was actually going to leave without telling me. This was really too sudden. This is not the same as breaking up with Kai. Even though, I was very sad at that time too, but I understood that I didn't have a choice. But now… I have never thought that the guy would really leave here. It's too sudden. I don't know what to do'

"Kira" Kai suddenly appeared.

Kira wiped her tears away and looks at him.

Kai squatted down in from her "Tala is leaving for New York tomorrow. You really don't have a problem with that?"

"When did you come?" Kira avoided the question.

"You're not going to do anything?" Kai tried again.

"Wherever he goes, it's none of my business." Kira avoided Kai's eyes, because she knew that if she looked she'd give in to them.

"I remember that time when MingMing decided to go to France, you once told me firmly that I have to have courage. Have to let the other person know what your feelings are. Then what about you now? You're really going to let Tala leave like this?"

Kira doesn't answer and just continues to cry with her face turned away from Kai.

At the airport the next day, B3 and Daichi are seeing Tala off.

"Tala, you have to take care."

"Next time you come back it could be that you can speak English very fluently."

"Well, of course! Someone with as much size as me would learn things very quickly." Tala boasted puffing his chest up high.

"Sense, ok? SENSE! I advise you that when you get to New York to go and get some help for your English." Enrique corrected and poking fun at Tala.

"This is Tala's first time leaving the 3 of you?" Kateena asked.

"It seems like that. But if this fellow has to leave, I really don't have any feelings at all. But with Kateena , you… I feel a bit of sadness." He flirted.

Tala shook his head and groaned at the fact that Enrique would have the guts to hit on his sister.

"Right. It's good that he leaves. In the past, when Tala feels pissed off, he would take it out of us every time." Johnny joked.

"I think that when you get to New York, you should find 3 Black guys and form another Black guys B4" Enrique joked.

"Finding 3 people would be kind of hard for me. Isn't it much faster for you guys to find another one to take my place?" Tala smirked.

"Me!" Daichi yelled happily "I can take his place."

Tala whacked Daichi in the chest with his passport "Did I ask for your opinion!"

"Don't even think about it for this lifetime." Johnny wrapped his hand around Daichi's neck in a headlock and warned.

"B4 is B4. No one can replace you." Kai added

Tala smiles and nods his head.

"The passengers to New York on Flight #CI604 please check in at Gate #18." A women voice sounded over the speakers.

"I'm off." Tala spoke.

"Don't you want to wait a bit to see Kira? It could be that she will come and see you off." Kai gave him a blank look

"I don't think there's any need. Kira's probably very happy that you are leaving." Daichi teased.

"It's none of your business!" Tala yelled unable to control his feelings for Kira.

Daichi ran behind Kateena.

Tala went to kill Daichi but the glare from Kateena's eyes told him to back off.

"Fine, fine. Take it as if what I said was wrong. But Kira definitely won't be in the mood to see you off now. Because her Dad just got laid off and they don't have much money. So, they have moved off to a very poor place to live. Where would she have the time to be bothered with you now?" Daichi raised both of his hands.

"Truthfully, I really like Kira, Who would have thought that the end would be…" Kateena placed a finger to her chin.

"That's her family's problem! I can't be bothered with it." Tala butted in out of anger.

"Let's go. We should go check in." Kateena rolls her eyes.

They both turn to leave and sudden Kai calls out " Tala I have something to tell you."

He pulls Tala to the side and whispers something to his ear.

On the plane…

Attendant's voice sounded "Guests, we are about to take off. Please make sure your seat belts are secured, upright your seats, place the table back including the footrest. Thank you."

Kateena is sitting on the outside next to Tala and reading the newspaper, while Tala is sitting there staring off blankly out of the window.

Kateena made a face as she looked at Tala "What are you staring off into space for?"

/ Flashback//

'Let me tell you the truth. Nothing happened between Kira and me on that day. And I also didn't sleep with her." Tala looked stunned. "Moreover, I'm guessing that the person that she truly likes is you. Considering on our dates she thinks about you, and she was crying when you're about to leave." Kai smirked "Besides I would never backstab a friend."

/ End of flashback. /

Tala finally sorted out what Kai had told him before he got on the plane and suddenly yelled "I DON'T WANT TO GO TO NEW YORK! I WANT TO GO BACK!"

Kateena whacked him on the head " Tala, what the fuck are you doing! The plane is taking off and you're saying you don't want to go!" She pushed him back into his seat as Tala is struggling to break free.

"LET ME GO BACK!"

"SIT STILL!" Kateena punched him in the face, getting annoyed of his childish behavior

"OW! Why did you hit my eye!" HE wailed and put his hand on his eye.

"Let me tell you. You were the one that said that you wanted to go in the first place. No one forced you! Now you want to go back on your words! You're so immature. You sit your ass on the seat. I don't' want to embarrass you on the plane by beating you up but there's a limit to my patience."

"Is there anything I can help you with?" A flight attendant walked up to them.

"I HAVE TO GET OFF THIS FUCKING PLANE!" Tala yelled and started to get up.

Kateena left leg suddenly flies up and hits Tala on the nose.

"OWWWWW!" Tala cried out in pain.

Kateena looked at the attendant, smiling as if nothing happened "Sorry. Everything's fine."

The attendant smiles and walks away. Tala looks at Kateena as if he wants to say more, but then, after seeing the pissed off look on her face, he was afraid that she might seriously kick his ass. He decided to be smart and kept quiet.

Meanwhile, Kira is standing outside and watching as the plane takes off.

"Tala, are you really gone?"

At the pastry shop where Kira and Salima worked..

"Tala left for New York just like that? Then there's no more B4, no more hot guys showing up together from now on. Such a pity."

"Salima what are you talking about?"

"Nothing. I feel that Tala really treats you differently."

"What's so different? He has left already."

"He probably thought that you and Kai were really together, so that's why he left. Left this sad place all by himself. So touching." Salima dramatically laughed.

"Salima. Don't mention this person in the future anymore. I'm not thinking about anything now. I just want to work and help out the family. Till now, my Dad still hasn't found a job yet. The atmosphere at home is so strange. I think I might have to go and work another job." Kira signed.

"Huh? You're going to work another job! Can you take on all that? Eh, don't just think about working and ruin your health. But people say that having ended a relationship, then working hard is the best medicine for it. I think that is what you are experiencing right now."

"That's not true! Am not! Just concentrate on your work. Didn't the boss say that if business were good then she would give us some bonus money at the end of the month? Let's just work hard at selling the cakes."

She sighs and then walks around the counter.

"Eh, Kira. Where are you going?"

Kira opens the door and goes outside, cupping her hands around her mouth, shouts "COME! COME AND BUY CAKE! HURRY UP AND COME BUY CAKE!"

"Eh, what are you doing Kira?" Salima walked beside her

Kira ignored her and pointed at a random guy "It's you, Mister! I shouted for more than half a day. Come in and buy a cake. Mister! Salima, you help to shout too. COME AND BUY CAKE! COME AND BUY CAKE…"

B3 suddenly showed up to see what the noise was all about.

"What are you shouting for? Hard working virgin." Johnny teased.

"Why are the 3 of you guys here?" Kira looked at them suspiciously.

"We came to help you."

"Help me with what?"

"Before Tala went to New York, he specifically told us to take good care of you." Kai walked up to her.

"That's so touching! Eh, Tala has left already but he's still thinking about you." Salima awed

"Salima, please! Stop talking about such embarrassing things!" Kira started to blush.

"Actually, what she said isn't wrong. It's just that someone isn't paying much attention to it, that's all." Kai leaned against the wall and closed his eyes

"In short, Kira, we are here already. Well? Let us help you sell some cakes."

"Help me sell cakes? Even though I would like to sell off the cakes quickly and then get off work, but do you guys know what you are talking about? You young gentlemen! Do you think cakes are that easy to sell?"

B2 look at each other as if they have something up their sleeves, Kai crackled open one eye and went to sit on the patio chairs beside the shop.

"Selling the way you guys are selling, of course, you won't be selling any. But if we take over, then it would be different." Enrique winked.

"Right."

"Let them go. They'll have a way." Kai pulled Kira aside.

Then he walks after B2 too, leaving Salima and Kira standing there wondering what B3 will do.

B3 lays all the cakes out on a table in front of the store and then puts up a sign: "Buy 5 cakes and get a free kiss."

"Thank you all for your support! Please line up and wait a bit. We will be starting very soon! Eh, I'll sell and you'll kiss." Johnny told Enrique as a whole line up of girls starts to show up.

"Why is it I! Why isn't it you! Or let's call Kai." Enrique pouted making a puppy dogface.

"One, that smile isn't going to work on me, Two, Kai will never do that and you know it, and three we're here to help Kira so don't be so courteous! Show them your charm! Ok?"

Enrique stuck out his tongue and nodded knowing that Johnny was right.

"Eh, Miss! We can start now. Step over here. What flavor would you like?" Johnny put on his charming deep voice.

All the girls rush forward toward B2

"Please form a line! Don't push! One at a time! Ok! 5 coming up! Please wait a bit! Don't rush! Don't rush! Let's get in a line!" Johnny yelled trying to take control of the crowd. This is going well, a little too well

When the line is formed…

"Miss, how many would you like?" Johnny asked

"I want 10."

"What flavor would you like?"

"Strawberry is fine."

"Here. This way please. Miss, how many would you like?" Johnny pushed the girl towards Enrique.

"10."

Meanwhile, Enrique is giving a kiss on the left cheek of a girl.

"Thank you."

"I bought 10."

Enrique laughed smiles and kisses the girl on the right side of her cheek also.

Kai and Kira are sitting aside and watching the whole thing.

"What the heck are they doing! Thinking of something like this! I think that it's all because they want to kiss girls themselves! What a bunch of players. Right, Salima?" Kira said in disgust. Kai just took a sip of his drink and smiled at the sight.

She looks around and doesn't see Salima.

"Where did she go?' Kira looked at Kai.

Kai looks up and tilts his head toward the long line of girls.

Kira saw Salima waiting anxiously at the end of the line to buy cakes.

"Traitor" Kira shook her fist at her.

"Here's you cake. Thank you. This way please. Next please! How many would you…"

He trails off as he stares at the old lady in front of him.

Johnny snickered and looked at Enrique. The look on his face tells it all. He was terrified.

Finally, all the cakes in the shop are sold off. A depressed Salima walks over to Kira.

"What are you so sad about?" Kira asked

"I didn't get a chance to buy." She pouted.

"Kira! Thank you! Thanks to all your friends today. Even though the economy is not too good now, but our business is still very good." The boss came out and said.

"You don't have to be so courteous, Boss."

"Miss, sorry for all the trouble. We might have been a bit too enthusiastic. Don't know if we were a bother to you." Johnny politely said.

"Not at all, not at all. I would hope that if you guys have free time then you guys can come again."

"Don't forget to gave a raise to Kira" Johnny added.

"And to her hot friend too" Enrique winked at her as Salima blushed.

"Not a problem, not a problem."

"OK, I'm getting tired I'm going to head home to sleep" Kai got up and start to walk away.

"You were just sitting off by the side and you're still so tired?" Johnny yelled.

"He has to sleep 15 hours a day. That lazy ass." Enrique put a hand to his head and shook it.

They turn and follow Kai with a wave to Kira.

"Thank you all! Thank you! Then let's get ready to close shop." Her boss praised.

"Those fellows!"

"Kira. The three of them is so interesting!"

"Salima!"

"It's too bad that with the 4 of them and minus 1, there just seems to be a part missing. Don't you feel that way?"

She walks back into the shop without waiting for an answer.

'Tala is the one that asked them to take care of me. He should have arrived at New York by now.' Kira thought sadly. As mush as she hate to admit it she did miss that weird shaped red head of his.

Back at Kira's house, Mom comes in with a bunch of mail in her hands.

Mrs. Tagoshi came home with a bunch of mail in her hand. "Look, maybe there's a job offer in here"

"There are no interview requests here. It's all bills. Look! Water bill. Electricity bill. Telephone bill. Gas bill. It's all asking for payment! Weird. I've sent so many job letters out, why haven't I gotten back even one response?"

"No wonder, heard that the unemployment rate has gone up. So the newspapers aren't just making it up."

"They're not making it up. Even I am unemployed now! That's why I say it's weird. Do you know what I eat the most in my 3 meals? Carrots! Vegetables! Haven't eaten anything good. Don't people say that the more vegetarian things that you eat, the more luck you will have? Why is it that I'm so unlucky?"

"The only thing I wish now is that this fortune teller's words that I heard this morning would come true. Then we can have a chance to get back on track."

"Huh? What did the fortune teller say?"

"She said that this life, the one that I'm dependent on is not my husband. I'm dependent on small kids!"

"Depending on small kids? Eh, why didn't I think of this earlier?"

"What does it mean?"

"Small kids…"

He starts to shuffle through the stack of papers and letters.

"I know! She must mean that… she wants us to have another child! Can't imagine that we would have to have that kind of relationship again. Anyway, Kira is not home now." She starts to smile sweetly at him. But Mr. Tagoshi pay no attention and just kept on looking for a flyer.

"Wait a minute…"

"Then we can…"

'Why are you taking your clothes off for?" He finally took notice of her.

"Isn't it because we are going to have another child now?"

"No, no, no."

"Then we can get back on track?"

"You're mistaken! Button up your shirt. Look. There's an advertisement here. Looking for a community childcare worker, with a good heart, patience. Work 8 hours a day. $100 a day. Eh! This is excellent pay and fringe benefits!"

"What does that have to do with me?"

"I now understand what the fortune teller's meaning is. Depending on little kids… means to depend on you to take care of little kids!"

He gets very excited over the idea.

"Wait a minute!"

"Now we can take care of these bills!"

"Are you sure that there is no other request for a construction worker, coarse work, or anything like that?"

"No. Just looked before and there wasn't any. Take a look. What a coincidence. Take a look. Wife. Very sorry. This month's bills are all over due. Trouble you to take care of them. And also Kira's after school lesson fees. And also this month's computer usage fee." He said hurriedly dumping the bills in his wife's hands before quickly scrambling away.

R&R please. Oh yeah, btw, I'm going on vacation starting Saturday for two weeks so I won't be posting. Though I have another chapter I was planning to post tomorrow before I leave, it ends in a cliffhanger unlike this one, so if you want to end on a cliffhanger for 2 weeks, or if you'd rather just not read that chapter until I get back, tell me by review before Saturday and I'll see if I should post it!