Guys, I'm so sorry. I was grounded from the computer until finals were complete. ;

Hopefully, you all are forgiving. xD

Now...On with chapter five!

Enjoy!

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The platoon of teenagers trudged slowly up the steep mountain trail. Riku lead the small group, pointing out various types of plants and explaining their purposes.

"This..." Riku kneeled down while prodding a strangely shaped purple plant. "Is a Vifion plant. It is used in medicine to help heal ailments and/or wounds on the inside of the body. This species is very abundant and easy to find."

Pence took a snapshot of the plant just for kicks as Namine had her hands clasped together, eyes sparkling in wonderment.

"Wow, Riku. You really know what you're talking about. What degree did you say you were pursuing again?"

"A master's degree in Biological studies." He stood and turned to face Namine. His long, silver hair swishing a bit in the light breeze.

"I want to become an environmentalist."

Namine looked like she was about to ask another question, but Riku put a finger to her lips, silencing any sound from escaping.

"We'll talk more later when we take a break, okay?"

His finger lingered on her lips, but he pulled away a few seconds later after the pale-haired blond nodded in agreement, blushing.

Riku moved forward with Namine right at his heels. The others lingered behind a bit, whispering about the little exchange they had witness.

The three girls in one group while the four guys in another.

"Pfft. I don't trust that guy one bit."

Hayner exclaimed, overjoyed to see the other lads nod in agreement.

"I'm not usually one to judge people, but Riku seems a bit..."

Sora placed a hand under his chin in thought. Roxas rolled his eyes and slung an arm other his twin's shoulder.

"What Sora is trying to say is that this Riku guy is an assholes."

Now, it was Pence's turn to roll his cinnamon-colored eyes.

"You're one to talk about assholes, Rox," Roxas was about to jump the stout boy when Pence continued his little speech. "But I happen to agree. Riku does try to act as if he's the best. Still for Kairi and Namine's sake, let's be cool with him. Only two more days left."

The guys sighed, but promised to remain polite and not act like jerks. Pence was so astute when it came to advice.

(With the Girls)

"Wow, Kairi! You're friend Riku sure is fine!"

Selphie squealed cheerfully as Olette rolled her eyes. It was always like this. Selphie sees a hot guy, she drools, and then she talks about them non-stop.

Kairi just laughed at her friend's sudden obsession.

"He is quite attractive, isn't he?

"Oh, Kairi..." Selphie wiggled her eyebrows. "You like him, don't you?"

"HAHAHA...No. He's just a close friend that's all."

Olette wrapped her arms around both Selphie and Kairi's shoulders.

"But what about Namine?"

They looked ahead to see Riku and Namine chatter about something.

"She's seems to be quite smitten with him."

"Eh...It's a possibility."

The conversation was interrupted when Namine hollered back to them.

"Come on, you slowpokes! We're almost at the top!"

Everyone picked up the pace and finally merged into one group again. Kairi ignored the discussion being carried out by her companions and looked towards Namine.

'Please, Namine. Be careful when you're around with Riku.'

20 minutes later...

The small fire blazed brightly as the friends sat around it, roasting marshmallows. Namine couldn't have been happier. She watched as the white, plushie sugar treat started to bubble from the intense temperature.

Riku leaned over his friend's shoulder and poked her.

"Hey, Namine. I think it's done."

She gazed upon the brazen marshmallow. Slowly, she edged it towards her lips. Soon, the delicious confection was being chewed and Namine giggled in delight.

"Hey, this ish pwetty good!"

Namine uttered through all the goo, eliciting a laugh from the comely man.

She was just too adorable!

Roxas sneered at the sight. Hayner sensed his buddy's foul mood and decided to intervene before anyone (preferably Riku) got injured.

"What's bothering ya, Rox?"

"Nothing." He stated dully.

Hayner smirked and nudged Roxas' side.

"Jealous, much?"

"I'm not jealous."

"Quite lying to yourself already. It's obvious to everyone that you like her."

"Well, then you all must be seeing something else cause I don't like her!"

Roxas whispered harshly and turned away from Hayner, only to see Namine and Riku just disappear behind some shrubbery.

"Where are they going?"

"To talk. Why? Jealous, Roxas?"

"No, Selphie. I am not jealous."

A round of 'yeah, rights' and 'awws' echoed around him. His face flared red from embarrassment, but curiosity got the best of Roxas.

He wanted to know exactly what they were talking about. He wasn't trying to be stalkerish, but hey, once you're determined, you're determined.

Roxas suddenly stood, causing a few members of the the merry band to look up in wonder. He started to walk away from the little camp.

"Yo, Rox. Where ya going?" Shouted Sora.

"Bathroom."

He too was shrouded in the darkness of the shrubbery. After he vanished, everyone tried to muffle their laughter as the same thought dawned upon them.

'He so likes her.'

(With Namine and Riku – Roxas is in the bushes)

Namine sat on an old, corroding stump while Riku leaned against a tree a few, short steps away. It was quiet all except the sound of Namine's favorite pencil; It sketching way across the page.

"I've been meaning to ask you..." Blue eyes remained plastered on her sketchbook as turquoise eyes narrowed in a pensive manner.

"Yeah?"

"Why are you up here anyway? It's quite unusual for us, who haven't seen each other in two years, to be in the same place at the same time, huh?"

Uncrossing his arms, the tall man walked over and kneeled down in front of Namine.

"I, in fact, came up there because of a project I was assigned in class. Since, my parents had bought the cabin next door I figured in would be a likely place to study plant life. Besides..."

Riku cautiously removed the art book from Namine's delicate hands and caressed them.

"Maybe coming up here and meeting you again was fate."

Roxas could barely contained the snarl beginning to rise in his throat as he peered out from some bushes. That loser was going to kiss her!

Suddenly, loud music emitted from his hip. Roxas looked down and cursed. His cover was completely blown.

'Gah! I forgot to turn off my phone!'

Namine snapped out of her trance and moved away from Riku, blushing hotly. Riku, on the other hand, was pissed beyond belief. He stalked dangerously towards the sound.

Coming upon the defenseless, green plant, Riku shot his hand into the bush, trying to pinpoint the culprit of the noise. Finally, he hauled up a boy by the collar of his Hollister polo. The boy to break from Riku's strong hold.

"Let go of me, you bastard!"

Namine froze. She recognized that voice as she turned around. There stood Riku with Roxas in his grasp, cursing up a storm. The golden-haired boy cocked his fist back to pulverized the silver-haired boy, but ceased as Namine came into sight.

"Roxas...H-How could you?" The cherubic-faced girl mumbled sadly.

"I can't believe this, Roxas. I expected more from you." Her voice grew stronger; eyes glittering in fiery rage.

"But I see that even teasing isn't good enough for you anymore."

She signaled Riku to drop Roxas, which he had done in great pleasure.

"Come on, Riku."

Riku wrapped an arm around Namine's waist as they started to walk away. Glancing back, silver smirked at blond.

Though Roxas didn't make a move to return any gesture. He just sat there in shame and humiliation.

'What have I done?'

At The Cabin

As they wondered their way home, Roxas relayed his story to the whole group. Hayner and Selphie laughed while the others felt sorrow for their friend. Namine, despite not speaking with him, even denied making eye contact with him.

They, finally, arrived home, tired, smelly, and in Roxas' case, aloof . Sora had ushered everyone into the house, leaving Namine and Riku outside alone.

"I really did enjoy hiking with you today, Riku."

"Me too, Nami. It was cool to hang out with you and Kairi again. Hopefully, we can hang out like this more this weekend."

"That's no problem with me."

Namine checked her wristwatch and gasped lightly.

"What's wrong?"

"It's getting late and I still have to call my dad."

Riku nodded.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Namine."

Riku leaned down and placed a feather-like kiss onto Namine's cheek. He walked away, leaving a blushing Namine, and a distraught Roxas who stared from the window of his room.

At Riku's House

He laid on his king size bed, doodling all over his calculus homework. Suddenly, his cell rang, making Riku a very happy person for the distraction.

Calmly, he picked it and checked the caller.

Unknown number.

A wily smirk graced his features; his perfect, white teeth glinting in the dim lighting.

"Hello."

"How'd it go?'

"Perfect. I had her practically eating out of the palm of my hand."

The sound of laughter was heard through the small device.

"Excellent! What about the 'him' then?

"Just as you said he would act. Jealous and choleric."

"Good. I'll call you tomorrow. Same time?"

"Yeah."

The short call ended with Riku continuing to beam as he finished his homework.

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OMG! Who's that mysterious caller? I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter as you did my other ones. Remember, the more you review, the more I'm inspired to write faster. Eh, I think it's kinda boring. Sorry!

Stay tuned!