The small park by the sports field was Ayumi's favourite part of school. Their was an ivory coloured fountain right in the centre, and people would often casually flip pennies in it. She often sat on the little bench in between the two trimmed hedges, and would study, or write down thoughts in her spirit book. It wasn't really like a diary, she would write down where, when and how she felt when the presence of the spirits were strongest. Her sister, a peaceful medium, had helped her develop her sense of the spirits and often gave her tips. They had bonded so well over that notebook, and now it was gone forever, ripped into shreds. Like it had never existed...like Mayu, like Ms Yiu...But still, unreplaceable. Not many people actually visited the small area, so to Ayumi, it felt like her secret quiet corner.

She had never shared it with anyone else until now.

"Here, wanna make a wish?" suggested Yoshiki, handing over a copper coin.

"Sure..." she replied, gratefully taking it from his hands. Was it just her, or did she feel a slight jolt run through her fingers as they brushed against his? Of course not. She often imagined things...

She threw the coin in carefully, hearing a reassuring splash as it hit the clear blue water.

"Sooo...What did you wish for?" Yoshiki asked, watching the slight ripples on the water as it sank.

"I can't tell you," she said, smiling at him "Otherwise it won't come true." he laughed, walking over to the bench.

"You really believe that stuff?" he said questioningly.

"I believe a lot of things!" she exclaimed, sitting down beside him. Suddenly, the amber sun dipped behind a murky cloud, making the air sharply cold. Ayumi shivered, wrapping her arms around her, trying to conserve some heat. Yoshiki noticed this, and without thinking, took off his jet black jacket, and carefully draped it around her, trying to make it look casual. Taken aback, Ayumi pulled it over her shoulders, suprising herself how comfortable she was.

"So Ayumi..." he said, turning to her. "What were you going to tell me?"

Ayumi shivered again, biting her lip.

"I wanted to ask you something." She had spent all day trying to build up some courage, and though that being in her favourite place at school might help. It did... a little.

She had discussed with her sister, and she had laughed and smiled when she had brought up the subject.

"You think he likes you?" she had said, amused "Yoshiki Kishinuma?"

"Maybe..." Ayumi had replied, fiddling with her hair tie.

"Do you like him back?"

Do you like him back? Do I? Ayumi had no idea. She had always though that she had a crush on Satoshi...But no, not

anymore.

In reality, she had dropped her books in nervousness, for she was scared to ask him, since she had know idea how he'd react. Sure he was friendly around her, and never failed to stick up for her or even protect her in certain situations. But was that just a friend thing? She did know that they were close, and he wasn't as warm towards Naomi as he was to her. She would never understand, or know, until she asked. So she had to.

No backing down, she told herself. She inhaled deeply.

"Sure, go ahead." he said, relaxed "I'm an open book."

"Y-Y-Yoshiki..." she began, looking up at him. Her eyes met with his, and he looked so peaceful, so warm... not his usual sarcastic and careless self. No, this was another side to him. She liked him...a lot.

"Do you think i'm a horrible person?" Yoshiki was surprised at her question, but soon recovered.

"No!" he said, reassuringly "Actually, I think you're the exact opposite!"

"So then...d-d-do you like...love me?" she blurted out, her heart beating unaturally fast. Blushing, she was quick to apologise, but Yoshiki didn't look that bothered. He looked at her flushed face admirably. She must of been keeping this in for along time, he thought, it must of taken a lot of courage to actually ask him.

"Uh.." he said, blushing slightly himself "Maybe i...well...I" he turned away, turning cherry red with obvious embarresment.

"Just answer me!" Ayumi said quietly, staring at the sun, which had made it's way out from the clouds. The light dappled over them, warming them in the cool breeze.

"Yes!" he shouted "I..I love you!"

Ayumi smiled to herself, her body warm and buzzing. Yoshiki was still turning away from her, his palm facing her. On impulse, she grasped his hand, feeling that same jolt flow through her like the one that she had experienced earlier. Taken aback, Yoshiki turned to face her, giving her a confused look. However, he didn't pull away.

"Wha..?" he said, as she clutched his hand.

"I really...I love you too!" Ayumi declared, lauging.

"But, I thought you had a crush on Satoshi?" he said cooly (he was secretly elated)

"I thought i did..." Ayumi adimitted "But I had this dream..."

She recounted the dream to him in great detail, still clutching his warm hand like a doll.

He listened intently, nodding now and again, and was worried about what she thought.

"Don't be silly," he said, assuringly "I bet no one blames you for what happened there. It was an awful ordeal, but all you wanted was to keep us friends for ever!"

Ayumi smiled. She knew he would understand! It was just like her dream...Yoshiki would always be there for her, 'no matter what'.

"Yoshiki..." she giggled, looking up at him.

"Shinozak-Ack!"

He found her in his arms. She wrapped herself around him, sighing happily, her head against his head. They could feel each others hearts beat, at exactly the same time.

"Naomi?" called Satoshi, from the school entrance. "I can't find Yoshiki anywhere..." Naomi grinned. She had a feeling she knew where he was.

"He's proberbely forgot." laughed Naomi, falling in step with him.

"Pft!" Satoshi muttered in annoyance "He's always with Shinozaki...I hardly see him without her."

"They seem to be close." admitted Naomi. She herself was actually, still getting over the fact that Satoshi apparently loved her. She didn't know whether to believe Yoshiki, though he didn't seem like he was joking. But she couldn't exactly trust him, could she? It would be silly to suddenly jump to conclusions!

"Hey, Naomi," said Satoshi, "Do you wanna come to the beach tomorrow? It'll be fun!" Suddenly Naomi's heart lifted. Was he asking her out.

"Sure!" she said happily "Of course i'll come." Satoshi looked pleased. But that was hardly how he felt inside.

"Cool! I'll ask Yoshiki and Ayumi if they want to tag along too!"

Naomi's heart sank. Of course it wasn't going to be a date. She shrugged her, shoulders; she didn't feel like talking anymore. It wasn't long until they were on her street, and they finally reached her door.

"Well, i'll see you tomorrow!" Satoshi said, waving goodbye. Naomi didn't reply.

As Satoshi walked home, he cursed himself. Why did he suddenly panic? He had promised himself all day he would ask him out, and he was secretly relieved that Yoshiki and Ayumi hadn't showed up. It was the perfect moment, he told himself, clenching his fists in annoyance, why had he backed down?

*BLEEP*

"Huh?" said Satoshi, fumbling in his pockets for his phone. It was a text from Yoshiki.

-From: Yoshiki-To: Me-

Hey, you still going 2 the beach tomorrow?

Is Naomi coming?

P.s might of said something about you liking

her by acciedent. Soz!

Huh? So Naomi knew? Satoshi knew Yoshiki would get him back for telling Ayumi about his feelings... Ugh.

-From: Me-To: Yoshiki-

I knew u would get me back.

Where were u after school?

*BLEEP*

-From: Yoshiki-To: Me-

I was with Shinozaki.

Talk 2 u tomorrow.

With a sigh Satoshi turned off his phone. Had Yoshiki confessed to Ayumi? He wondered...

This was one of my favourite chapters to right!

I promise some more adventure/action soon.

Thanks again for reading! :-)