Making February romance-themed for the gang was a natural course and a spontaneous decision, but funnily enough, I've also got my eyes on a girl right now. Here's what I decided: the exact same day I get the girl will be the day that Neku gets the girl. I'll literally release a chapter the exact day it happens since I'm such a creative romantic.

Chapter 17: A Thousand Words

"Rhyme…how do you ask out a girl?"

"Err, Neku…I'm a girl. You'd probably be better off asking Beat about this."

"I've tried, but he keeps claiming I just want to steal his moves..."

"Well, you DID go through that phase –"

"I know, I know! It's just…I mean, I don't know! It's complicated!"

"It's Shiki, isn't it?"

"…yeah…I don't know, when I found out Beat was dating Eri, something just sorta snapped. I thought, 'what if someone asks out Shiki?' I don't think I could handle that…"

"Don't be silly, Neku. You and Shiki are meant to be together!"

"That's how I feel, but I can't keep pussyfooting around! I've got to do something special for her!"

"You've gotta show her how you really feel! Put yourself out there! A picture is worth a thousand words; you can't make a half-assed gesture!"

"You might be right…"

3 Hours Later…

"Hey there, Shiki! What's got you calling me this late?"

"Err, I don't really know how to say this…Neku got arrested."

"Say WHAT?!"

"Yeah…he was busted for painting a massive graffiti mural in Miyashita Park. It sounded pretty interesting actually; it was a naked girl with musical notes covering her eyes and unspeakables."

"That sounds…um…"

"Aww, you sound embarrassed, Rhyme!"

"I am not!"

"Well, anyway, I called because I'm stuck at home and my mom refuses to let me go out past 7…can you go bail him out? I'll pay you back later, I promise."

"Yeah. Will do!"

"Thanks, you're the best!"

"Neku…a picture might be worth a thousand words, but yours had better not be fined by the letter…"