Well…my romance blew up in my face. Serves me right for thinking things were going well for a change. I briefly considered reflecting that frustration through Neku's relationship with Shiki, but I'm not that heartless. So here's the long awaited confession.

Chapter 23: A Rose by Any Other Name

"Neku…where do you think we are exactly?"

"What do you mean, Shiki?"

"What am I to you?"

"Well, you're obviously my partner and stalker, aren't you?"

"I'm being serious, Neku! This…this thing we've been doing for the last month…what are we doing?"

"I guess…we're just doing our own thing…"

"You don't think it's weird? I mean…I'm not even the same girl you were originally partners with…I'm just some girl that you were stuck with for a week."

"Shiki…"

"Look, if you want things to end, I'll understand…"

"Are you a freakin' moron?"

"Huh?!"

"You became my entry fee during the Reapers' Game! How can you even think you aren't important to me?!"

"Yeah, but…I'm just a plain girl who knows a little about fashion…you thought you were getting Eri when you met me…I mean, honestly! Wouldn't you have preferred it if I were Eri?!"

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

"Huh?"

"It's something Rhyme told me once…I don't care what you're called or what you look like…you're you and I'm me. I'm really content with things being that way."

"You…you are?"

"I don't know if I like you, if I love you, or what will happen in the long run…but you're special to me, Shiki. So…would you like to be my exclusive partner?"

"Oh, Neku…I've been your exclusive partner since day one…"

"Shiki…"

"You, however, had three! You're a partner whore, aren't ya?"

"Whoa, what?! Where did that come from?"

"And Rhyme cuddling on you the other day…you're pretty easy when it comes down to it!"

"W-what?"

"Hehe, I'm just joking. Now stop staring at me with that stupid look and kiss me already."