A sound of a clarinet can be heard throughout the park. It was a peaceful Sunday morning. 3 more days till the valentine dance. Shouko had woken up early that morning so she decided to take a stroll in the park to pass the time. She had been practicing playing the clarinet for a while now. She played a quite energetic song to brightened up her mood.

Shouko: (finished playing) Huh, that w-was nice. (feeling contented)

"That was a nice song," said a sleepy voice.

Shouko knew that voice all too well. She abruptly turned around and saw Keiichi standing behind her. He wore a sleepy face (as always) and his hair is quite messy. Shouko assumed that he had just woken up.

Shouko: H-hey Keiichi. Good morning.

Keiichi: (bowing) Good morning.

Shouko: Taking a stroll?

Keiichi: (stood up) Yes. Was that you playing the clarinet just now?

Shouko: Y-yes.

Keiichi: It was nice. Energetic too.

Shouko: T-thank you.

The two remained silent. Keiichi was still thinking about the song while Shouko was busy thinking about the dance.

Shouko: (deep in thought) Valentine dance in 3 days. If no one asks me soon, I might not be going after all.

Keiichi: Shouko? (trying to get her attention)

Shouko: (snapped out of her thoughts) Oh sorry.

Keiichi: Can I ask you something? It's...kinda important.

Shouko: (sighs) Sure. (thinking) Don't get your hopes too high, Shouko. This happened before. He's NOT gonna ask you to the dance.

Keiichi: Shouko? Are you okay?

Shouko: (felling annoyed all of a sudden) Sorry. Just ask me the question already. (sounding rather cold)

Her tone of voice surprised both people. She had never been this cold before. Keiichi could only stare at her with a hurt expression on his face.

Keiichi: (taking a step back) I guess, I annoyed you somehow. (saying it queitly, looking hurt)

Shouko: (thinking) Oh no! I-I hurt his feelings! What should I do?

Keiichi: (walking away) I'll just, ask you, the question later then.

Shouko: Wait Keiichi! I-I didn't mean to sound so harsh. Please, don't go!

Keiichi: (stopped and turned around) But you sound so angry just now. I just figured-

Shouko waved dismissively, cutting him off.

Shouko: I'm not angry. Just...... frustrated.

Keiichi: (confused) Why?

Shouko: (looking down) Well... is just that...the dance is coming up and I ... um... (looked up) Look, I'm sorry for the way I acted. Please forgive me! (bowing)

Keiichi didn't say a thing. Instead, he just looked at her.

Shouko: I know I sounded harsh back then and I probably hurt your feelings. You don't have to forgive me, in fact, you can stay away from me cause I d-deserve it. (saying it quickly)

Then, Shouko realized that Keiichi didn't say a word. She looked up slowly and realized that Keiichi was still looking at her.

Shouko: (blushing) Keiichi?

Keiichi didn't respond. Instead, he walked up to her and did a surprising thing. He hugged her!

Shouko:(shocked) K-Keiichi?

Keiichi: I understand. (whispering in her ear) I understand your feelings.

Shouko: Keiichi...

He let go of her and looked at her.

Keiichi: Shouko, please, can I please ask you a question?

Shouko: (still shocked at what just had happened) S-sure.

Keiichi: Will you... I mean... would you be my valentine for the dance?

Shouko was speechless. Finally the question she hoped to hear had been asked.

Keiichi: Well, would you?

Shouko: (regained her composure) Y-yes, I would love t-to, Keiichi.

Keiichi: (smiling) Thank you.

Shouko: (shaking her head) N-no. I should be thanking YOU. For inviting me.

Keiichi: Your welcome. (started to walk away) I guess I better be going now.

Shouko: See y-you at the dance.

Keiichi: Um. (nodded)

Once he left, Shouko let out a happy sigh. Now the only thing she needs to do is to get ready. One more question was still in her head though, "I wonder who's Kahoko gonna go with to the dance?"

She thought about it and walked away, smiling to herself.

Author: I'm back. I made this chapter a little longer to make up for my late update. This time, I asked for a little help from my cousin regarding the plot. Anyway, I'm being nice today so I'll give you a clue on the next chapter. It involves Len and a little bit of cooking. Don't get what I mean? Well you just have to find out on the next chapter. I'm gonna update it faster now. So please wait for it. I still need reviews to inspire me though so please keep the reviews coming! Ideas regarding on the plot of the next chapter are welcomed.