Author's Note: I've actually had this written out for a while, but never got around to typing it up… And I'm slightly stuck. Joy. Well, anything you suggest?

Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon, the characters, or a dating show.

Satoshi saw that it really was Haruka. More so, he saw that intense stare at Shuu.

How had Shuu found her? She quickly lowered her face and walked briskly to the register. There wasn't a line, so she was able to immediately ask softly to the girl at the register, "Are there any other exits?" The girl, who was sure to be the employee-of-the-month, smiled politely and pointed to the opposite side of the restaurant as Haruka heard a ding indicating that people were coming into the restaurant. "Thank you." she said, glancing fleetingly at four shadows rushing to approach her. She walked swiftly to the exit.

She was walking away, again. Why was she walking away? It made no sense to Satoshi. Was Haruka really that upset to see them? Was she embarrassed to be seen with Shuu? None of it made sense. No sense at all.

"Shuu. Maybe Haruka doesn't want to have us catch her." Satoshi murmured, grabbing Shuu's arm. Satoshi's face was tilted down so that his bangs shadowed over his eyes. He continued, "That's why she's running away, right? 'Cause she doesn't want us to catch her." "You're giving up too—" "I want to see her, too! I do! I haven't seen her in a long time! But that doesn't mean I'm not going to consider her feelings! None of us even understand why she's running! We should just let her be!" Shuu had no immediate reply, but he seemed pissed, shaking and trying to control himself with a few harsh mumbles.

Once it was clear that Satoshi had finished, Shuu looked up smiling a sweet smile. A sadistic, wavering, etchy, emblazed, torturous smile.

"Hey, Satoshi?" "What?" "I hate your drama shit."

Satoshi's head snapped up, glaring at Shuu, "Hey! What the—" "Just because you don't understand her doesn't mean all of us don't. I know why she's running, and even if I didn't, it wouldn't matter. She's being selfish, alright? Get it? Running away is just being selfish. Well, guess what? I'm going to be selfish, too. I don't care if you come—hell, maybe it'd be simpler without you in the way. Just saying you want to see her means nothing. Go back to wherever you were going if you want, but don't drag me along!"

Haruka had gotten right in front of the door when she heard Satoshi yelling at Shuu. She opened the door making the 'ding' noise and then hid inside a booth to listen. She strained her ears as Shuu's words weren't belted out like Satoshi's. Was she being selfish? She didn't know. More so, she didn't care. They wanted to see the Haruka that traveled with them. They were mistaking her for that Haruka. That Haruka was long one and the possibility of that Haruka ever coming back looked slim.

She heard Satoshi huff out, "Sorry, okay. Let's go look for her." Shuu gave no reply. Haruka ducked further down in to the booth. She was sure no one could see her, especially not them. "You go on," Shuu finally said, "I have to use the bathroom. Here's my number. We'll call each other." "What?!" "I have to use the bathroom, so go ahead. We'll cover more surface area this way anyways. Give me your number." Satoshi grumbled as he and Shuu apparently exchanged cell phone numbers. "Now go." Shuu ordered. Three different footsteps went out the door as it went 'ding'. Haruka also heard Shuu's footsteps. The only thing that slightly shocked her was that they were coming closer to her booth.

"Haruka."

"The way her name was said made her feel warm inside. Not that she would admit it.

"I'm sorry. Are you—" Haruka was cut off with Shuu saying, "Satoshi didn't even fall for it. Do you really think I will?" She kept her head down anyways. "Come on, let's go." He said staring at her still form. Haruka made it clear that she wouldn't go anywhere. Sighing as lightly as possible, Shuu sat down on the same side of the booth she was on, startling her and making her draw in her legs, as close as possible, into her.

"Please explain one thing for me." Shuu left space for an answer, but none came. "I thought we were all supposed to meet in Johto. What happened for you to be distracted?"

Haruka rolled her eyes and croaked sarcastically, "Sold in to slavery." Shuu glared at her comment, but said nothing. He did not stare at her, but merely waited patiently for her. He knew her well enough. Of course, Shuu knew her well enough.

At least, he knew her enough to know that she would quickly get annoyed.

"What? Why are you staring? It's annoying! I just said I was sold in to slavery. You don't believe such an innocent girl like me?" Haruka snapped, once more ending in a sarcastic note. Shuu rolled his eyes and flicked his hair, "You and I both know that's about true as the statement of me not being the best coordinator out there." She scoffed, "Well, then. That 'statement' is painstakingly true, so I must've told the truth." "Oh, please. It's not like you could list one coordinator that is better than me." "You are the most conceited person I've ever met! You are so arrogant; you think you're so great! Well, much to your surprise, other people may not think that!" "Do you?" "What?" "Nothing."

Haruka was confused, but Shuu grabbed her hand and forced her out of the booth, which didn't take much effort. "Hey—!" "You don't have to face Satoshi and them right now. Let's just first go back." Haruka dropped her gaze. He was too perfect.

She allowed Shuu to lead the way 'home'.

Any suggestions people? Please comment! Suggestions, flames, and/or praise are welcomed with open arms! opens arms