Chapter 6.2: Hope's Plans and the Second Orb

"Kawaii! That's so sweet." Tomoyo's eyes were twinkling with joy as she clutched the videotape close to her heart. "And I caught it all on tape! Wai!"

"Tomoyo-sama…" a voice called out from behind the bush where she was hiding.

Recognizing the voice, she smiled, got out of her hiding place and faced the flying stuff toy.

"We should get going now. We have a lot to plan for this month." He flew away to the black limousine.

You see, the two planned that they would continue the guessing game for a month; to make sure he'll be in the best condition when they tell him the truth.

Every little thing that will happen will be manipulated by this duo. They cannot and will not take the risk of Eriol breaking down because of Tomoyo. They made a promise to Nakuru that they will not harm her master, and they will fulfill it. Everything shall be administered carefully.

…

"Good morning Eriol-sama!" Nakuru energetically greeted with a smile as she poured coffee for her master. She took off her pink frilly apron and placed it neatly on top of the kitchen counter.

"I'm sorry I can't join you for breakfast today. I need to go to the park early."

"With Touya, I presume?" There was a knowing yet mischievous tone in his voice as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

She blushed a little but smiled nonetheless, knowing that she need not answer the question. "I'll be going now!"

Ding Dong!

"I'll answer it!" Nakuru took her scarf and strode to the door. There, standing quietly, was a girl wearing black sunglasses, blue skinny jeans and a violet jacket with a hood.

"Come in, Hope" The guardian opened the door further. Before going out, she whispered discreetly "Take care of my master please"

Hope nodded slightly.

"Good morning, Hope. It's nice to see you again" Eriol pleasantly greeted. "Why don't you don't join us for breakfast?"

"It's okay. I've eaten already. Can I use your phone?" she asked.

"Sure"

Hope strode to the phone and dialed a number. "Hello…? Yes. You can start now, Cherry." She smiled secretively as she put the phone down.

…

"Where should we go now?" Eriol, who was also wearing his daily disguise, asked as they strolled around the neighborhood.

"Hmmm…" Hope appeared to be thinking. "Ah!"

"What's it?" he asked upon looking at her shocked face.

"It's nothing…" She shook her head defensively. The mage knew something was wrong but didn't ask more. They simply continued to walk around the neighborhood.

"We're getting nearer" Suppi whispered to Tomoyo as they turned to the next street. She smiled happily behind her hood.

"I feel something… There's a card nearby" Eriol whispered to himself as he walked to the Penguin Park: the source of the aura. Upon arriving there, he saw Chiharu Mihara with Kinomoto Sakura. He didn't exactly know where the card's aura was coming from, but he knew that it was coming from one of the two.

He closed his eyes to concentrate. It seemed that his powers had lessened ever since the Void took his feelings. That's why it takes more effort to figure out things as simple as this.

'It's the twin!' He thought as he stared at Chiharu. But why…?

"Is there a problem?" Hope asked as she looked at his dumbfounded face. "Are you okay?"

"Can we go home now? I'm sorry but can we just do this some other time?" Eriol looked really stressed out as he pleaded. It was a rare sight to see: the all-powerful mage looking confused.

"Okay then. Let me accompany you home" A small frown graced her features as they walked back home.

…

"What's the problem? You can tell me anything. I can help."

Hope sat in front of Eriol as they drank tea in the garden. There was a very slight worry in her voice as she asked him questions.

"I… don't know what's happening to me. There's this feeling that's telling me to just stop searching because I'll just be hurt. But there's this feeling that's telling me to continue because I'll finally fill that hole inside me… and yet, everything here in Tomoeda just makes my heart ache so much…It's as if it makes me reminisce about something that never happened… Maybe it's a memory of my past self, but it feels different."

He smiled bitterly before saying, "Sorry for talking nonsense so suddenly. I just feel really burdened right now"

"Don't talk like that! I know you're really having a hard time…"

"Because you know a lot of things I don't?" He smiled a little at her.

"No… I don't exactly know what you are feeling and, I'm sure, only you know how your heart works. But I know by that stupid frown on your face that you're having it hard."

"Stupid frown? On my face? Do I really look that pathetic?" Even though his voice was serious, his face had a little smile that was surely teasing her.

"Oh of course not, Handsome Prince. You can never look pathetic." She answered sarcastically.

Handsome prince…

Handsome prince…

"Ah!" Eriol clasped his forehead with his right hand as he shuddered in pain. A blurred picture came to mind… a lavender gown… a piano… a song… two pairs of pale hands…

What does those mean?

"What's happening? Answer me, Eriol-kun!"

Eriol-kun…

"Ah!!!" He kneeled down as the pain intensified. His face scrunched up in exhaustion, tears fell down one by one. "Don't… No…"

"Eriol… I'm sorry" Tomoyo whispered to herself before running to get help from the guardians.

In her haste, her hood fell off and her long violet hair flowed down. Eriol stared at her retreating figure before completely collapsing.

…

"Ah… eh…" Eriol struggled to get up, surprised by Hope and the guardians surrounding his bed as if he was deathly sick or something. "What happened?"

"You suddenly collapsed. We don't know why but you suddenly felt pain in your head and you muttered 'Don't…' repeatedly" Nakuru explained as stray tears fell down her cheeks.

The mage placed his hands on her cheeks and wiped her tears. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. When did you arrive home?" His voice and expression was those of a father looking after his daughter: tender and caring.

Nakuru looked at him and wiped her tears. "I and Suppi-chan, as guardians, feels whenever you are in great danger. That's one of our jobs, remember?" She stood up and placed her hands on her waist. "Now, just sleep and let me do my job as your guardian! I'll cook something REALLY delicious!"

"Anou… Can I cook dinner today? I think what happened was mainly my fault… So I'll make it up with dinner. Is that alright?" Hope stood up and walked to Nakuru.

Nakuru simply nodded and proceeded to the kitchen, with Hope following closely.

"I'll let you cook… as long as you cook something REALLY delicious, okay?"

Tomoyo smiled. "Hai!"

'It wasn't your fault, Tomoyo-sama. Everything that is happening had been planned by Clow Reed already. I just hope it ends the way he planned… unlike his own sad ending'

Spinnel sun flew to Tomoyo's side and watched her cook dishes full of love.

"I don't know if I can continue… He was so hurt… I wanted to tell him everything, but the truth just hurts him…"

Tomoyo lay sprawled on the bed, crying silently. Her best friend simply patted her head as comfort. Unlike the plum, Sakura isn't versed in comforting a crying person. And she wasn't really familiar with a weeping Tomoyo. The plum had always been the strong and silent type and she is always the one to give advice, not the other way around.

"It's all for the good… Spinnel said so… But why did he have to go through that?"

"This is just an obstacle, Tomoyo-chan. You know that, right? You always tell me to face obstacles! You can do it!" Sakura smiled encouragingly at her best friend and took her right hand. "You're strong, Tomoyo-chan!"

Tomoyo looked at her, a small smile blossoming on her face. "Thank you"

"It's nothing! What are friends for?"

A shivering mage greeted Hope as she went inside the room. It was the day after the collapsing incident.

"He's still ill?" she asked, worried beyond anything. Why was he still sick? Were the memories that overwhelming?

"Eriol-sama is still weak from the assault of the memories. Being mentally attacked is harder than being physically injured. But he'll get better somehow" was the explanation of the hovering creature beside the bed.

"No… Please, don't… Don't leave me… Please Tomo- ah…" Stray tears were falling from his eyes as sweat trickled from his forehead. His fists were clenched and his face was scrunched up in pain.

"Would you please get him some hot water and cloth?" Spinnel asked so that Tomoyo would stop looking at his poor master. She shouldn't suffer anymore. She had suffered enough. This is Eriol's obstacle, not hers.

Tomoyo meekly nodded and walked to the kitchen. She immediately took the kettle and placed some water in it. She then searched for a clean cloth as she waited for the water to boil.

"Hello? Touya-kun? Yes… I'm sorry I can't help out in the amusement park today…. I need to take care of Eriol-kun… Yes… I need-"

"Nakuru-chan?" The Plum peered at the living room and walked to the female guardian's side. "You don't need to stay here and take care of him. This is all my fault, remember? I can take care of him"

"Excuse me, Touya-kun. I'll just talk to someone…" she covered the phone with one hand and looked at Tomoyo with a small pout. "I'm his guardian! I'm supposed to take care of him…"

"But he wants you to have a life too. He wants you to have fun. He's happy whenever you go to Touya-kun, right?"

"That's… true…" Understanding filled her eyes and she nodded with a big smile. She took the phone and said: "Touya-kun? Oh, sorry for the wait… Change of plans: I think I'll go. Yeah… I'll be there in an hour… thanks!"

A boiling sound rang from the kitchen. Tomoyo hurried to the kitchen, poured the water to the thermos and made some lukewarm water in a basin.

"Tomoyo-chan…?" Nakuru walked to her and took the basin from her hand. She turned away and walked ahead. "I'll help you first! Anou… thank you for being nice to me even though I was mean to you…"

Tomoyo simply smiled and followed.

…

Everything is a blur.

Slowly… ever so slowly, his eyes opened.

Everything was still a blur.

"Erio- I mean, Hiiragizawa-kun? Are you awake now?" Hope's voice was worried and slightly sad.

The confused and sick boy refocused his eyesight to the cloaked girl in front of him. "Glasses…" he meekly said as he felt around for it.

She stopped his hand with her pale ones and took his glasses in the desk. "Here" She placed it on the bridge of his nose and immediately hid her hand beneath her cloak. Spinnel told her to hide any part of her that might cause a flicker of memory to pass, especially her hand.

"Hope! What happened?" He tried to stand, but realized that he didn't have the energy to do so.

"Don't even try!" she scolded and took his glasses. She thought that if he doesn't see anything, then there will be lesser chance of memories overwhelming him. Brilliant, ne? "You can't get this back until you're okay. Spinnel and I will be your nurse for now."

She placed her hands on her hips, like a schoolteacher scolding her student. "Okay?"

Eriol raised his hands in defeat. "Alright, Nurse Hope…" He smiled at her general direction.

"I'll just make us some sandwich. Behave, okay? Be a good patient!"

"I don't have much of a choice, do I?" he replied a little sarcastically.

'I can't wait to taste sandwiches made by such soft and gentle hands!'

…

Eriol hid under the blanket as he heard steps resounding from outside his room. He closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. This mysterious girl really wakes up the naughty child inside him… just like how Fair Flower did.

It was the third day of his rest. And, quite frankly, he didn't need to rest that much. He was getting better and he got less and less migraines. It was the amazing Nurse Hope that helped him, of course. She is gentle, kind and a great cook too! She's as good at cooking as Nakuru!

And best of all, even though she's a big mystery, he feels so warm whenever she touches his hand and his face… her soft hands feels so tender, and so familiar.

Knock! Knock!

"Hiiragizawa-kun? Are you awake?" she asked as she lightly opened the door. Hearing no reply, she went in and strode to his side. She sat on the side of his bed, placing the tray of lunch on the table. She pulled the blanket down to look at Eriol.

'This is it! She'll check again if I have a fever…' he tried his best not to smile so that she wouldn't notice that he was awake.

Her hand made it to his forehead and was about to check his temperature when…

She, instead, poked his forehead.

"Ittai!" he gripped his forehead in pain. "Why did you do that?"

Uh-oh!

"I knew you were awake… you naughty patient! I told you to behave!" she scolded in a mock-angry tone.

"Awww… you got me. So what's my punishment, Nurse Hope?" he asked playfully.

"You'll be forced to eat all the cakes that Nakuru-chan and I will bake… you know how many cakes Nakuru could make when she's in hyper mode!"

"Not that! Oh please, not that! I'm too young to have diabetes… Ah!" He suddenly clutched his head in pain as another memory overwhelmed him. A piano… an enlarged piano chair… a beautiful mansion… a vase…

"Hiiragizawa-kun? Are you alright?" she inched closer to him, afraid that he might collapse.

"Don't worry… I think I'm a little immune to it now. I've been having a lot of those ever since I arrived here in Tomoeda, especially this past three days. The pain is getting less and less as I experience it more. I think it is actually helping me feel better." He explained with a weak smile. Every little thing that triggers a memory also triggers intense pain from him. But since he experiences it in a daily basis, he's slightly numb to it now.

"Really? That's good! Because of that… I won't punish you anymore. If you're getting better, then you won't need me, Nurse Hope, anymore" She smiled in satisfaction. Inside, she really wanted to jump up in joy because of the good news. But she has a reputation to handle.

"Hey! I'm not well yet! I still need a nurse" he pouted childishly. He didn't like the idea of not having a Nurse Hope touching his forehead and teasing him everyday.

"Time will come when we would part ways. You would eventually find Fair Flower"

"Yeah I know…" his eyes lit up "But what if-"

She immediately cut him off. "Don't even think of it! My only job is to help you find someone you are searching for. Don't take your eyes off your goal"

'Don't fall in love with me yet. Fall in love with Daidouji Tomoyo as she is'

A few days passed with no apparent progress. They started showing more and more memory triggers.

But whenever they see Eriol in pain, they experience pain too. They couldn't fully further the plan. They couldn't stand seeing him in pain. He is that precious to them.

Since testing his memory couldn't work precisely the way they thought it should, they would now change tactics. Let's shift to the next stage, shall we?

………………………………………………..Confusion-stage-commence..........................................

"I won't be able to join you today… or perhaps, this whole week. I'm not really sure. The two weeks search we had was full of exhaustion for me. And I had to sideline as a nurse too! I'm really tired… But I'll come back after a few days. Promise!" Hope bowed her head to apologize.

The mage frowned a little. Why does she have to go…?

'Wait… Stop thinking like that Eriol! You know that all that has been happening were just too-good dreams! They may be real, but it will disappear as fast as it came. A cloaked girl who is gentle and kind doesn't exist in this world!' His conscience

"I understand. Don't worry. I'll try my best to search for her even though you're not here." He tried to smile understandingly, but it only resulted to a half-smile, half-frown expression.

"Now, now. I won't be gone for long. Don't act as if I'm suddenly becoming a monk." she joked lightly to ease the tension.

They smiled at each other for some moments (even though Eriol doesn't really see Hope's face because of the hood) before she walked off to who-knows-where.

(A/n: I know! I know!)

Spinnel hovered above Eriol's shoulder, waiting for his reaction.

"Where should we go next…? I was thinking that I should go to the university with her but now I can go by myself" The mage cheerfully suggested.

"You're not going to cry?" the guardian asked teasingly.

"What do you think I am? A high school boy?" he raised a brow at the flying stuffed toy.

"A high school boy? No. A love-sick boy? Yes."

"Let's go to the university now. We shouldn't waste time. The newsletters that Fair Flower gave revolved around the Tomoeda University. I'm sure we would find some clue"

"Hmp… guilty" Spinnel muttered.

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing, Love-sick guilty master"

…

Eriol looked at the names of the people on his list.

Kinomoto Sakura

Li Syaoran

Yanagisawa Naoko

Yamazaki Takashi

Daidouji Tomoyo

Tanagawa-sensei

Mihara Chiharu

Sasaki Rika

Terada-sensei

Fujiwara Ryoko

Takimoto Yuki

Karasuma Saisha

Ceres Sango

They were the people that Fair Flower had mentioned in one way or another. The prominent ones were Sakura and Syaoran, but it isn't really surprising because they were quite popular in the university. As Fair Flower said, those two were the hottest couple in the whole university!

The other people there, like Yamazaki and Naoko, won a competition which made them popular too. Fujiwara Ryoko is the president of the student council; Daidouji Tomoyo is the external vice president and the choir representative, while Takimoto Yuki, Karasuma Saisha and Ceres Sango are representatives of some organization.

Only Chiharu and Rika were cited even though they weren't that popular. Actually, they were mentioned because of their personal lives. Fair flower said that Chiharu was kind enough to treat Yamazaki to lunch when he won another contest while Rika was so sweet when she made strawberry shortcake for Terada-sensei (their former teacher). Both issues were not 'popular' kind of news. Instead, they were personal.

Only a close friend, or an all-knowing person, would know that, right?

So… they'll be the clues.

He immediately walked to the university with Spinnel inside his pocket. He had a hunch that he would find something interesting there.

…

"Yamazaki-kun, I told you that this is nothing. These are just letters!" she yelled at his boyfriend who was looking at the letters suggestively.

He suddenly pointed his index finger heavenwards, like how he usually does when he is lying.

"Do you know that love letters were banned during ancient times because they were considered as curse from broken hearted female goddesses? There was even a police force against those letters! And-"

Wham!

Ouch! A ruler came crashing on his head as a furious expression took over Chiharu's face.

"This is not a love letter!" After exhaling angrily, she then added "You're not jealous? At all?"

"Of course that's not a love letter. Who in this world, in their right mind, would write a love letter for you…?"

Wham!

Yamazaki chuckled a little at his girl friend and added "Well, except me"

The investigating mage looked from afar. Why was Chiharu holding all those letters? And to think that those letters were suspiciously similar to the letters he sent… Why was Chiharu always in the picture? First, when the twin card showed up. Then now, with all those letters.

Hmmm… something's not quite right.

…

Let's go to the next clue… Sasaki Rika.

"Rika-chan!" Tomoyo called out to her silent friend. "Good Afternoon. Do you have notes about the subject that Nishi-sensei discussed last week?"

"Oh. Good Afternoon. I have notes, they're here." Rika rummaged through her locker and took a notebook. "Here. Umm… If I may ask, why were you absent last week? I was surprised when I didn't see you for the first week of school"

"I was arranging something outside the school. The principal gave me permission to take a one week leave as long as I also do some duties regarding the student council" she answered politely with a small smile. "I heard you helped Terada-sensei with his celebration with the kids in the orphanage! That's so nice of you…"

Rika smiled. "It's nothing. I really like kids a lot so it was nothing, really."

Hmmm… That means Daidouji Tomoyo still know things concerning students even though she's busy with outside activities. She could be Fair Flower. And Sasaki Rika also looks like the kind of girl the Fair Flower could be: observant, kind and sweet.

…

"I'm back! After one week of rest, I'm fully charged again!"

"What's with the energy?" Spinnel nonchalantly asked as he landed on Hope's shoulder.

"I missed this mysterious hood. It's so… mysterious"

"You're starting to sound like Nakuru. Please don't turn into a stupid person, mistress"

Hope laughed quietly as they walked to the master's room. It was early morning, exactly a week after her 'vacation period'. She was so energetic when she realized that this was the start of another guessing week.

Spinnel knocked and then slowly opened the door to his master's room.

"Master? You have a guest. I'm sure you would be glad to see her." Spinnel said with a knowing smirk.

"Who is it?" Through his sleepy state, Eriol doesn't usually open his senses to auras. And so, he was left clueless to the surprise.

"Forgot me already?" An angel-like voice called out from behind the door.

"Hope…?" He asked with a childish smile. Hearing her voice made his drowsy state go away quicker than anything can. The door opened, revealing the girl in his usual black hood. "Hope!" Eriol ran to her and hugged her tightly. "I missed you"

Tomoyo blushed. Whoa! Wah… Eriol is hugging me! What should I do? What should I do?

"Are you okay?" Because of her shock, she didn't notice that the mage already released her from the hug and was now staring at her with concern. "I'm sorry for hugging you suddenly…"

"Its okay" Hope silently replied. 'Next time you hug me, be sure to do it longer. You're so stupid sometimes'

"I really missed you" he repeated breathlessly, not completely believing that she was here now. "Where would we go today?"

"We should stay here for now. I want to know what you did last week. Spinnel told me that you did a lot of searching."

"Okay…" he smiled as an idea came to his mind. "I'll cook breakfast today. We'll have a feast for you arrival"

…

Tomoyo smiled in delight as she put her spoon and fork down. The breakfast was delicious! She didn't know that Eriol could also cook. Well, he has Nakuru so why would he need to cook, right? Those pancakes were heavenly!

"Gochiso sama" she said after eating. (A/N: That means 'thank you for the food', a phrase normally said by Japanese after eating)

"It suits you better to speak Japanese. You look terribly cuter"

"Honto?" (Really?) She tilted her head to the right for added effect.

"Really. But speaking English is good too. You sound like a lady so much." Eriol smiled at her with that charming smile of his. He then stood up to take the dishes away.

Ding Dong! Ding Dong!

"I'll answer it" he said, putting down the plates and hurrying to the door. He opened it welcomingly and looked left and right to see the guest. To his surprise, no one was there. He was about to close the door when he saw a candy on his door step.

"Hope! I'll just go outside for awhile" he called out as he walked towards the trail of candy. It went on and on until he was near his gate. The path diverged from the gate and to a big tree on his yard. A big purple box with a white ribbon was situated under the big tree.

A note was placed above it.

"What did it say?" Hope suddenly appeared behind him, peeking at the note in his hands.

"Hope!" he cried out, startled. He really needs to practice his magic again! It seems to be weakening everyday!

"Just read it! I'm excited!" she prodded while pulling his sleeves. 'I'm excited to see your reaction!'

Eriol opened the envelope.

"Eriol-kun, I see…" he read the letter slowly, digesting each word. "This is getting really interesting, ne? You're searching for me, I heard. Well, good luck with the search. Just call me if you can't figure my identity, I'll arrive for sure. Thanks for your effort of searching for me! God luck again! That's all, Your Fair Flower"

Eriol smiled as he closed the letter and slid it in the envelope. 'I knew it! She already knows that I'm here. No wonder I can't catch her red-handed. Fair Flower… You're right. This is getting quite interesting.

Tomoyo looked at the paper then at his face. He didn't seem surprised at all. Hmmm… what does that mean?

Eriol moved to open the box.

5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

Surprise!

A beautiful mocha cake with a 'catch me if you can' designed on top was inside the box.

"Naughty fair flower…" he muttered as he placed the cake back on the box. He took it in his arms and walked back to the house. "Nakuru would jump in joy when she sees this. She rarely tastes cakes made by other people."

"Did I hear cake?" the aforementioned guardian came bouncing from the house, obviously excited. "We have cake?" She ran to them and peeked at the box. "Wai! Mocha!"

She smiled at Hope and gave her a thumbs-up.

Eriol simply raised his eyebrow in question.

??!

…………………………………………………2nd Orb……….……………………………………………..

"Tomoyo-chan's mocha cake is soooooooo delicious!!!!" Nakuru recited while looking at the many flowers on the park. She picked one and twirled it in her fingers. "She told me how Li-kun proposed… so sweet…"

Touya grunted in irritation. "Why do you have to rub it in my face that my little sister is getting married to the brat?" The girl could almost see steam coming out of his ears. He's really angry!

She folded her arms below her chest and raised her brow inquisitively. "They love each other so much! It's obvious and you know it! You should be happy that your sister found such a handsome, kind and sweet boy!"

He scoffed. "Handsome? Kind? Sweet? He's a brat!"

"Touya-kun, he LOVES her. Isn't that enough for you? She's happy with him. You want her to be happy, right?"

That question silenced him. He loves his sister so much, resulting to this protective instinct. He can't stand seeing Sakura with other guys, especially with Syaoran. The other brats who dare get too close with her immediately ran off after seeing Touya. But Syaoran was different. His love for Sakura was as clear as the unpolluted ocean.

"If I were your sister, I would have defied you already. You're way too protective!" Nakuru suddenly declared, immediately breaking his trance.

"If you were my sister, Iwould have given you up already… You're too noisy!"

"Oh? So I don't have to worry since you're not my brother! You can't give me up that easily!" She smiled triumphantly because of her new discovery.

This moment of discovery didn't last long though, as another thought passed through her mind. "Then again, who am I to you? I'm not your sister. I'm not your stalker anymore either… What do you think?"

Touya was put on the hot seat. He didn't expect the question today. Yes, he thought about that matter a lot of times already. But he didn't expect it to be brought out so soon. He always thought of her as… annoying; as… irritating; as a girl who makes his temper rise to no end.

She was a girl just like Sakura: naïve, sweet and a little mysterious. He feels a little protective when she suddenly cries because of silly little things like his being late for work (which, she says, is mainly caused by her). He can't help but think that it isn't her fault that he is late for work. It was his fault that he enjoyed teasing her so much.

He wanted to hug her when she came back after a year. He missed her like a little boy missing summer vacation. And when she is pouting and staring at him like that…

He just inhales deeply to stop himself from doing something like…

Wait a minute! What the hell am I thinking?

"You're…" he took his handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his brows.

"We're friends, right?" she asked hopefully.

He sighed in relief and smiled fondly at her. "Of course"

"Really? Yehey! Yay!" Her smiled widened as her eyes sparkled with childish joy. She took her hand and jumped happily. "We're friends! You actually treat me as a friend!"

To stop her from being so noisy, he placed his hands on her shoulder and finally held her there. He needed to say something else before he goes back to work. He inched closer to her.

Closer…

Closer…

He brought his lips just beside her ear, letting his warm breath tickle her senses.

"You're my friend…" he started. She stood there, speechless due to the intimate closeness. "…and maybe something more"

He pulled back and smiled another fond smile. Looking at his watch, he said "It's time to go to work. Bye"

He ran off just like that.

~Just with those simple words, I think I see a beautiful light in him. Something so warm and tender~

Yatsuiko-chan: Please Read and Review! I wrote a Loooong chapter just for you to forgive me… onegai!