Luka's phone began to ring. She flipped it open, half-dreading and half-hoping that the call would be from Kaito. She was both relieved and disappointed after Miku 's number came up on the screen. Miku had began calling her a lot more recently and their relationship as friends became much closer.

" Luka, We need to talk. It's important." were the first words that Miku had said. Luka was taken aback by her unusually serious tone, which was completely out of character for Miku, however Luka listened intently.

" What is it Miku? Is something wrong?" Luka felt a sense of anxiety as she waited for reply.

"There's just something I need to make sure of that's all. Luka… I want to know how you feel about Kaito." Miku's words took Luka by surprise, it was much too sudden for Luka to compose herself. The young girl fidgeted with her soft hair. She became flustered and her face began to turn multiple levels of crimson with shyness. She felt the need to cover her face to conceal her obvious panic from an imaginary crowd.

"How I feel... about Kaito?" Luka repeated Miku's question, as if she was searching for a deeper meaning in a riddle. "I don't think I heard that right Miku. What was that last word?"

"I said, How do you feel about Kaito?" Miku repeated her words, placing an even greater emphasis on Kaito's name.

"Umm…. Which Kaito are you speaking of?" Luka clumsily tried to evade the question, however Miku kept persistently pressing Luka for an answer. "The Kaito in our class, Luka."

Luka began to feel hot as she answered "Kaito is…. a really good person and he has been really nice to me, I think that he's someone I could trust…" Luka tried to play dumb, pretending not know the true meaning behind the question.

"Luka, stop dodging the question! Do you like Kaito?" Miku began to sound extremely frustrated. " I need your honest answer, Luka. I know that he likes you for sure that's why, I want to know if you feel the same."

Luka was taken aback by Miku's words. He likes you kept playing itself on repeat in Luka's mind. She could trust Miku's words, especially if it was about Kaito, but still, she was awe-struck with disbelief. Her head began spinning and she felt like Miku was playing a cruel joke on her.

"So, what's your answer?" Miku's insistence dragged Luka out of her stupor.

Luka closed her eyes, hoping to calm herself while she let out all of the thoughts she had bottled up inside her.

" To me, Kaito is-" an abrupt ringing interrupted her sentence. "Give me a second, I have another call." Luka was almost grateful for this new distraction until she found out that it was Kaito that was calling.

Luka felt butterflies in her stomach, fluttering around leaving uneasiness behind. "It's Kaito…" Luka said so that Miku could hear. "Right now? Aren't you going to answer it?"Miku was shocked. Luka said nothing and before she could make a decision the opportunity to pick up was gone.

" I'm…. going to call him back." Luka hung up.

The dial tone continued with a dreadful ring. Kaito's heart began to sink as it continued for another five seconds. She isn't going to answer, I'm an idiot for trying, Kaito thought to himself. The cold air seemed to grow heavier with his anxiety. The dial tone stopped and he heard Luka's voice.

"Hello, you have reached my voicemail-"Kaito pushed the end call button angrily.

"I shouldn't have even tried." He told himself. He jumped into his bed and lay there sprawled out, facing the ceiling. Kaito held his phone up in one hand and stared at it. Its unearthly glow filled his dark room which was only illuminated by moonlight. Tracing the outlines of the screen, he swiped his fingers slowly on its cold surface.

The unearthly glow suddenly grew into a bright flash and his ringtone played at full blast, making Kaito drop his phone. His fingers fumbled with the cell phone strap as he picked up again. He stared in disbelief when saw that Luka was calling. Kaito cleared his throat.

"Good evening, Luka." Kaito said after he answered the call, his voice quivered slightly as he struggled to make a simple greeting.

"Hello Kaito, It's been a while."

Now that Luka answered, Kaito could no longer step back, he was now past the point of no return. All the words that Kaito had planned to say slipped from his mind, leaving a blank slate in his head. His throat felt constricted as he began to speak.

"I'm sorry to bother you so late at night again, but I really needed to clear things up."

Mixed feelings assaulted Luka on the other line. She had longed to call Kaito as well, She was torn by the guilt that she had felt when she left Kaito in the garden, which had been eating away at her mind for a long time. She desperately wanted to make amends, but unfortunately, she couldn't gather the courage.

"No, please don't apologize. I'm sorry for my rudeness these past few days… especially in the garden." Luka's said remorsefully.

Kaito was struck by her apologetic tone. "Luka…."Kaito called her name softly. He took a deep breath to calm himself and started to speak. He wanted to tell her everything, but all the words came up blank.

"The last time I called…" Kaito's breath began to feel hurried as he pieced together his thoughts." I was really nervous. I asked you a stupid question and I really didn't want to bother you anymore than I already did. I'm sorry I lied, there really is nothing between me and Miku."

On the other side of the line, Luka felt a heavy burden being lifted from her shoulders. Her voice eased and she said "Yes, I know. Miku cleared it up for me yesterday, but I feel that it means much more coming from you, Kaito."

Kaito felt at ease, with the unfortunate misunderstanding out of the way.

" Actually, there was something I needed to tell you as well Kaito…." Luka said it so softly, letting the words slip into a soft whisper.

Nervousness began to well up in Luka's head. It was evident from her voice, which seemed to fade away with every word. Luka's shyness began to get the better of her as she tried to fight back her indecisiveness.

I have to tell him now or I will never be able to tell him, Luka told herself. Luka unintentionally created an unwanted silence between them. Kaito couldn't imagine what it was Luka had to say.

Kaito ruffled his royal blue hair, trying to figure out what she had in mind. His curiosity kept him dangling in suspense, although he felt a dire need to break the silence. The conversation was beginning to become awkward again.

Luka found herself unable to say it. "Kaito, I'm sorry if I seem rude tomorrow."

"Wait, what?" was all Kaito could say before Luka hung up, leaving him dumbstruck wondering what she meant.

Luka sighed. The conversation still resounded in her mind. Her room's warmth began to make her sleepy. She set sketch paper on her desk and taking a small pencil, proceeded to create swift marks on the paper. Luka tried to clear things from her mind. She tried to think of something else, but all she saw was a vision from the past or just a childish reverie.

Autumn leaves drifted wistfully around the air, painting the ground with shades of crimson, scarlet and orange. The sun was setting, striking a warm light onto the leaves, creating an ethereal glow in the forest. Two children laughed as they ran through a blizzard of autumn leaves. They laughed together as they ran through the forest hand in hand, seeming to leave the rest of the world behind with only the graceful wind blowing beside them.

As she slipped out of her daydream, Luka realized that she had began drawing Kaito's face. She couldn't keep her mind away from Kaito. She sighed and crumpled the small paper, tossing it in the trash bin as she headed back for bed. Her conversation with Kaito and talking with Miku had worn her out.

Kaito stayed up and received an unwanted phone call from a friend of his own.

Rain clouds covered the sky the next day. Luka avoided Kaito, but this time it felt different. He could feel a lingering glance at him at times and a certain shyness radiated from Luka whenever he approached. Kaito was, however, just being oblivious to Luka's several awkward efforts to get near him, but all of her approaches ended with a quick tactical retreat.

Gakupo also avoided Kaito, trying not to remind him of their phone call from the night before.

Nearing the end of the day, Kaito packed his things and prepared for a walk home with Miku, who waited impatiently beside him. He heard quiet footsteps approaching, Luka's soft pink hair trailed behind her as she made her way towards them. Kaito observed her face. Her eyes strayed away from him and it was noticeable that she was avoiding meeting his royal blue eyes

"Could I speak with you alone for a moment? It's about what I told you last night." Luka seemed slightly flustered.

Kaito's heart felt heavy. He began fidgeting with his bag nervously. He turned his attention to Luka, who seemed to be gripping her bag intently. Wondering what Luka had failed to say the night before was one of the things that had kept him up late last night. He had narrowed down the possibilities from something about Miku, last night's homework or compensation for her phone bill.

Luka took a step closer and grabbed Miku's hand.

"Okay." He heard Miku say. Luka brushed past Kaito, bumping into his shoulder and school bag by accident as the two girls left the class. Miku looked back at Kaito as they exited, giving a little laugh.

Kaito felt a bit betrayed and felt like a fool for thinking that she had been talking to him. He sighed as he put away his notebook. Digging through the contents of the leather book bag, he felt something that hadn't been there before. After rummaging through it, he took out a small piece of pink parchment.

It was neatly folded and had intricately decorated borders. The peach scent made it clear who left it in his bag. Kaito's hands began to grow unsteady as he unfolded the paper.

"It can't be, right?" He muttered to himself.

Luka had laid out her feelings on the small parchment with a short letter.

" Please meet me after school in the garden, I have many things I need to tell you. I know that it wouldn't be right if I don't tell you in person."

Although Kaito couldn't see it, Luka had labored over the letter, erasing every line trying to find the right words to say and worrying about every single sentence.

Kaito needed a moment to understand everything in the letter. Convincing himself that he hadn't read it right, he scanned it quickly, Kaito remembered his conversation with Gakupo the night before. He almost cursed how ironic fate was.

Staring at the pink parchment, Kaito felt the need to run, he felt like he needed to leave it all behind just to avoid disappointment, but he really couldn't help himself. He had to go meet her.

The rain began to pour and the heavy rain ruined the normally pristine feeling of the garden. The geraniums bent from the force of water, creating a crooked pattern in the flower garden. Standing in the rain, Kaito looked up to the gray sky. He felt like an idiot. Although he knew nothing could happen between them even if she did come, he still waited for her in the rain. The rainwater poured on his face. He was getting soaked, but he didn't take shelter from the rain, fearing that if by some chance Luka did come, she wouldn't see him because he was covered by something. She wouldn't possibly come in this rain. He laughed at himself and he heard soft footsteps and twigs cracking.

"Kaito-san?"

He turned around and saw Luka holding an umbrella. She rushed towards him after dropping her bag in a patch of grass sheltered by an oak tree. She took him under her umbrella. The distance between them left Kaito unable to tear his eyes away from the beautiful girl that was standing in front of him. Her eyes were on Kaito, wide and alert. Luka looked embarrassed and her constant shaking gave her nervousness away. The rain pounded on Luka's umbrella. "Hey…. The weather is nice today as well, isn't it?" Luka laughed nervously. Kaito smiled" Yes, it seems so.", giving a nervous laugh of his own.

Luka leaned closer to him, close enough that with only a small push their faces would touch. Kaito held his breath. Her sweet scent intoxicated him and her long beautiful hair touched his shoulders as she extended her arms around him.

Kaito was surprised at her sudden embrace. "It's a bit hard to cover us both from the rain with my small umbrella. I'm sorry if you feel awkward, Kaito." she reasoned. Although the light was dim due to the rain clouds, it wasn't very hard to tell Luka was blushing.

She pulled him closer and he could feel a gentle heat emanating from her. His soaked clothes were still dripping and got Luka's uniform wet. "Stop, you might catch a cold!" Kaito warned. Luka held him closer. "Kaito, I….." Luka began. Kaito knew she had been trying her hardest to confess to him. The sudden embrace made that clear. However, he was still in disbelief. Kaito wished the moment could last forever. He put his own arm on her back and looked at her endearingly. "You really don't have to force yourself to say anything if it really bothers you that much." He said to Luka. She looked at him, with their faces only inches apart.

Her expression changed from embarrassment to a look of pure sincerity. "I'm not forcing myself to say anything! I like you Kaito. I really do… Nothing else can change that."

Luka rested her head on his chest, her last words brought up his phone call with Gakupo the night before. The predicament hit him like a brick. Luka was born in a rich family, she had high marks in school, was a popular idol and the most beautiful girl that Kaito had ever met. He couldn't possibly deserve her. He thought to himself, I really am an idiot. Kaito gulped, but he still felt a lump on his throat. He clenched his fist, hoping that he could find the strength to make the decision that was best for Luka.

"I'm sorry. Please forget about me. You deserve someone better." He forced himself to utter the words.

"Kaito…" Luka called out his name. The voice that had always enchanted him now stung him, he was unable to look her in the eyes, because he really didn't feel that way. He wanted Luka to stay, to like him and to be together with him. He hated himself for hurting Luka. If Gakupo hadn't called him, then he would've been able to brush off all of his worries.

"…" Luka looked him sadly. "Please… You deserve someone better." Kaito mumbled. Luka withdrew from him, dropping her umbrella. "…I see." She looked hurt. He couldn't bear to see her like that. Luka made an effort not to cry, yet tiny little droplets escaped from her eyes. She turned away and looked up at the sky, trying to hide her tears. "Good-bye Kaito." She turned away and began to walk, letting herself get drenched from the rain.

Kaito couldn't help thinking how perfect the weather was. He really wanted to cry as well, he hoped that his tears would be lost in the rain.

Luka's seat was empty the next day, her friends said that she caught a fever. Kaito put his head down on his desk, tired and depressed. The rain still pounded outside, creating an even more depressing mood. There was still a few minutes before the beginning of class, but students were already filling the room. Kaito sighed. He really couldn't make sense of the world anymore. Kaito felt a light tap on his shoulder.

Raising his head, Kaito saw Miku's face. Her eyes were filled with contempt. Suddenly, Kaito felt her hand slapping him across the face. The imprint of her hand lay on his face for a few seconds, Kaito was too shocked and confused to react. He felt several eyes turning towards both of them.

Miku headed for the door, as she turned a single tear escaped from her eyes. Kaito put his hand on his cheek.

"What the hell?" he asked himself.

He felt a firm grip on his shoulder. Gakupo nodded at him and said "Go follow her, something must be up if Miku is that upset." Kaito knew it as well. If there was something wrong, Miku would have been sure to make herself heard. He got from his chair and bolted after her. He found Miku in the hallways and he reached for her shoulder. She didn't turn around and immediately brushed off his hand and made her way outside with a quick sprint. Kaito ran after her and Miku finally ran out of breath when they reached the garden. Kaito paused for breath when he had finally caught up.

"You're an idiot! Why did you reject her?"Miku began to yell.

"Didn't you say that you love her and only her?" She grabbed his collar. Miku had been soaked from the rain, her teal hair hanging down her back and her face wet.

"It was for the best! I was never good enough for her anyway. What am I compared to her? She deserves someone better than me. It was hard for me as well! I do love her, but I can't even be sure if this is what love is and if I really do love her that much, then I can't afford to take that chance. She deserves someone better than me, who isn't even sure if he truly loves her."

"That's just an excuse! You're not just hurting yourself with all this needless self-hate, you're hurting Luka as well!"

Miku tightened her grip on his collar and took a deep breath.

"I know for sure that you are worth loving. You speak of what's good for her, but you continually ignore your own feelings. How can you love someone else if you can't even love yourself?"

Kaito was unable to react to her sudden surge of emotion. " I'll show you that you are worth loving." Miku pulled him closer and closed the distance between their lips. Kaito's eyes widened as her lips wrapped around his own and her cheek touched his.

Kaito saw that Miku's face wasn't wet because of the rain. Tears flowed from Miku's face and it reminded Kaito of the first time he admitted he loved Luka, but a fake laugh could no longer mask her sadness.