Disclaimer-I don't own Digimon. In fact, I don't own a lot of things.

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Those Who Search

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Hi Dad. I'm going to a school for aspiring dictators! Of course, I meant to apply for sanity camp. Kouichi opened the door with a sigh. "Hi, Satomi," he grumbled, and then headed for the stairs.

"Kouichi! Where's Kouji? Was camp fun?" Satomi asked, flashing him a smile as she crossed his path.

Camp…? "Yeah. It was great," he said, trying to sound convincing. What kind of camp did Kouji's lie speak of? "But…I'm tired, so…uh, I'll go take a nap now." Sleep…sleep and a camp form. Jeez, doesn't Baku have some insignia or emblem to go off of? It'll take forever to make one up…but I'm sure the idiot'll understand, Kouichi thought, shutting his eyes as he sat down in the chair. And now, for an hour of intense staring at the computer as I create the ultimate masterpiece.

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One hour and thirty-nine minutes later, Kouichi looked at the printed form with a frown. Hah. A 'B' on a really ugly green rectangle. Fits Heima perfectly, at least. I do wonder where the thorny vines came from. Makes it all evil – no…lame looking. Evil wannabe.

He shrugged, and headed down the stairs.

Kouji had come home by now. He sat on the floor, eyes glued to the TV, mouth slightly ajar. Despite the want to end the appalling sight, Kouichi managed to drag himself up to his father (who was sitting on the couch and gazing at the TV while taking an occasional drink from the cup of coffee in his hand) and held out the form.

"Uh…signature please," he said, gazing wide-eyed at the ground. It was awkward. Now that he thought about it, he'd never spoken to his father about anything, save when he was asked how school was. And he never initiated conversations with anyone but Kouji.

Creepy.

Kousei stared at the paper for several uncomfortable seconds before placing the coffee down and taking the form into his hands. "'A school for dictators'…?" he read aloud slowly, sending a questioning look in Kouichi's direction.

"Uh…they didn't strike it through?" I had too much fun I forgot to delete that…

"Oh. 'Camp for…Math nerds'?"

Kouichi bit his tongue, continued staring at the floor. Don't laugh…

"'Science nuts'?" Kousei looked more and more confused with every word he read. "'Aspiring writers and actors or band geeks'?" He looked at Kouichi again, then back at the paper. "Er…are you sure you want to–"

"Keep reading," Kouichi said quickly.

"Huh…Oh. 'Also for hopeless students who cause immense trouble for their teachers.' Hey, maybe I could send Kouji along with you!" Kousei exclaimed thoughtfully.

"I heard that!" Kouji threw a glare over his shoulder before returning his attention to the TV.

"Keep reading…" I knew that would happen.

"Oh…'By invite only.' That's too bad." Kousei shrugged and quickly took the pen beside his mug. "So I sign here…and…what's the date…?" The man didn't look up as he slowly scrawled his signature on the paper. Had he, he would have seen a small smirk creep onto Kouichi's lips (not like Kouji could see either. He was too absorbed in the TV).

Quickly, Kouichi snatched the paper and ran towards the stairs. "Thanks, now I've got homework, and then I'll be leaving for the rest of the month, bye–"

"HOLD IT."

Kouji froze where he was and turned around, a shaky grin trying to mask his anxiety. "Yeah…?"

"So, how was the three-day tutoring program you went to/"

"Great…" Wow…even when lying, Kouji doesn't stray far from the truth. He definitely didn't get Dad's genes for that.

"And magic school?"

"Um…" Magic…? I take back what I said earlier. Definitely Dad's genes. "Well…uh…the clowns hated me," Kouichi murmured, trying to sound thoughtful. No wait! There are no clowns in magic school. Oh well.

"Ah…I know what you mean. The second a magician steps onto their turf, those clowns get vicious."

I don't want to know. "Right…I'm…uh…going to do homework," Kouichi said, pointing to the stairs as he walked there, not bothering to hide the look of confusion (and slight annoyance) on his face. According to Kouji, how many places was I supposed to go? Just you wait, you pathetic excuse for a twin…I'll get my revenge.

Kousei frowned, seeing his older son stiffly ascend the stairs. "Kouji," he murmured, picking up his mug of coffee. A door slammed shut upstairs. Smiling thinly, Kousei said, "You're brother is a lousy liar."

Kouji just shrugged. Maybe I should have said he was off at moron camp instead…

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"I'm going out. I'll be back next month," Kouichi called out, pretending to be absorbed in his Math textbook as he opened the door. I wonder how weird that sounds. "Come on, Doggymon," he murmured to the digimon (whom he had picked up from Takuya's).

The digimon quickly dropped to all fours, scampering out before Kouichi. The said boy shut the door with a silent click, and, shoving his hands into his pockets, followed Doggymon. Suddenly, Kouichi stopped and shook his head. "Doggymon. I think we'll take a little detour. Come on. Follow me," he murmured, turning around, eyes focused on the ground. How…long has it been? I haven't been there in months. He smiled slightly, the smile bitter if anything.

Minutes later, they stopped in front of a small house. Doggymon stood on his rear legs and peered at the house before gazing at Kouichi, obviously confused. On the other hand, Kouichi remained quiet, eyes glued on the door. "I'd like to say I'm home, Mom, but I'm not. But don't worry…I'll buy back the place one day, and soon." Kouichi gazed endlessly at the door, unable to tear his eyes away. His eyes were beginning to burn and glaze over. I…

"Don't worry, Mommy! I'll be in soon!" A young boy's voice startled Kouichi and Doggymon out of their silent stupor, and the digimon dropped on all fours, while Kouichi averted his gaze elsewhere. The boy, slightly younger than Daisuke, stepped outside of the house, and returned the now-startled looks of Kouichi and Doggymon with a startled look of his own. Then, brightening, he asked, "Are you Junko's boyfriend?"

Why am I always accused of being someone's boyfriend…? "Um…no. I was looking around. I…uh…used to live here."

"Really? We moved in a few months ago! The last owner said the place was haunted, but my dad doesn't believe in ghosts!" The boy grinned at Kouichi. "I think a ghost would be cool, though!"

Kouichi returned the grin with a small smile. Serves that jerk right. I knew he was bad news. Whatever ghost is haunting the house can stop now. The kid's cute. "Sorry, kid. This house isn't haunted. That, I guarantee you every percent of one hundred." And that made no sense, I can definitely guarantee that.

"Is that your dog, mister?" he suddenly asked, gazing longingly at Doggymon.

"Uh…yeah."

"We can't have a dog. My entire family is allergic."

"Really, now? I know someone whose family is allergic to furry animals. She really loves cats, though." Kouichi shrugged. "You never know. Maybe you'll be able to get a dog one day," he murmured. "Now…don't you have something to do?"

"Uh huh!" Kouichi watched as the boy ran past him and gazed up at the darkening sky, shielding his eyes from the glares of the last rays of the sun with a hand. "I'm waiting!"

Kouichi walked up to the boy and gazed up at the sky, forgetting Doggymon for the moment. "What for?"

"My father's star."

"Did he discover it or something?"

"Nope! He flew to the stars and can't come back down, so he's living on a star. I'm going to wait until his star comes out."

"Star…?" Are you out there too, Mom? Kouichi smiled and shook his head. "You know what I think…?" he asked softly as he squatted down to the boy's level. "Your dad isn't on one of those stars shining in the night. He's on the sun. Keeping it bright to send all those pretty colors through the sky for you." Kouichi looked up and pointed at the sky. "Look at the clouds. All those colors…and this sunset. He says it's for you. Every day, he makes the sunset and sends a message to you through it." I wonder if he'll hunt me down and kill me when he's older for lying…

"You think so…?" The boy frowned, slowly nodding. "That makes sense. The sun's a star! I didn't know he made it there!" the boy exclaimed. Then, looking up, he yelled, "Thanks Dad! I'll make one for you, too!"

What…? Kouichi frowned. "Make what?"

"A sunset! My sister bought me paints. I'm going to paint a sunset and show it to my dad!"

Wow, this kid is great. I wish I'd done that when I was little. Kouichi just smiled brighter and sat down on the pavement. "I'm glad you got his message."

"What are you doing?" the boy asked curiously.

"I'm…waiting."

"You too?" He looked to the door when someone called out to him. "Well…I have to go in now. Good luck!"

Maybe I won't need it…but…

"Thanks, kid," Kouichi whispered, shutting his eyes as the breeze passed him. So Mom, any mail for me today?

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He looked all around, and there was darkness. Kouichi took a hesitant step forward, closer to the shining object just ahead of him.

Okay, maybe not an object, Kouichi observed as he walked closer. A door stood in front of him, tall and painted green, fancily carved, as if it were from some Victorian house. And just above the handle was the source of the shine: a lion's face, gilded in gold, a knocker hanging from his mouth.

He opened the door, paying no attention to the knocker. It was a nice, well-furnished room, and large too; there were rows of bookshelves to his left as he entered, and to the right lay a few cushions and a small tea table. There were pictures everywhere. But what bothered him more than anything was what stood in front of him.

A hooded man, holding a card in front of his face. On the back was the illustrative 'B' that Kouichi had created earlier that day.

The card flipped around.

"Duskmon," the man murmured.

And much to his horror, the digimon he dreaded to ever see again materialized in front of him.

"Welcome…"

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Kouichi sat up, wide-eyed. "What–"

"Glad you're awake. It took us a while to carry you here." The faces of a displeased Itsuma and a tired Arata met his gaze. "Yume was very annoyed when you didn't come back. It took us forever to locate you, too. Honestly, you looked–"

"Hush. Where's Doggymon?"

"Um…Yumena…eh…" Arata gazed at the ground and mumbled, "Yumena locked him up."

"WHAT?"

The other two boys winced.

"I am NOT moving until I GET MY DOG BACK!" Kouichi paused. "Technically, I kinda sorta gave him to Daisuke, but…I'M NOT BUDGING."

"There goes the peace. Good going, Arata," Itsuma grumbled, walking out of the room after snapping, "Now we've got to find Yumena and Heima."

"You do that!" Kouichi snapped, waiting for Arata to leave before he slammed the door and fell back onto his bed. Well now what? Oh yeah…writing my name on the cards! Kouichi rolled off of his bed and pulled the cards out of his pocket. He laid them down one by one, face down on the ground. Individual labeling will take too long. Too much of a pain in the neck…literally, he realized, staring at the many cards he had.

"Oh!" Kouichi grinned, content with the new thought that entered his head. No duh! "I'll label it like a puzzle! Genius!" he laughed, gazing down at the cards and flipping them over. Just…what's with those lines? He frowned at the black lines streaking along the silver backings of the cards. "Someone get to this idea before me…?" Puzzles, puzzles…

For several minutes, he moved the cards around one by one until he finally saw what was written on the cards (Not that he hadn't gotten the hint several misplaced cards before).

"Kouichi," the boy whispered. "Kouichi. Why? I don't…get it!" he suddenly yelled, slamming a fist into the ground. "What kind of joke is this?" He flipped the cards over to reveal the digimon. "Those cards…" Duskmon, Bokomon, Neemon, Gatomon. Kouichi shivered, seeing those four cards in the middle. "This…this is a really bad hoax," he whispered. Why would my name be on my cards when I never touched half of them before…?

"OPEN UP, KIMURA!" Yumena threw the door open, eyes flashing angrily. "Who do you think you are? Baku requests a meeting and you–"

"How dare you…? Is this your idea of a joke?" Kouichi hissed furiously, motioning to his cards. "And get out of my room!"

"What are you talking about?" Yumena screamed in return.

"THIS!" Without thinking, Kouichi threw a hand at his cards, scattering him across the floor. "Why do they have my name on it?"

Yumena's eyes widened. "What? Are you accusing me of –"

"Who else, then?" he asked coldly.

Quietly, Yumena picked up the cards, flipping them face down and gazing at the pieces. "I never…" Looking up, she declared, "If I did this, you ordered the kitchen and the food straight from Baku!"

Kouichi frowned, thinking over what she had just said. Calm down…calm down and think. "Well…okay," he said, giving in grudgingly. "Just…stop touching my cards!" he snapped, slapping her hands away. "You're the last person who can touch my cards." Kouichi scooped the cards into a stack in his hand and took his time to straighten them out. "And who let you in my room? But most importantly…" He pocketed his cards and glared at Yumena. "Where is my dog?"

Silent, Yumena rose to her feet and looked to the side.

"Where?" Kouichi asked again, starting to get impatient (again). When Yumena remained silent, he yelled, "Tell me before I set Chuumon on you!"

"I-I can take care of that mouse easily."

"What about…" Kouichi took out his cards and looked through them as he listed, "Mothmon, Wormmon, Mushroomon, Numemon, Kuwagamon, Vegimon, Honeybeemon…not to mention Tentomon and the very…pleasant looking MegaKabuterimon. Oh…and Roachmon." He looked up at Yumena (who was staring his direction, looking absolutely horrified) and smirked. "So…where's Doggymon?"

"B-b-BUGS!" Yumena screamed, pointing at Kouichi.

The boy frowned. "Uh…" Oops. You say the name to make the digimon appear in this place, huh? "Uh…that's…" He turned around and stared at the digimon behind him. One two…twelve cards down. "Um…now…all of you disappear. Or…however I get rid of you," Kouichi muttered, pocketing his cards and frowning at the digimon.

They all stared back. "That'll work," someone squeaked (Kouichi guessed it was Chuumon) and they all vanished in the blink of an eye.

"Where was I…?" Kouichi sighed as he turned back to Yumena, a scowl darkening his features. "Where did you put Doggymon? You can't just steal a dog that isn't yours and lock him up."

Yume shivered visibly. "He's lost."

"WHAT?"

"He ran off before we could put the lock on. I forgot the fact that he was a digimon," Yumena muttered, thought for the most part to herself.

Kouichi let out a frustrated sigh. "Where did he run?"

"Out of the house," Yumena responded, not seeming to care too much.

Damn. Daisuke, you're my only hope. Make sure that dog doesn't screw up. "That's right…where's Itsuma…?" I have to give Daisuke back to him. Pity I didn't bring it up earlier while I was yelling at him.

The girl merely sniffed and turned around, acting as if she hadn't heard him. "We have a meeting with Baku." After a pause, she added, "Right now."

Another sigh escaped Kouichi. Doggymon will be fine…I hope. Just play it cool for now, Kouichi. "Well, why didn't you say so earlier? We can't keep that guy waiting, now can we?" Yes, we can. And will. Kouichi followed Yumena out the door. Slowly, his eyes narrowed on the floor. A spy…? A small smirk adorned his face; he masked it with a shocked look and pointed to the small, insignificant third shadow on the floor.

"Is that a mouse?" Kouichi declared, loud and slow.

The girl just huffed. "Very funny, Kimura, but what makes you think–" She stopped, eyes growing wide. "M-m–"

Bingo, Kouichi thought, covering his ears as Yumena screamed. Time to make a break for it! Cackling to himself, he turned left and ran, not really caring that he was plunging himself deeper into his 'dungeon.' Too preoccupied with watching Yumena over his shoulder, Kouichi failed to see the figure in front of him. A small collision ensued, one which Kouichi dismissed with a quick apology before running around, not bothering to look back.

Perhaps things would have been different if he had, but Kouichi continued forward, unaware of any consequences.

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"This place is pretty big," Kouichi muttered to himself. How to get out? Maybe I should try the doors, he thought, a hand outstretching itself, reaching for the nearest doorknob, which happened to be to his right. Not that he expected to find an exit. It was only an excuse for his curiosity.

Kouichi stopped and frowned. Slowly, he withdrew his hand. Maybe I should knock. Shrugging, he stepped away from the door altogether. "Maybe that door over there gets me out," he muttered, squinting at the door at the end of the hall. "Cool…" From my dream. Maybe that's not such a good thing…but it's a cool door. And the chances that Duskmon will jump out at me are slim to none. Casually, Kouichi walked over, examining the door. A knocker…lion knocker. These are old. I wonder if Baku got these imported…or maybe the previous owner? He shrugged and lifted the knocker, gently bringing it down on the polished wood. The clash, however small it was, seemed to echo on forever, but silence reigned the many seconds after.

"Cool," Kouichi said again, pushing the door open. Hello–

–and what's this? He frowned, shutting the door behind him with a quiet click. What is…this? His breath hitched in his throat as his eyes swept across the room again and again. Why? Why…me?

Suddenly, the words flashed through his head and the boy shivered, taking a step back as he gazed at the portrait fixed onto the ceiling so inconspicuously.

He didn't have to see the words on the bottom of the portrait to know what they said. He already knew. Just as with his cards, his name was written, proportional to the portrait, elegantly. Under were the words he had heard in his dream, and seen on his cards; the very words he dreaded:

Master of Darkness. Master of Time.

He couldn't see how the latter was. He didn't believe in the first. But that didn't bother him too much.

What bothered him was how all this was written in neat calligraphy at the very bottom of the portrait, just large enough to read; a portrait of what he feared most: Duskmon.

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The sky was becoming a darker shade of blue as the golden furred digimon panted, dashing down the streets. Daisuke, he thought, again and again. Daisuke. The name was embedded in his memory as he turned the corner and ran on.

Passersby must have thought it was strange that a collarless, stray, oddly colored dog such as this would pounce upon anyone, much less lick their faces. But Doggymon, a determined look evident in his eyes, did pounce on someone, and he did lick that someone's face (thoroughly, too).

Daisuke fell to the ground, trying to pry the digimon off. Beside him, Shinya shirked away, unable to do much except that…and gape at Doggymon.

For you see, in his rush, Doggymon had completely forgotten Shinya was in the picture. "Kouichi!" the dog panted. "Mean girl locked me up!"

Under the weight of the digimon, all Daisuke could do as hide. Although he had been forced to explain to Shinya the matters of Baku and company, he had never expected Shinya would actually see anything more, especially after Kouichi had talked to them.

But Shinya saw.

And Daisuke didn't know what to do.

Slowly, the boy pushed Doggymon off and rose to his feet. "D-doggy…good doggy," he laughed uneasily, wincing when he noticed Shinya glaring at him.

Not so much a glare as an odd look. "What do you mean, 'good doggy'? What's his name? Hey, dog-thing–what happened to Kouichi?" Shinya demanded, turning to the now-mute Doggymon.

"No! No, no," Daisuke moaned, covering his face with his hands. "Stop it, Shinya! You can't let anyone know about each other – both of you! Itsuma will be so mad at me, I–" Whimpering, Daisuke dropped his hands to his sides. "Who am I kidding? I'm hopeless!"

"Aw…what a cute dog…!"

Both boys looked up. Shinya's expression immediately brightened. "I know you! You're…you're…that girl!"

The girl glared at Shinya. "It's Hotaru…Shinya."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?" Shinya exclaimed, taken aback.

Hotaru bent down and smiled as she pet the dog. "Such a cute dog…what's his name?"

"D-Doggymon…" Daisuke stuttered, gazing at Hotaru wide-eyed, for fear something would go wrong. I wish Itsuma were here…I don't know what to do…!

"…mon?" Hotaru looked up at the boy and frowned. "That sounds…familiar…:

Daisuke gulped.

Dismissing the thought with a laugh, Hotaru rose to her feet. "Really, that's such a cute dog…it's not Shinya's, is it?"

"N-no, ma'am." Daisuke began stuttering again.

Ma'am? "Um…Hotaru," she corrected.

"R-right…Miss."

Miss? "No…Hotaru."

"S-sorry, M-"

"HOTARU."

"GAH!" Daisuke flinched, opening one eye when he heard a giggle.

"Cute dog of a cute boy. What's your name?" Hotaru asked, bending down to pet Doggymon once more.

"Daisuke," the boy answered meekly.

Hotaru smiled at him. "Well it's nice to meet you, Daisuke. Maybe I'll see you around," she said, rising to her feet. "And I'll definitely see you around, Shinya!"

"Aw, phooey!" Shinya grumbled. I still don't know who she is…

He'll never figure it out. "Bye, you two!" Hotaru said as she walked past them with a wave.

All three gave a sigh of relief. Doggymon then looked up at Daisuke. "Kouichi's in his room! Room, room…I can't get in."

"One second."

All three froze as Hotaru wheeled around and frowned. "Now I remember. Doggymon…and…and those people called Kae Gatomon…!"

Shinya and Daisuke exchanged looks of horror before glancing up uneasily at Hotaru. Crossing his fingers behind his back (because he felt like it) Shinya said aloud, "You have no idea what you're talking about, Miss."

"But…I heard a third voice just a second ago!" Hotaru insisted.

"Dreaming," the Kanbara declared.

Hotaru stared at them, mouth open in protest. Finally, she sighed and folded her arms. "This is like arguing with Kouichi," she muttered.

Shinya brightened again. "Cool! I'm as good as Kouichi!"

"I was talking about Daisuke."

"Huh?" Startled, he turned to the boy beside him. Being the boy of few words that he was, Daisuke shook his head furiously, not even stopping as Shinya stared at him.

"This…" Shinya mumbled, "…is kind of…awkward."

The girl bit her lip. Then, trying to sound as innocent and curious as possible (so as to make them confess), she asked, "So where are you two going?"

"We were going to the shop with lots of candy," Shinya started.

"He means the candy shop," Daisuke informed Hotaru in a whisper (and yes, he had stopped shaking his head).

Shinya cleared his throat and threw Daisuke a frown. "And now we're heading back home."

Perfect. "Then it's decided. I'll come with you!" Hotaru decided, just smiling at them.

Daisuke turned to Shinya, who was twitching uncontrollably. "Um…Shinya?"

"Whaaat?"

"D'you think we should get Doggymon back to Kouichi?" Daisuke asked, accidentally forgetting to whisper.

Hotaru immediately focused her gaze on Daisuke, a surprised look on her face. "What? Kouichi? Your dog…that's Kouichi's dog?"

"Oh…you know him?

"Well no duh, she mentioned him earlier," Shinya murmured, but he went unheard.

"Yeah, how do you?" Hotaru asked. Could it be…?

Think…think! "H-he knows my brother…"

"Brother?"

"I-Itsuma," Daisuke said quickly, looking away to hide his rising panic.

Hotaru hid her disappointment. I thought I was close. "Oh. Itsuma."

The tone of her voice betrayed her well to Daisuke. Relieved, he looked up and nodded, looking happy, but tired, a smile on his lips.

"Whatever. Can we get going?" Shinya snapped, glaring at Hotaru. "I remember you now! You're that girl who hid Takuya's goggles because he called you a sissy. And then he blamed me when he found them dangling from a tree!"

She remained silent for three brief seconds. "Two hundred yen if you don't tell anyone else about that."

Shinya cackled. "Done. Let's go!" He practically skipped forward until he was ahead of Hotaru.

Daisuke nodded, taking a step forward before he realized what was wrong. "W-wait! Where's–" Frantically, he looked all around him until he became dizzy from walking in circles. "Doggymon…"

"Something wrong?" Shinya asked, looking over his shoulder.

Or…wait! Slowly, Daisuke regained his composure and shook his head. "No…no, I don't think so. Everything's fine."

Shinya's jaw suddenly dropped. "W-wait…b-but…Do–"

Daisuke shook his head furiously. In a firm voice, he repeated, "Nothing is wrong." Then, forcing a smile, he suggested, "Why don't we race?"

"But Daisuke," Hotaru began.

"Last one there is just plain rotten!" Daisuke yelled, racing past both Hotaru and Shinya. I hope you find Kouichi, Doggymon. Help him, please. And then maybe later, we can both help him.

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"Sumi, you're looking beautiful. Here you go. Now go to the dance with me!" Kouji muttered as he paced back and forth in front of the door to Takuya's house. "Sumi, I got you a present. Will you come with me to the dance? Sumi, want to go to the dance? Uh…I…er…got you a present…?" Kouji stopped in front of the door, slamming his right fist into the doorbell. "This sucks," he growled, staring at the carefully wrapped present in his other hand. "Damn it, I'll never be able to ask her to go to the dance with me…"

The door opened. "Yeees…?" Sumi appeared right in front of Kouji, blinking at him.

Kouji looked up. "You will…?"

Sumi frowned before asking, "I will what? Kouji, what are you doing here? I thought I told you Hotaru's coming over today."

The bandana boy sighed. "So it's a no?"

"What are you talking about?" Sumi asked, obviously exasperated.

"Never mind. Here you go," Kouji mumbled, shoving the present into her hands before turning around and walking away, hands in pockets, slouching over. Kouichi was right. I can't even confess my feelings to a girl. Not properly, anyway. She probably hates me beyond belief. I bet she even has another boyfriend. She's going to dump me soon. Stupid Hotaru, you're no help at all. Caught up in his own thoughts, Kouji failed to hear Sumi call him back.

Letting out a sigh, Sumi watched him leave. "Whatever," she muttered, shutting the door and just standing there. Come on, Kouji. Where are you? Seconds passed.

A minute passed.

Three.

The doorbell wasn't ringing.

What seemed like hours later (for Sumi, anyway – it was really only five minutes), the doorbell finally rang. "WHAT?" Sumi snapped, opening the door and immediately blushing in embarrassment. "Oh…Hotaru…Daisuke, Shinya…" Does…Does that mean…Kouji's…oops…

"DON'T tell me," Hotaru said dryly, pushing the boys in before her. "You thought I was Kouji, right?"

With a sigh, Sumi shook her head. "Oh boy, oh boy…I bet my life'll only get worse from here," she mumbled, gazing glumly at the present in her hands. That bandana brain…I hope he's okay, Sumi thought, shutting the door behind Hotaru and half-heartedly removing the wrapping paper as Hotaru walked further into the house, chanting for her to open the present. I just wish he would stop bothering about Kouichi. He's always…

"Oh," Sumi uttered, looking into her hands. "Oh…" It's me. It's me, she told herself, gazing at the ornately carved music box in her hands. Am I being too demanding? I'm so sorry, Kouji. Sighing, Sumi drifted towards her room. I can't believe…

Hotaru watched as Sumi disappeared into her room. What about me? Pouting, Hotaru turned to Shinya and Daisuke. "This is going to take a while, isn't it?"

Shinya returned her look with a grim face of his own. "You have no idea," he declared.

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A/N-

MY FINGERS (smell like coins)!! This chapter took forever…(makes up for last chapter). Sorry for posting so late – I was busy cleaning my room and writing new chapters and waiting for my sister to get off the computer (we had problems with the internet router).

Kouichi kind of got neglected in the last…SIX pages of my word document (haha…oops?). I'm going to add a mini-theater here sometime. It'll be funny, I promise. Right, Kouichi? (I'm sure you can all imagine him cringing). Next chapter is both important and kind of cool. And the chapter after that is long. But funny. And four chapters after that is where I am.

Baku feels neglected (moreso than Kouichi). I'd give him his own chapter…but that would give away a lot, wouldn't it? Bah. I'll add him in the mini-theaters.

I looked back for the date I actually started working on CG (actually typing up the first chapter). Apparently 11/08/05. So…don't kill me if I take another two years…? (I'll start writing right away!)

Review or PM or Flame!