It had been four days since winter vacation started. Even though they had three weeks off from school, Kagome, her friends, and most of her school were getting ready for the high school entrance exams. Her, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi were in town shopping after they had finished studying.

They were walking down a snow covered road, busy with people getting ready for christmas. They passed toy stores full of children dragging their parents behind them. Then they all walked into a coat store to but new winter apparel. Yuka and Eri got m atching ones with fur hoods, and Ayumi bought a light blue, short trench coat. Kagome was still looking around not sure what she wanted, when she stopped in front of a dark red hooded sweater. She felt the fabric, it was soft and thick. It had long sleeves, and it seemed too familiar to her. She took it off the hanger and put it on. It was warm almost like-

"Hey Kagome!" she heard a voice behind her.

She turned around to see Hojo standing there.

"Oh, Hi Hojo," said Kagome as she started to take off the coat.

She put it back on the hanger and looked at the price tag. She sighed and hung it back on the rack. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the money, then counted it. She closed her eyes and moaned.

Oh great...It was so perfect too! Thought Kagome.

"Is something wrong Kagome?" asked Hojo.

Kagome closed her hand and put the momney back in her pocket quickly, then turned around to face Hojo.

"Oh nothing, I was just looking fore a new coat, thats all," said Kagome with a wide smile.

"May I help?" asked Hojo eagerly.

"Uh, Sure!" said Kagome as she started to walk around the store.

Hojo followed her where ever she went. And when she tried on a coat he would compliment on how her hair or eyes made it look beautiful on her. She couldnt help but look over at the red coat that reminded her so much of-

"That looks great on you Kagome!" said Hojo as she tried on a dark blue, fur hooded, coat.

"You really think so?" asked Kagome smiling.

"Yes! You'r-I mean its beautiful!" said Hojo trying to play off what he was about to say.

"Okay then I'll get it," said Kagome rechecking the price tag to make sure it was in her range.

Hojo walked with Kagome to the cashregister.

"Will this be all?" asked the cashier, putting the coat in a bag.

"Yeah," said Kagome sadly, relooking at the red coat that made her think of-

"Ok! Here you go!" said the cashier.

"Thanks," mumbled Kagome as she turned around.

Her and Hojo started to walk out the store when she remembered.

"Oh no! Where Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi?" she said loudly as she turned to look back in the store then back outside.

"Oh they left about ten minutes ago, when you were trying on the coats," said Hojo looking at her, "The said to meet them for lunch around noon. I thought I would walk around with you for a while, is it okay?"

"Oh, yeah of course," said Kagome as she calmed down, "Where to now?"

"Where ever you'd like," answered Hojo with a smile.

They walked down the busy street and went into more stores and shops. Hojo bought some hot chocolate for both of them. They didn't talk much, but they became closer by just spending time together. It was the most time they had ever spent together because when ever one tried to become more open with the other, the other ended up leaving or being distracted.

When they passed a photo boothe, Kagome insisted that they get picture together. When they were picking themes for the pics, Hojo accidentally pressed the "Love" theme, making his face turn bright red. And when it came time to take them, Hojo turned his head the other way, trying to his his face, but at the last second Kagome turned his head toward the camera and kissed his cheek.

His face became even more red.

After they got the photos it was alread about noon, so they walked to meet the girls for lunch. Hojo's face remained red the rest of the way.

When they got there they sat down with the girls and enjoyed lunch together. Then they showed each other what the bought, passing it around from girl to girl to girl to girl to Hojo. Kagome took out pics of her and Hojo, and showed them to the girls. Hojo smiled, and scratched his head. He put his arm around Kagome's shoulder. She didn't seem to mind, she just smiled at him and scooted (sp?) closer. The girls freaked when they saw the pictures.

"Oh my gosh!" said Eri looking at the photos, "Do you see what I see, Yuka?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure thats-" started Yuka not even looking at the pictures but at Kagome and Hojo across the table from them.

"No way!" said Ayumi, not paying attention to either of them, but looking at her scarf that just ripped.

Kagome just laughed and slid out of the boothe.

"Hojo, can I talk to you?" asked Kagome.

Hojo stood up and followed Kagome out of the restaraunt.

"What is it Kagome?" asked Hojo.

"I just wanted to thank you for such a fun day," said Kagome, "I really needed it!"

"Oh, no problem," said Hojo, "Just call me when ever you want to hang out."

"Ok, you bet!" said Kagome with a smile, "I have to go now, my little brother wanted me to help him with his soccer, so I'll see you later!"

Kagome started walking out the door when Hojo called after her.

"Hey do you want me to walk you home?"

"Nah, its okay! But thanks anyway!" yelled Kagome waving bye to him.

She turned around and started heading home.

Wow! Kagome thought Hojo really is a nice guy...

She was walking and looking around at the snow. Kagome loved the snow, it reminided her of-

It felt like something hit her square in the chest. Then her heart sank.

Oh no! She thought Inuyasha! What have I done?!

Kagome was right in front of the steps that led up to her house and the shrine. Then she dropped to her knees, the bag fell out of her her hand and she buried her face in her hands. She was breathing in segments (vcb?).

How could I do this? Oh, Inuyasha! I'm so sorry!! Thought Kagome.

She felt so guilty for even thinking that she started liking someone else. Kagome hater herself for even thinking that Hojo could ever take Inuyasha place.

She started crying uncontrollably and rocking herself.

"Inuyasha!!!" she yelled through her tears, "I'm SO sorry!!!"