Michael watched her from across the dinner table. He had decided to stop talking seeing as how Mimi's mind was off wandering again. He took note of the small routine she had began to make; her fingers slowly tracing the rim of her glass before she picks it up, swirls its contents around, then puts the glass back down and sighs as she starts over. Finally, Michael decided to ask her if something was bothering her.

"You have hardly touched your food."

Mimi looked up as a waiter re-filled her glass then turned her gaze to Michael, "Oh, I'm sorry. I had a big lunch today so I'm not very hungry," she smiled.

Michael shook his head, "It's not just dinner, Mimi, you've been behaving strange the past several days. That incident with our parents and your sudden impulsive reactions, it's not like you..." Mimi shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "and I hope you don't think I'm just complaining but lately, it seems that you have been distancing yourself from me."

"I am sorry…" Mimi replied softly, looking down. Michael, sensing her guilt and sincerity, reached out and took her hand. She looked up, "Michael, you have been so good to me. I think I'm just overwhelmed with everything that's been going on."

Giving her a smile and a squeeze on the hand, Michael nodded, "I understand. But if we're going to get married you have got to stop putting so many burdens on yourself, Mimi, and let me help you. That's just how a relationship works."

"Right, Michael. I—"Michael followed her gaze and he spotted Matt and a blonde woman approaching.

Matt stopped short beside their table and nodded his head in politeness, "Mr. Sugai, what a nice coincidence," he looked towards Mimi and smiled. "Good evening, Miss Tachikawa." Mimi blushed and politely nodded in return.

Michael stood up and shook Matt's hand, "Please, formality is not necessary, Ishida. And who may your lovely date be?"

Gently pushing Shoji out from behind him, Matt said, "I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Shoji Aikido. Shoji, this is Michael Sugai, and I trust you already know Mimi Tachikawa."

Shoji gladly shook Michael's hand, "Why, yes, Matt has told me a lot about you!" she greeted, barely paying attention to Mimi's presence. Mimi felt her cheeks get hot; I got to call him 'Matt' long before she did, she was so occupied with her temper that what Shoji said next caught her off guard. "Matt has told me all about how much time he and Mimi have been spending so much together working on this project. You must be so proud."

Michael's eyebrow perked up and he glanced at Mimi, "Of course… they are doing an excellent job."

"Well," Matt took Shoji's hand and began to lead her away, "we shouldn't take up any more of your time. Have a pleasant night," he said as they were led to their table. Shoji peeked behind them to Mimi as she began to giggle at something Matt said, hooking her arm with his. Mimi scrunched her nose and dug her fork into her plate.

"But was that absolutely necessary for you to say?" Matt asked, turning his gaze from the road and to Shoji. They were on their way home from dinner.

Crossing her arms, Shoji pursed her lips, "Well, it wasn't like I was lying when I said it." Matt let out a small chuckle as he took her hand and gently kissed it, asking for her forgiveness. "I don't trust her. Ever since we were in high school, Mimi would always manage to get everything she wanted and everyone on her side without much work."

"Shoji, that was a long time ago. From what I have seen, Mimi Tachikawa seems like a nice person."

"Don't you see? She's already found a way to snare you into that web of hers," Shoji exclaimed and threw her arms up in frantic gesticulation. Matt shook his head as he stopped the car and slowly got out, walking over to the distressed Shoji's side. Opening the door for her, he offered her his hand which she avoided by crossing her arms as she stepped out of the car. She was not done yet, "Another thing, I am not in favor of you and her being sent on that business trip, in a different city, all alone!"

Matt threw up his arms, "That wasn't our decision! Shoji," he sighed, gently pulling her close to him, "you are my girlfriend, you just need to trust me."

"I do," she mumbled. "But just remember… she likes you. I can tell by the way she looks at you that she's interested in you."

"They are engaged. I highly doubt she will have feelings for me."

"It's not just that. I know Mimi Tachikawa. At some point, and I know she is… she is going to tell you that you look like her first love."

Matt's head tilted back and he looked at her with perplexity, but Shoji's eyes seemed to have been staring back at him, asking for some sort of guarantee that he will take her words seriously. In response to her question, Matt smiled as he leaned down to kiss her.

You're not going to get him this time, Mimi.

Relief didn't come immediately when Mimi saw her apartment as the car was turning into her subdivision. The awkward silence that followed her and Michael through dinner and the ride home was enough to make Mimi want to jump out of the car while it was moving, just to escape the tension Shoji's statement caused between them. She looked over to Michael when he turned the engine off.

Why isn't he saying anything, Mimi wondered as she watched him fiddle with his keys, I know he's upset, why can't he ever tell me when he is? Her thoughts gradually wandered to Yamato Ishida and Mimi mumbled a soft goodnight to Michael before opening the door.

"Wait," he said, finally. He met Mimi's confused look and breathed. "I want you to continue working with Ishida." He continued before she could question him. "I encourage you to, Mimi, so that you can finally convince yourself that Matt Ishida is not Yamato."

"Hurry up! Let's get a move on, people!" Miyako waved her bags in the air as she clambered into the cable car. Mimi herself managed to jump in right before the doors closed and the transport began moving. Thankfully, she thought to herself, this train to Kawasaki was not very crowded. She spotted Miyako sitting down and moved towards her.

Miyako was busy trying to get her phone to work, "Do you think they have phones where we're staying, Tachikawa?"

"I'm sure they do, Miyako, besides Kawasaki is not that far from Tokyo."

"Well, just to be safe I'm going to ask the driver if he knows where I can buy some telephone cards."

Mimi quickly tucked her feet in as Miyako moved past her, "Miyako, wait. I'm sure…" she shook her head as Miyako was already much into her mission to hear her.

"She's a persistent one," Matt said as he settled into the seat facing Mimi. They both turned to watch Miyako's behavior, thinking to themselves how interesting this trip might turn out and asking themselves what kind of trouble they got themselves into when they asked Miyako Inoue to be on their team for the spring line project.

Mimi smiled, "Oh, she is that." She turned her attention towards Matt, although not meaning to gaze at him for so long that he would notice and ask her if there was something on his face or some sort. She shook her head, her cheeks a faint red. "I was just thinking… I haven't seen you in casual clothing before. You look good—nice."

"Oh. Thank you. As do you, Miss Mimi," he replied and looked out to the window. Her comment had reminded him of the things Shoji warned him about, but the Mimi Tachikawa she described was not the Mimi Tachikawa he perceived this woman sitting in front of him to be. Matt took a quick glimpse of her at the corner of his eye, unable to admit that her comment had also been a welcomed one.

Mimi laughed; she couldn't help it, Matt's sarcasm and excitement in telling his stories made even the most serious moments seem light and amusing. They haven't really been talking about things of great significance, mostly work and the weather and a few college adventures, but neither of them could stop smiling even about that.

"And did you and your friends get caught?" she asked.

Matt had on a rakish smile and turned towards the bar, "We almost did, but I think I'd prefer to keep that part of the story to myself, especially since you are a lady."

"So just because I'm a lady, huh?" Mimi scowled jokingly at him.

Shrugging, Matt grabbed a plate of food and Mimi followed suit, "I think it would be polite of me to save you the blushes, Miss Mimi."

Mimi laughed, "Thank you for the consideration," she replied sarcastically, although looking at him smiling at her, Mimi had trouble recalling a time when Yamato Ishida didn't make her blush.

"Excuse me, bartender, how about another round over here?" Miyako grinned widely while pointing to the empty pitcher. She saw Mimi and pulled her down to sit, pushing a shot glass in her hand. "Drink up, Mimi-chan!"

Sitting down, Matt and Mimi looked at each other before apologizing to their customers who shared the table with them. They laughed in embarrassment of their friend but realized that the rest of the table was joining Miyako in her thirst for a good time. To justify herself, Miyako said that it was only right to celebrate their successful business deal and treat their clients to a good time by going out to dinner and buying a few, or several, as Mimi noted, drinks. Not long after, both Matt and Mimi began taking the roles of designated guides…

Ow! Matt cringed as the collision between his thigh and the table caused shooting pains in his leg. Careful as not to hit slumbering Miyako, he used his foot to tap the door closed and proceeded to enter her bedroom where he carefully laid her in. Miyako managed to let out a small burp towards Matt's face, the stench of alcohol was enough to make Matt feel woozy.

"Pleasant dreams, Miyako," he gently closed the door. He looked up and found Mimi who had also fallen asleep on chair. Matt saw that his duty was not over and picked her up and ended up placing her on the longer sofa, placing a blanket over her which she had no trouble getting acquainted with. Harmless, Matt smiled as he looked at her sleeping peacefully; you girls are definitely making me earn my pay. He rolled up his sleeves and ruffled his hair, a huge yawn escaping his lips as he headed towards the door.

Bringing her hand beside her head, Mimi propped herself up, blinking a few times to get rid of the blurriness and listen for where the footsteps were coming from. In an instant, she saw the back of someone familiar walking towards the door, "Yamato. Yamato… Yamato, I love you …" her eyes closed.

"Huh," hearing her calling him that name again, Matt turned around and took a few steps towards her, enough for the soft light to hit both their faces. It took him a moment to think of what to do but Matt decided to take a seat beside her and gently shook her shoulder. Mimi's eyes opened slowly and she looked up at him before whispering the name again.

"You keep calling me that. Why?" he asked.

Realizing that she wasn't dreaming, Mimi sat up slowly, her hair tousled and curling around her neck, she stared straight at him. He could tell she was a little shook up, he assumed it was just the alcohol.

"I…" she trailed off, not knowing what to say. I should take this chance now, it might be the only one I'll have, she thought, trying to remember the things she rehearsed to tell him, and then she met his eyes. Looking at him now, the way his blue eyes still made her heart skip a dozen beats… Mimi couldn't hold herself any longer and kissed him. To her dismay, Matt's hands found their way to her shoulders and he pushed her away. Her eyes searched his for a moment, hoping the feeling of her lips brushing against his would stir a memory locked inside him.

"Miss… Mimi … what are you doing?" his voice held no hope for her, and the way Matt looked at her made her stomach tighten.

"You used to just call me Mimi. Mimi Tachikawa, remember," she said. "Don't you remember going to Yokuda together, Yamato? We would always eat lunch together and you would sometimes walk me home!"

Matt shook his head and began to pull away, "I don't know what you're talking about. I think you're mistaken, I'm not this person that you keep calling."

"—But you are! Didn't Shoji tell you anything? We were all in the same class together," Mimi tugged on his sleeve. Her emotions were strong and tears spilled over her eyes. "They all told me you died but even after eight years I couldn't bring myself to really accept it! Please, Yamato, try to remember!" he had stood up now, all the while shaking his head.

He looked at her, looking sad for her, even confused, "I am sorry, I… I'm not—I'm about to get engaged." It seemed like there was more he was wanting to say, but instead Matt patted Mimi on her shoulder, bid her a good night and walked out the door.

Miyako yawned and stretched her back, "Woo, I would say we did well in Kawasaki. Wouldn't you agree, Mimi?"

Placing her luggage down, Mimi replied quietly, "Yes… we did."

After counting their bags, Miyako looked around, "Where is Matt? The car will be here any minute, is he still not up yet?"

"I'll go get him," Mimi offered and jogged back inside the hotel. She found Matt conversing with a local as he came out of the gift shop; they met near the entrance doors. "Hi," she smiled and he nodded respectfully in return. She could sense that he was feeling confused with how to behave around her. "Matt. I'm sorry," I messed this opportunity up so badly. "The way I behaved last night was definitely, reckless and unprofessional… not to mention embarrassing," she let out a tiny laugh in attempt to make it sound better but Matt remained impassive. Mimi sighed; I might as well leave this alone for now. "I... I normally don't get drunk and I am sorry that you had to be at the receiving end of my problems."

Matt seemed to understand, "I accept your apology."

"And," she continued, "If it's alright with you, I do want to work on maintaining a professional relationship." Even if I really actually don't want that.

"Of course," he nodded and smiled a bit. "But know that you can find a friend in me, too, Mimi." This brought a huge smile to her face and she nodded but then took notice of the item he was carrying. "Oh, I almost forgot… I found this book by Hitoshi Matsumoto in that gift shop."

"Oh," Mimi said and was surprised when he handed it to her. "Matt, I…thank you," she said as she began to flip around the pages and stopped at the first page, seeing where he had written her name. She looked up at Matt as he was grabbing his bag.

"So you don't lose it," he answered and started to walk outside.

Mimi held the book close to her, "Thank you…"

It was well past nightfall when Mimi, Miyako, and Matt stepped off the cable car. Immediately Mimi noticed Matt and Shoji, watching them share an affectionate hug and as she helped him with his things.

"Mimi!" Michael exclaimed when he saw her. He wasted no time in engulfing her in his arms. "I've missed you, my love," he said smiling down at her and gently kissing her forehead.

Mimi smiled, "I missed you, too. Michael—"

"You are going to be so proud of me, Mimi-chan," he was clearly excited, too, and helped placed her bags into the trunk. "I think I found the most beautiful place in Japan to have our wedding at. You will love it!"

"That's great," she tried to say as loud as she could but only managed a soft whisper.

"Oh, Matt, wait!" Matt turned around halfway into the car. Miyako walked up to him and shook his hand. "I almost forgot to thank you for taking care of me last night. I swear I didn't mean to get so carried away like that! But I appreciate your helping me!"

Matt shrugged and smiled, "Well, I am glad you're feeling better, Inoue-san. You and Miss Mimi sure had an interesting night."

Miyako looked at him confused, "Mimi? What are you talking about? She never drinks!" she laughed and Matt now wore the look of the confused. "Yes, you can call me the devil's advocate when I try to get Tachikawa-san to loosen up but it's a difficult job."

"Oh."

"Well, I better go, Ichijouji is waiting. Oh, and have a happy Christmas!"

"You, too… Inoue-san," he replied but she had already walked away and then his eyes wandered towards Michael and Mimi as their car began to leave. Questions he couldn't even begin to address started to tickle his mind.

Matt got into the car and closed the door. Shoji looked towards him, "Are you alright? You look lost."

"It's nothing, I'm just tired," he smiled back at her as she began to drive off.

"Ah, home sweet home, huh," Shoji stretched her arms as they entered Matt's apartment. He watched her settle into the kitchen, as she always found it easy to settle into his apartment like she already fits there. Although sometimes, for reasons he can't understand, he would feel uneasy at how comfortable she was making herself without concerning him first, if at all. Slipping out of his shoes, Matt merely glanced at the number his voicemail read and sat himself down by the dining table.

Shoji was busying herself with looking for the kettle, "Would you like some tea?"

"Uh, sure."

"By the way, your mother called asking what time we will be over for dinner on Christmas Eve."

"Oh, I'll call her later… say, Shoji, tell me more about this Yamato. Shoji?" he turned to look at her now although her back was facing him.

"Why do you ask," her voice was suddenly hoarse and still. Shoji slowly turned to face Matt. "Did something happen with Mimi? What did she say to you?"

"It was nothing! I mean, it didn't seem like it was," Matt scratched the back of his head, wondering out loud. "You were right about one thing, at one point she kept referring to me as this… 'Yamato.' At first I thought it was only because she had a few drinks, but then she said a few other things, too, like she truly believed this guy was still alive." He looked up at her in question.

Shoji huffed and let out a sardonic laugh, "Matt, you don't actually believe that woman, do you? She's a conniving twerp!"

"A conniving twerp? Don't you think name calling's a little mean?" Matt playfully tugged at her and shrugged. "I'm not implying anything. It only seems like this man, this Yamato, has left her a little more than heartbroken. And it got me thinking, since you went to the same school, that maybe you can help her out somehow."

The kettle was beginning to emit a soft whisper of steam. Unhappy with the suggestion, Shoji turned back to getting the cups out of the kitchen cupboards, "Mimi Tachikawa and I stopped being friends a long time ago, it's just normal for that to happen. Mimi will go to absolute lengths to make people adore her, and so what does it matter if you're actually the spitting image of Yamato—"she made a startled gasp when she dropped a cup. Matt watched her in disbelief as she tried desperately to clean the mess and turn the stove down, as the kettle was now going off.

"What," he asked, walking towards her, "why did you just say that?" Shoji did her best to avoid his eyes. His voice was low and demanding. "Wait, so are you telling that all this time you had me thinking this woman was insane because she couldn't let go of someone's death, and as it turns out it's because I really do look like him?"

"You don't understand I was only trying to protect you."

Matt felt even more confused, "How? Why would you lie to me, Shoji, and make me feel so guilty that I couldn't help this woman?"

"I just don't like her," Shoji replied nonchalantly. Matt ran his hand through his hair retreated towards his bedroom. Shoji immediately followed him and tried to take a hold of his hands but Matt recoiled. "Oh, Matt, I'm sorry…forgive me, please."

He looked at her for a moment, torn and confused. "Maybe you should go home, Shoji."

The following day at work, Matt found Mimi at her desk and pulled to the side.

"Is something wrong, Matt?" she asked, confused about his wanting to talk in private.

"I just wanted to apologize," he said. "I'm not really sure how to say this properly… Shoji, my girlfriend, she told me everything last night."

"Oh?" Mimi felt her heart jump, she couldn't help but smile. "So you finally know now?"

Matt nodded, "I'm sorry, Mimi, I really did not know that I bore such a close resemblance to the deceased Yamato."

"Oh…is that all?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Mimi shook her head, covering her lost hope with a smile, "Nothing. You were saying?"

"Well, I really should have been nicer to you that night. I wish I had known the truth then," he said and held out his hand. "If it's alright with you now, Mimi, I hope that we can just start over; me as Matt Ishida and you as Mimi Tachikawa."

Looking at his outstretched hand, to his eager face, Mimi felt herself growing sad again. She thought about the night they returned from their trip, the discussion she had with Michael of her telling him that she wasn't sure if marriage was the right thing to do because she couldn't let go of Yamato. And then she remembered the loving words Michael spoke to her, that he still loves her, and even agreeing to postpone their wedding date so she could have more time. I owe Michael so much, and I owe it to my family to try and forget Yamato.

"Yes," she said, her voice choked. "And… I will try not to talk about Yamato anymore. He is dead, after all."

- Hitoshi Matsumoto, if you check back in Chapter 6, is that comedy author. Matt giving her that book and putting her name in it means something… because she used to lose things a lot back in high school.