I woke up at 10:30 with a smile on my face. I was going to go see Kyo and his friends at their band rehearsal. I had seen and talked to Kyo all throughout the meantime, since he visited the diner often Kenzi and Hiroshi joined him later on in my shift too. He didn't want me to come to the performances though, so I stayed in and played videogames when Tsukiko desperately tried to get me out.

I quickly went and started turning up my stereo before I hoarded my fridge for some frozen waffles. I popped them into the toaster and went to set up my drink. A glass of orange juice was set on the table by my plate I was going to use for my waffles.

I drowned my waffles in butter once they popped out and let them cool a little on my plate as I went and prepared some clothes for my shower. I had my waffles and orange juice and stayed in my pajamas sitting on the couch playing some Zelda until I felt like doing something else.

The doorbell rang and I got up to answer it. I opened the door to see Kyo casual standing there with his hands in his pockets. I instantly felt my face turn red and heat up as every hair on the back of my neck went to stand on end. Goosebumps overwhelmed my arms and I rubbed my arms nervously.

"Oh my gosh! I'm not even ready yet!" I gasped, the realization hitting me. His face heated up a bit as he looked at my pajamas. "Um… I got to take a quick shower, so if you want to come in and hang out…"

"S-sure. I don't mind." He said. I moved out of the way and let him in, shutting the door behind him.

"There's the living room, you can leave your shoes here at the closet or something. The kitchen is at the end of the hall, the door on the left from the living room. There's frozen waffles in the fridge if you're hungry, so help yourself, I left the toaster and butter out if you want it. I'll be over here in this first room taking a shower if you need anything." I said, rushing off and shutting the bathroom door behind me. I quickened my pace twenty times over as I stripped down and stepped into the shower.

Kyo POV

I shuffled off my shoes as she shut the bathroom door behind her. I blushed, thinking about showers. I tried to get the perverted thoughts out of my mind, by putting my guitar against the couch and heading towards the kitchen. I put the butter in the fridge and knife in the sink, grabbing an apple instead. I looked at the table and saw her lyric notebooks, and grabbed one before taking a seat on the couch, surveying the area. This was a really big, and really good apartment. Way bigger, and way better than mine. If we went any further, I'd have to move in with her- not again! I don't want to start thinking about us being a couple or anything. We ending up together is just ridiculous. She probably thinks of me as that weird singer in a band that can't come up with some decent lyrics.

I looked at the television and chuckled to myself. Zelda. She never ceases to amaze me. She's cute, kind, musically smart, musically experienced, she can sing better than most singers around here, she's got a high classed apartment, she came from America and now she plays video games on her days off.

She's … different.

"I'll be ready in a moment… I forgot to bring my clothes with me in here." She said. I looked over, to see her in a towel, her hair wrapped in a smaller one. We blushed as our eyes met, and I turned around completely.

"Sorry! Sorry!" I exclaimed, as she yelped and ran into her room, shutting the door quickly behind her. I bent forward, looking wide eyed at the floor. I held my head in my hands, and I was sure my face was completely red.

She's… different all right.

"Okay, I'm r-ready." She said, exiting her room about five minutes later. I cautiously looked over, to see her in a casual shirt and cargo pants, her hair straight down and casually air drying while she smiled, her cheeks a light shade of pink.

"Good. Let's go." I said, standing up. She nodded and turned off her game, then put on a light sweater and smiled as she waited for me at the door. I looked away and grabbed my guitar, strapping it to my back then opening the door for her, and closing it on the way out. She locked it, and we walked outside.

Andrea POV

"So, where do you guys rehearse?" I asked, as we exited the elevator. His eyes widened slightly, before he looked at me.

"We rehearse over at Kenzi's older brother's place. It's out of town though. That's why I came so early." He said. I looked down, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. I'm making us- you… late because I sleep in and I stay in pajamas until late." I said, upset. I twisted my fingers around each other, holding my hands and trying not to seem like I was about to cry. I hate seeming that way. In the corner of my eye Kyo jumped back, surprised.

"No, no, no! We'll be fine; it's not your fault! To tell you the truth I normally don't leave for practice until later on today. I just- never mind. It's not your fault if we're late or not. Just… come on. My car is parked out front." He said. He grabbed my wrist and continued walking out the door. I blushed, but turned away from him and towards the main desk, where Tsukiko looked at me with a sly, mischievous expression, only to embarrass me more.

Kyo brought me out to a black car and I smiled in awe, as he led- no, dragged me to it. He stopped in the front of the car and shoved me lightly in the direction of the passenger's side before grimly turning and hopping into the driver's side. I stood there, taken aback. He rolled down the passenger window and bent down to look at me.

"Hey, are you getting in, or not?" He asked. I stuttered around and hastily got into the car. I rolled up the window and put on my seatbelt, taking in the smell and the feel of the car. "It's a bit new… so… try not to think I'm some high classed snob."

I looked at him shyly. I never saw him so… upset before. At least towards me anyways. I nodded and put my hands in my lap, looking down at them. Whenever I felt his eyes glance towards me I stared out the window. Quiet music played from the radio, to where all you could hear was some loud guitar and then drums. I looked over, seeing that the volume was indeed low. I gave a light sigh and looked outside, leaning my head against the window a little.

"You can turn up the music… if you want." He said, adding in that extra 'if you want' phrase. I looked at the radio and turned it up a little. "Feel free to change it too… as long as it's not country. I hate the stuff."

I laughed a little and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I kept the music on rock.

"Another thing we have in common. I can't stand country either." I said. He gave a light murmur, lowering his eyebrow and going back to focusing on the road. I looked back out the window.

When we made it to the town Kenzi's brother was in, it had begun to rain.

"Dammit! My guitar case is cloth! It'll seep right through!" cursed Kyo. I looked out the front window, and then I looked at my jacket.

"I can put my jacket over it. So that your guitar won't get wet." I offered. He looked at me, curious looking.

"Then… your own clothes will get wet." He said. I paused. I never thought about that.

"I'll be fine… I'll just… run inside when we get there or something." I said, trying to encourage my idea. He didn't seem very pleasant when he was angry. He shrugged and looked outside, to see a dog crossing the street. He slammed on the brakes, and stopped in time for the dog to continue to the rest of the of the road.

I sat there, in a scared heap. I looked at my shirt, to see I was involuntarily grasping onto my chest over my heart and I was breathing heavily. I looked over to Kyo, a bit shaken. He looked at me.

"Are you okay?" He asked. I quickly put my hand down and nodded, putting on a small smile.

"I should be. It just shook me up a little." I said. "I've never been in a car accident, and I don't want to be anytime soon."

He smirked and we continued.

After a while I looked back at him smiling. I said, "I love the rain."

"You do?"

"Yeah.. I especially love looking at the lightening, and being outside when it's raining lightly. I'll never go when it's bad out." I said.

"I see…"

He probably thought I was weird by now… so I let it go and looked back outside.

"We're here." He said, pulling into a driveway of a nice looking house. It was still raining. I took off my jacket and handed it to him.

"Here." I said. He took it and got out of the car. I watched him as he went into the backseat, putting on his guitar and slumping my jacket over it. Then he shut the door.

I turned away as he walked, and opened the door to see him hovering over me, lifting up his jacket he had unbuttoned over his t-shirt. I blushed as he held out the flap over the edge, rain hitting his head. My cheeks stung.

"Come on. You gave me your jacket, and I don't have an umbrella, so this will at least keep you from getting too wet." He said, slightly monotonously. I smiled and stood, trying to keep my height managed so he didn't have to lift his arm up to far. I turned and shut the car door, only to have him take his jacket flap and wrap it around me and over my head, so that my head was near his arm, as if he wrapped a blanket around me to keep warm. He held his arm around closely, and cleared his throat.

I looked up at him and smiled nervously, now knowing that I wasn't the only one that was blushing. I kept my arms and hands close to myself, tense as a rock, trying to keep my breathing steady, and not to pay much attention to his hand around my shoulders, holding his jacket over my head. He knocked on the door pretty hard, and I flinched a little. He must've noticed, because he lightly patted my shoulder with his fingers that weren't holding his jacket. I looked around, and found Kenzi and Hiroshi grinning. I faced towards Kyo a little more, but gave them a forced smile.

The door opened to reveal a tall, dark haired man. He seemed slightly dull looking, his hair clean cut, straight face, and he was wearing a dressier outfit. He looked at Kyo, and at me. His eyes slightly widened and his mouth opened a little bit, which I supposed was his surprised face.

"Kyo, I didn't know you were bringing a friend along. Come on in." He said. Kyo let me in first, and left his hand where it was as Hiroshi and Kenzi made their way over.

"Hang on… how do you know she's a friend?" Kyo asked. The man looked at him with a straight face.

"Because the day you get a girlfriend, it'll be too soon." He said.

"Yeah, hell would've frozen over by the time a girl will say yes to you Kyo." Hiroshi teased. He and Kenzi punched fists. Soon we were led into the living room. Kyo and Hiroshi and I sat on the couch, while Kenzi played with a cat on the floor and the man sat in a chair.

"So Kyo… would you mind introducing us?" The man said.

"Oh! Oh right, sorry." Kyo said. "This is Andrea Ko…"

"Koenig." I finished for him. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. My name is Kazuo. I'm Kenzi's older brother." He said.

"And I'm Nodoka!" A little girl's voice called. Kazuo turned to a staircase. A little girl holding a doll.

"Yes. She's our little sister. She's seven." Kenzi said.

"Well then hello there Nodoka!" I greeted. She ran over with a smile. "I'm Andrea."

"Hi, hi, hi!" Nodoka said. We smiled at each other and I petted her hair.

"So what's your doll's name? I had a doll before. I named her Sally." I said. I felt everyone's eyes on us.

"Her name is Mimi." She said. I smiled

"That's a pretty name." I said.

Kyo POV

"Her name is Mimi." Nodoka said. I smiled as Andrea did.

"That's a pretty name." Andrea replied.

There was a silence before Nodoka said good-bye and went back upstairs. She was smart, talented, playful, kind and good with kids. She never seems to cease to amaze me.

"Hey, are we going to just stare at our guest all day or are you guys going to practice?" Kazuo said. I looked around as small yelps came to my ears from the guys, and they stood up.

-Andrea POV-

"C'mon." Kyo said, holding out his hand. I smiled and held it, standing up, feeling him grip it tightly as I did. I blushed and stayed standing, his hand still holding mine. He tensed after a moment and let go, stuffing his hands in his pockets and walking with Kenzi and Hiroshi to a door. I slowly followed, Kazuo following slowly behind.

I walked in and Kazuo directed me to a beanbag chair to the side. I watched as Kyo, Kenzi and Hiroshi set up. Kyo took off his guitar and tossed me my jacket. I caught it and left it on my lap. Kazuo plugged in their amps, then walked over and sat in a sofa chair near by me. I smiled at him as he walked over, but he just raised a hand in greeting. I shrugged to myself. Maybe he wasn't a sociable guy.

"Kay, so, what song are we going to play? We have a special audience today." Kenzi said, smirking in my direction. I blushed and looked at the others

"We could try… one of her songs?" Kyo suggested. I froze and everyone looked at me. Kyo took one of my notebooks out from his guitar case. "It was on your table this morning and I decided to bring it along to show off. Hope you don't mind."

"Um… well…"

"Dude! Let me see that!" Hiroshi exclaimed, jumping over and trying to take it away. Kenzi joined in, leaning over trying to grab it with his drumsticks. Kazuo simply stood and grabbed it, his height towering over them all. He handed the notebook to me.

"Here." He said.

"Thank you." I said cautiously. I took it and opened it up to a page I colored in with light green. "We could try… this one."

"What one?" Kenzi asked. I stood up and showed them all. Kazuo remained standing and joined us.

"Those are good…" Hiroshi said slyly, holding his chin. "But you're going to have to help us get the tune. Along with singing it so Kyo knows the note style."

I blushed at singing. I didn't want to, but they already started setting up another microphone that fit my level.

"Come on! Kazuo, pull up your chair thing! You'll love this!" Hiroshi said.

"Okay… I guess first off we should try the tempo. Um…" I held open the notebook and walked over to Kenzi. I took the pencil out of the spine and tapped the cymbal lightly. I began talking quietly to myself. "One two three and, one two three four…"

Kenzi put that into drum playing. I smiled and nodded in satisfaction. Then I turned to Hiroshi.

"I'm not too knowledgeable when it comes to basses and guitars. So… you two might have to automatically adapt or something. I know that bass will have few chords, if any at all… so keep them half notes or something… maybe if you did some eighth notes…" I said, trailing off.

"Don't worry, Kyo and I got it all under control. We do this with our own songs anyways." Hiroshi said. I nodded.

"Now for lyrics…" I said, walking up to my mic. Hiroshi put a music stand up, and I placed it in the middle of Kyo and me.

"Hold onto your seat Kazuo! She's got this going!" Kenzi said, thrilled. I looked over and Kazuo had indeed edged a little closer to us with his chair. I turned on the mic.

"One… two… three go!" I exclaimed, pointing at Kenzi. He began playing. I stomped my feet four times. "Kiss! Kiss! Fall in love!" I hummed the tune in my head… and soon Kyo followed in a little.

"Hey! Hey!" I exclaimed, smiling. "Hey!"

They got the melody going, and soon it was followed up by my humming, going along with it. I smiled at them and looked to Kazuo. He was a little taken by he very fast pace. I smiled at him, and his face straightened, then softened slightly in return.

"Kitzukeba itsu demo… Soba ni iru keredo!
Honto wa kirai? Suki? Mousou na no?
Jibun no kimochi ga kurai ni mietara.
Redi- demo hosuto demo kamawanai yo!
Suki ni natteku riyuu wa minna
Chigau you ne kedo…
Maybe you're my love!" I looked over at Kyo, then Hiroshi, then and Kenzi. Finally, I turned to Kazuo who sat there awe-stricken. I looked back over to Kyo, who had gotten the tune down fairly well.

"Aitai ima yasashii kimi ni sakura kissu tokimeitaara ranman koi shiyo!
Mirai yori mo ima ga kanjin uruwashi haru no koi wa hanasaku otome no bigaku… Hey! Hey!
Tatoeba atashi no… mada shiranai kimi
Mitsukete mitai kedo kowaku mo aru
Denimu ni furiru ni chaina
Autabi shichi henge kakugo asobe
Tsugi tsugi hiraku ai no tobira wa
Suriru mansai danzen koi shiyo!"
I sang. Kyo gradually joined in on the 'hey'.

"Isogashikute surechigau hi mo sakura kissu setsunai hodo ranman koi desu
Yowai took mo uketome aou
Fureau ai wa muteki sakasou futari wa shuyaku!
Mabushii sora ni makenai omoide tsukuroy ima…
Danzen koi shiyo
" We sang. I held onto the microphone with both hands.

"Aitai ima yashashii kimi ni sakura kissu tokimeitaara ranman koi shiyo
Mirai yori mo ima ga kanjin uruawashi haru no koi wa hanasaku otome no bigaku YEAH!
Hanasaku otome no bikaku.
Kiss! Kiss! Fall in love! Hey! Hey!
Maybe you're my love
!" We finished. I smiled and happily spun around the room.

"Go-ruden… go-ruden… go-ruden no kokoro~" I said, singsong. I let my arms out wide and I spun around the room with my eyes closed until I got dizzy and ran into Kazuo's back. "Oh… sorry!"

"Do you like chocolate?" He asked, turning around. I stood there for a moment and nodded.

"Andrea-Chan ga shokora ni suku!" I said. Kazuo gave a softened face.

"I'll go get some then." He said, turning and starting to walk out.

"Oh, please! Let me help you. I don't want to be an intruding guest since I was unannounced." I said. I followed him into the room.

Kyo POV

"Thou fair maiden has left us!" Kenzi said. Hiroshi stood behind me, who was starring off in the direction she went.

"She left Kyo all alone with his friends, to be with his friend's brother. Though his feelings will never change… he'll go after her and confess his true feelings, only to be torn down because she has joined to be in matrimony with another man." Hiroshi teased.

"I am sorry, dear Kyo, but Kazuo is hunkier than you'll ever be." Kenzi teased, his voice imitating a girl's. "I am sorry, but I will never love you and your crappy orange ha-"

"Shut up!" I shouted. "Let's just keep practicing. She's in there… so let's try that song from before." Hiroshi shut the door before turning down his amp. I did too, and we began practicing.

Andrea POV

"You didn't have to come." Kazuo said, going to his fridge and taking out chocolate mix. I smiled. I never made chocolate before.

"I wanted to. It's the least I could do." I said.

"You've done plenty for them." He said. I looked at him.

"What do you mean?" I asked. "All I did was…"

"You changed Kyo for the better. He's changed. He normally didn't come to rehearsals. So I'd be left playing his part. With you with him for the past week or so, he's done more. He even showed up to a rehearsal today, and I think that that makes a big difference." He said. His faced saddened. "A difference towards the better… unlike me."

"Why? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nodoka. I have no idea how to deal with girls. That's why I'm not married." He said. I smiled and put a hand on his shoulder.

"You'll find someone special to you, Kazuo. It just might take you a bit longer than most people. Take me for instance. People have been falling in love and dating, even in elementary school. Me, well… I've never fallen in love. I've never had a boyfriend. I've never gone out on a date. I've never been kissed. I've never been held by a guy that cares for me. I've never been comforted by a guy when I'm scared or I'm crying. I've never had any guy do much of anything for me. I've been solitary forever. I'll admit I've had many guys I liked. None of them were the one I loved." I said. He looked at me slightly surprised as he stirred the chocolate. I smiled. "So, even though you've never been married, there are those who are less fortunate, and haven't even come close to thinking about marriage. All I want to do is enjoy myself and get a decent education in the country I've been fantasizing about since I was little."

I put my other hand on his arm and rubbed his back with my right arm.

"It just takes certain people time in order to find a special someone. You just have to be patient. You can't force yourself into love. You can't convince yourself. You can't try to fall in love through dating services or anything. You just have to let everything fall naturally. It might take me until I'm your age to even get a boyfriend. But for you, you've waited your time and you'll meet someone sooner than you expect, even if it's not this year, or next year. You'll find someone soon. And as long as you tell yourself that, you'll get through what you can alone." I said. I paused and put my hands in front of me, holding them with the other. I looked down and softly whispered, "…alone. Because when you come across something you need someone else for, you'll be ready for the worst that'll happen alone. Though when you least expect it, even if you never realize it. You're going through it with someone else. Someone special."

I looked up at him, a sad expression on his face. It seemed directed towards me. I wondered why.

"And if you just try your best and make the path for Nodoka to follow the best you can, she'll turn out just fine when she's at least half your age now. Things all happen for a reason. You just have to find out what the reason is yourself." I said. I felt my eyes water and I quickly went to the window to make it seem like I just wanted to look out the window.

"Don't cry." Kazuo said, putting a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him. "You aren't alone, you know."

I gasped, turning and looking at him. I backed up a little so I was backed up against the wall by the window. He drew closer and put a hand on the wall.

"What do you… What are you…" I questioned.

"I won't name names… but there are a few people in this house that care about you, and wouldn't want to see you cry. Besides, don't you enjoy their company, or like them in some way?" Kazuo said, giving a small smile. I looked at him and nodded. When I blinked, trails of tears fell down my cheeks. Right as that happened, Kyo, Hiroshi and Kenzi burst through the door. I watched as Kenzi shoved his brother away against a different wall and Hiroshi joined him. Kyo instantly came over to me and squeezed my shoulders.

"What the hell did you think you were doing to her!" Kenzi yelled, holding Kazuo's collar and getting closer to stare him down. Hiroshi stood behind him, folding his arms in anger.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Kyo asked. I stood there in awe, uncertain of what to do or say. They all growled and Kyo punched Kazuo in the face. I whimpered, my brain telling me to move. I did the first thing that came to my mind. I went up and tried to pry them off. I was shoved to the floor and I looked as Kyo continued punching Kazuo. I watched frightened. I stood up and leaned against the kitchen table and let the rest of the tears fall.

"S… Stop…" I said softly. They continued. "I SAID STOP! NOTHING HAPPENED!"

I instantly dashed out towards them, slapping the three. They stopped and looked at me in shock. I was still crying. I looked at Kazuo.

"I'm… I'm sorry." With that, I sprinted out of the house, ignoring their shouts after me.

Kyo POV

"Andrea!" We all shouted. I rubbed my cheek and looked at Kazuo, who was stuffing tissues up his nose.

"Dammit." I muttered. I kicked the cupboard and leaned against where she was on the wall.

"Aren't you going after her?" Hiroshi asked, while Kenzi apologized to Kazuo for us.

"Why should I? She's pissed off at us, you saw her face!" I yelled.

"But Kyo… wasn't she the one that let you cover your guitar case with her jacket? She left it in the rehearsal room. It's still raining." Kenzi said.

"And aren't you the one that used your shirt to keep her dry in the meantime?" Hiroshi questioned. I froze, heat rising to my face again. They were right.

"But she slapped me first! I even shoved her away and…"

"Kyo!" Kazuo interrupted. He pulled me up into the air and turned me to go into the direction of the door. I turned and looked at him. He looked at me monotonously, the tissues out of his nose. "She enjoys your company so much, you know."

I don't know why. I don't know how. Everything in my mind that was racing stopped. I turned and sprinted out the door after her. They rain pounded the ground; my heart pounded in my chest. I called out her name.

I searched the area, asking people if they've seen someone resembling her in the least. No one did. I stopped, out of breath.

"Damn… it… all…" I whispered. Lightening struck and the pounding thunder hurt my ears. I continued searching, until I found a pavilion. I cautiously walked over, eyeing the tables. The lightening struck again, and a figure appeared. I ran to it, to see her sitting there, soaking wet, huddled in a ball, crying.

"You're… afraid of thunder?" I asked. She shook her head. Then it hit me, as I took a step closer.

"I love the rain."

"You do?" A lot of girls liked the rain… it made me wonder why.

"Yeah.. I especially love looking at the lightening, and being outside when it's raining lightly. I'd never go out when it's raining hard though." She said. I couldn't help by admire the smile she gave. You could tell her smiles were genuine. "I don't care too much for loud things."

"I see…"

I grabbed the chair to pull it out of the way. She wrapped her legs around it and kept it there. I paused.

"You're… you're only afraid of it when you're close to it outside, aren't you?" I asked. Her eyes open wide as another lightening strike boomed and her legs loosed around the chair. I pulled it away and took off my jacket. She huddled into a ball and I put my jacket over her and sat down next to her, pulling her next to me. I shaded my eyes with my hair and turned away, looking off in the distance.

I felt her tense as she came in contact with my side and my chest, and it took her a while to relax and lean her head on me. She closed her eyes tightly and jumped, getting closer as the thunder boomed loudly.

"Sorry." I muttered. She opened her eyes, watery and full of tears and looked at me. "I'm… I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm sorry for hurting you and not listening to you."

"Thank you Kyo." She whispered. She yelped and clutched onto my shirt tightly as the loudest thunder boomed. I looked down at her then rubbed her shoulder a little bit.

"And you keep crying, crying, crying, until you cannot see at all."

"Crying, crying, crying 'till you cannot breathe at all." She continued. More thunder boomed and she got closer, if that was possible. I gripped her shoulder tightly.

"What do you do when you're alone? What do you do when no one's home? What you do when you're alone? Out of control now on your own…" I continued. It somewhat fit… but not completely, and it didn't really lift the mood but it helped.

When the rain calmed down, she seemed to be sadly looking off into no place at all, with something on her mind. I moved a little and her eyes widened back to normal, and moved her head to look at me. I moved and stood up, holding out my hand for her to take. She paused a moment then took my hand and stood. She looked around quietly. I watched her, and noticed she was wobbling, and her legs looked like they were about to collapse under her any second.

I was right. Her knees buckled and she began dropping. I quickly grabbed her, making sure she didn't hit the ground by having her in a tight hug at first , before swiping my left arm under her knees and holding her that way.

"Are you ready to go back?" I asked. She clutched my jacket tightly like a doll and she seemed adorable. I smiled a little but soon went grim when she coughed a little before shaking her head. "All right."

I set her down on a table and sat next to her. I looked at her as she looked down at her hands. I looked at them also as they shook a little, twisting and entwining around each other. I clenched my teeth together and looked down at my hands, my fingers laced in between my knees. I was bent forward, leaning on my legs with my elbows.

"I'm… I'm sorry." She whispered. What?

I looked over at her, my eyes growing. She looked over at me with a straight face.

"I… I'm sorry for not answering you, and for smacking you." She said. She looked back down at her hands. I couldn't help but smile at her.

"You know what?" I asked. She looked at me, and starred at me surprised, probably observing my smile. "You really are something."

She looked at me in awe, her face turning red instantly. It made me smile more, watching how adorable she is. I know I shouldn't be thinking this, she probably has her pick of tons of other guys that so much as hear one word of her singing. On top of that, there's guys in America. So… if I say that I think that I love her, does that mean something important to anyone? …to her?

"Th…thanks." She said. I smiled.

"Sure thing." I said, putting my arm on her shoulder and resting my head on my arm when I noticed she was still cautious over the rain.

"Hey!" a voice called. We looked up to see Kenzi and Hiroshi waving, walking our way, under black umbrellas. I felt her tense and I turned red, sitting up.

"Hey guys!" I called, waving. I got up and turned to her. "Do you think you're okay to walk now?"

"Yes." She said, getting down, smiling at me. "Hi guys!"

They joined us under the roof.

"Hey um… Hiroshi? Kenzi? I'm… I'm really sorry for slapping you." She said. They turned pink and I smirked at them.

"No harm done. We were being idiots to Kazuo anyways." Hiroshi said.

"Which reminds me. Bro says he wants you to sing again to make up for us giving him a bloody nose." Kenzi said. He leaned forward to whisper. "Even though he'd never admit it anyways."

"Of course. He's so shy at times. He's very blunt when he wants to be though." Hiroshi said, giving an expression that shows he's had experience with that.

"Well I guess I could sing for him." She said, her eyes lighting up as she said 'sing'.

"How about you sing on the way home then?" Hiroshi suggested.

"Yes, sing for us dear Andrea." Kenzi said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and sharing the umbrella with her as they walked away.

"HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Hiroshi and I exclaimed.

"Hm? Just… getting a front row seat. You two can share an umbrella. Kyo-Kyo is wet as it is." Kenzi said. DAMN he was pissing me off!

"I'm not sharing an umbrella with him!" I said. "And don't call me Kyo-Kyo!" Andrea looked at me.

"You can share with Kenzi if you really want to Kyo." She said. I blushed.

"Yeah Kyo!" Hiroshi teased. I shot him a glare.

"I'll just walk in the rain." I said, putting my hands in my pockets.

"Oh, well… then here's your jacket then." She said, holding it out to me with a smile. The guys stopped. I gave them both warning glares and took it from her, shoving it on.

"Thanks." I muttered, looking at the ground. I pulled up the hood as we began walking again.

"Now, as we were." Kenzi said, putting an arm around her. I stood a little bit behind them, being sure to continuously glare at Kenzi. "Won't you sing?"

Andrea POV

"Won't you sing?" Kenzi asked me. I looked back at Kyo, then at Kenzi.

"Um… okay." I said. I took a moment.

"…maybe in a house, all hidden by a hill…" I sang. "Won't you please come get your baby~"

We walked into the house, by now, I was holding hands with Kenzi and Hiroshi. Kyo slowly lagged behind us. Kazuo walked up and looked at our predicament.

"Maybe~." I finished. They closed their umbrellas and Kyo threw off his sweater. Kenzi and Hiroshi ran in a beeline to the rehearsal room and Kyo stood by Kazuo silently with his hands in his pockets. I smiled and grabbed them by the wrists, pulling them forward so I had a grasp on their hands. "Come on!"

I dragged them along into the room and sat the two down on the chairs. I gave them smiles and walked over to the mic I used before, adjusting it.

"I need a piano or violin." I said.

"Ooh, ooh! There's a roll out piano over here!" Kenzi said. He pulled it out and put it down in front of me, grabbing a chair for me on the way. I sat down and re-adjusted the microphone. Kenzi sat down and I tapped middle C for him to know the tempo. He gave the beat quietly. I gave Hiroshi his role and he adapted. Then I played. The song was a fast paced cutesy song.

I laughed with Kenzi and Hiroshi as they stuck straws up their nose. I shook my head humorously, smiling wider as Kazuo smiled too. Kyo walked over, his hands in his pockets.

"How is sticking some damn straws up your nose supposed to be funny. It's just stupid that some elementary kids do." Kyo said. I looked over at him.

"Oh come on Kyo, have some immaturity. Besides, it's kind of cute to joke around like little kids." I said. He looked at me shocked for a moment, but quickly changed his face to that grim expression and looked to the side.

"Whatever." Kyo said. "We should be going now. It's dark out anyways."

"Aww, really?" I questioned. Everyone looked towards the window, where it was indeed dark out. I checked the time on the stove.

"Wow, almost 9 o' clock already." Hiroshi said.

"You're all welcome to spend the night. I have spare rooms." Kazuo said, giving Nodoka a sandwich.

"I'd love to, but I have work tomorrow." I said sadly.

"Work?" Kazuo asked. Hiroshi put a hand on my head and ruffled my hair a little.

"Yeah! This gal not only plays piano, sings, writes lyrics, changes the lives of everyone around her, makes Kyo smile, but she works at a diner that's owned by some family friends." Hiroshi said. Kyo silently left the room.

"Really? A diner?" Kazuo asked. I nodded.

"Namiregawa's Diner, in the next town over. You're free to drop by if you'd like. My shift gets over at four-thirty. I only have Sundays off though, that's why I agreed to come with Kyo today." I said. Kazuo nodded.

"I guess I'll have to check it out after work with Nodoka." Kazuo said.

"Aww that'd be sweet. I'll see if I can get you guys discounts, or get Nodoka a free dessert, how's that?" I said, smiling.

"Hey, how come you don't do that for us?" Hiroshi asked.

"Because you guys are nut cases." I replied simply. They sighed. Kenzi came up closer.

"Well, what's Kyo's case then, huh? Why doesn't he get discounts?" Kenzi asked.

"Because he comes with you guys." I said. "I'm sure that if he came alone, or … something… I'd give him some free stuff or some discounts."

"Hey…" Kyo said. "ARE YOU JUST GONNA SIT THERE OR ARE WE GONNA GO HOME?"

"Oh! Sorry, sorry! I'll be ready in a minute!" I said. I put on my jacket and raced around the house until I was waiting at the door, waving to everyone. "Buh bye everyone!"

"Bye bye!" Nodoka exclaimed.

"Later our precious flower!" Hiroshi and Kenzi disclosed in singsong. Kyo grumbled behind me at the door.

"I'll be sure to come over after work this week." Kazuo said. "You're welcome to come over at any time too."

"Thank you. Thank you so much." I said.

"Okay, okay. Let's just go already." Kyo snapped, grabbing me by the arm and walking out into the darkness.

"Um…" Kyo began, once we've been on the road for a while. "You don't have to worry about giving me discounts or anything, all right? I'll be fine."

"Oh, um… all right." I said. I was going to give him some discounts anyways, or at least on some special occasions. As a friend, I felt it was a duty. A… friend.

"And.. just so you know… rainy days aren't the best for me." Kyo said. "It's… I get a little pissed off and… tired whenever it rains. So if I start biting your head off then just don't take it personally. Got it? So just… don't… deh…" He leaned his head against the steering wheel. I jumped and grabbed the steering wheel before going and softly traced a line down his cheek. He yelped, his face red, and raced down the road.

"Don't do that!" He exclaimed.

"Kay." I replied.

After a calm silence I looked over at him. He looked over at me, then looked away quickly, pink filling his cheeks. I smiled. He glanced over nervously, then looked away quickly again, going back and forth a couple times before he stopped the car on the side of the road and looked at me a little annoyed.

"What?" He asked. "Why are you starring with that stinking grin on your face?"

"No reason." I said. He looked at me cautiously, before pulling back out into the road and continued.

"Whatever." He said. I smiled again and turned to look out the window. It's already been almost a month since I met Kyo. I wonder if things will change once school starts up next month. School…

"Um… Kyo?" I asked.

"What is it now?" He asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Well… school will be starting up soon." I said. He looked over at me then back to the road.

"Yeah? So? What do you want me to do about it?" He asked.

"Nothing, but… it'll be different once school starts." I said.

"What do you mean "different"?" He questioned.

"Well, I'll be over in class most of the time." I said. I watched his fists tighten around the wheel, and we sped up slightly. "You and Kenzi and Hiroshi won't be able to come over as much, and my shifts going to be cut so much.. I might have to work nights or something." I looked down.

"So? We'll only have a quick shorter classes, but if you start working nights then the guys and I won't mind to come over then. Late night food is something those two are born for." Kyo said. I looked up at him.

"Oh…" I said. I was a little happy that they'd adapt themselves just to see me, but I didn't want them loose sleep just to come over and hang out. Not to mention, I had to let my parents know how I was doing after school started. I haven't called them since about a month ago… when I first arrived.

"So, what college are you going to anyways?" He asked.

"Um.. Tokyo U-" I began, but he slammed the brakes. I yelped and a horn behind us honked. Kyo steadily pulled over.

"Tok… Tokyo U?" He asked. I nodded. "How the hell did you get into that school?"

"I… don't know." I said. "I submitted for a couple popular schools here, and then some at home."

"Damn." He muttered, I'm not sure why though. I smiled at him and he gave a slightly forced one back before continuing though.

We made it to the apartment building and Kyo walked me up to my room. I stopped at my door and turned to smile at him.

"Thanks for today. It was… interesting, but I had a really nice time." I said.

"Sure… I'm sorry it was so… negatively eventful." He said. My smile loosened a little, but I smiled nonetheless.

"Well um… would you like to come in? I mean… I know it's late but you could always play some games or something." I suggested, but then I yawned. He smirked.

"No thanks. I think you're a little too tired to stay up any later and play video games." He said. He ruffled my hair a little with a small smile, then quickly shoved his hand in his pocket. "Well um…"

"Good night." I said, then yawned again, squeaking. "eh."

"Haha. Cute yawn." He said. "Well, goodnight."

I waved and he waved back as he turned and walked down the hall. I opened my door and peaked out it. He turned and looked back at me after he made it to the elevator. I waved. He held up a hand and stepped in.