On the night of the dance, Kyubey had sought out a conveniently well fitting tuxedo for me. Trying it on, looking into the smashed, cob web coated mirror made me feel a tremendous satisfaction, but also a nerve wracking terror, anticipating the events that may unfold after tonight.

"Very dashing" mewed the feline. "Sayaka will be most enchanted by you this night".

"Enough that she may discard the fact that I'm actually a girl" I mumbled, anxiously.

"Fingers crossed. Remember, it's not the end of the world if she turns you down. Perhaps at least you can still be friends".

"I sure hope so".

"Chin up!".

It's no use. My confidence has caved in and all I see in the mirror is the makings of a big fat liar.

The gym hall has been cleared for the event and some K-pop is playing over on the DJ, some of which is tacky for my taste. I'd request Babymetal or something, but they'd obviously turn it down. I don't see anyone around who'd be into that.

I spot Madoka and Hitomi and stroll, nonchalantly up to them. Madoka instantly gushes.

"Oh, Kyoutarou-san, you look great".

"Very handsome" Hitomi added softly.

I scan about me for any signs of blue, but see none.

"Where's Sayaka?" I quiery to the candyfloss haired babe.

She scoots from her chair and waves over back to the entrance. "There she is! Over here, Sayaka-chan!" she calls, practically bouncing on the spot in hopes she'd see her.

My eyes find her and my heart essentially engages itself in a marathon as she walks on up to us. She presents herself in utmost grace, in a navy dress, swaying as low as her ankles, below the waistline rippled like waves. The V neck, not too exploitative of the area, shows some skin and a lovely silver necklace with a Mermaid. It also bears a faint pattern with lighter blues, displaying seashells. Finally, on her wrist is a bracelet with little music notes as charms.

"You're beautiful" I breath, absentmindedly, completely absorbed by her.

Her friends chuckle and I come down from my high, landing back on earth and blushing furiously. She delivers a captivating smile, her cute cheeks pinked from my adoration.

"Y-you're pretty good-looking too" she verbally stumbles, brushing back some strands of hair in her eyes.

At that moment, the room darkens and I see a disco ball descend, as a softer tune comes on, making an opportunity for couples to slow dance. I offer her my hand and she shyly takes it. I guide her onto the dance floor as the music begins.

-And I'm Home-

With two hearts rusting together, in a world without sound; what do you see?
I'm searching for the face who will say "see you again," I'll just be doing it over and over again.

If you would only notice that right there; was a figure from behind crying all on its own.

It was a rough place, and a lonely one,

but we joined our hands.

I placed my arms about her waist and she placed her hands on my shoulders, smiling up at me as we slowly danced together. I let the music and emotions guide us.

No matter how many times you feel that way,
there will always be warmth here.
Even if it was a mistake, I don't care, I'll always be by your side.
With the sound of tears and the colors of a sigh,
I'm sure this is where we are now.

A jestful everyday life;
I want to see it, I want to see it, that future.

Calming to the lyrics and mood of the song, I felt Sayaka snake her hands further up and eventually her arms went up around my neck and she laid her head to rest on my chest. I smile warmly, a hand going up to rub her upper back soothingly

"I can hear your heart going crazy" she whispered, in a daze.

When the bluff of false courage in my voice began to falter,

the dream began to end
Holding my knees,
when my vision fades, I know I'll quickly collapse.

If it stays like this, if it stays like this

the two of us will have to rush to the only furthest exit.

Even now I still have hope.

Now, let's smile and gaze at each other.

A content, dreamy sigh escapes the bluenette's lips and she pulls her head away some, so she can look at me again. Entranced by each others gaze, I lift a hand up to hold her cheek, brushing the soft skin with a thumb slowly, caressing her. All of my inner feelings are beginning to bubble, as I feel myself melting in her grasp.

With a simple and innocent face,
let's embrace our disheveled feelings.
Even this place where we've lost ourselves feels so gentle.

My conscience is catching up with me now and I know that tonight there will be pain. My smile breaks and my joy deteriorates.

"W-What's wrong, Kyoutarou-san?" she whispers, reaching up to stroke my cheek too.

"Sayaka... I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere quiet?".

I try my best to hide my fear, but I guess she picked up on it automatically, and a sense of sadness could be heard in her reply.

"Okay".

I again take her hand and lead her out of the hall, out to a balcony, overlooking the gigantic entrance to the middle school.

I'll keep calling your name no matter how many times,
even if the future is uncertain.
It's hard to say goodbye, it hurts every time I think of you.

"What's the matter?" she says, standing by me, a hand on my shoulder.

"I just need... to understand something... before I tell you something important. 'Cus I feel that the way we've connected has and is something so special. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I just need to know if you accept my feelings and if you feel the same way".

The silence is rather bitter. The wind does a good job of calming though, like God's telling me it'll be okay and there's nothing to worry about.

"I do accept your feelings, I know that you like me... but, I don't know if I'm fully returning your feelings... yet. You only told me how you felt recently and, while I do like you, I don't know if my feelings are as deep as yours. I feel that with time they may become something stronger though, you know?".

She's honest. Truthful. I appreciate it, but I can't help but feel myself already getting choked up.

"You understand don't you? I want it to work. I think you're a sweet guy. You've been loyal to me, listening to my problems, making me laugh, asking about me... but I don't really feel like I know you".

"T-That's kinda the point I wanna get to..." I muster. I have a feeling like tears are gonna pop up, so I'll do this as quick as I can. "You see, I haven't been fully truthful to you about who I am. And... I fear that... that the fact that I'm different to what you currently think will lead you away... will make you never wanna see me again".

"Well, you haven't hurt anyone have you?" she asks, brows raised.

"No".

"So it'll be okay, whatever it is".

"But, I fear that by telling you, I'll also be hurting you".

She's clearly puzzled and I take a deep breath.

I'm right here.
I'm right here.
Please come back and be with me.

"I've lied to you, since I've got here, I've lied about what I really am and I'm sorry that..." my visions blurred now and I feel droplets falling onto my hands on the rails of the balcony.

"I was stupid... so stupid" I weep.

It seems these past few months I've been through is just a big dream and it's preventing me from waking up. I don't wanna wake up. All this time being here has been some of the best days of my life. Why and how could I not want this.

"S-Sayaka, I'm-!".

My words are cut off, as she presses her lips to mine. Electricity is coursing through me, my eyes widen and my flesh fries, as her hands reach up to clasp behind behind my neck, holding me close. I kiss her back, finally tasting those sweet lips of hers. My arms fly up to wrap around her too and I gently nip and suck her bottom lip, wanting to taste more of that berry on her skin. Reality begins to rattle within me and I pull away, both of us breathing heavily. My face is flushed and she looks to me in question.

"Sayaka,... I- I'm a..." I try, my voice cracking. I can't do it. I'm sorry.

I run, tears pouring from my eyes. I'm sorry, Sayaka.

It won't ever change;
these emotions which have been left behind.

End of Part Eight