Episode 7: As If We Never Said Goodbye

Title based on the song of the same name.

Surprised I updated a story twice in such a short time? Yeah, me too. I always knew what this chapter was going to be about, but I wanted to hold back on for a bit. It heavily features Namine, Xion, and Riku throughout the whole thing, but Roxas does make an appearance.

Genre: Romance/Humor

It had been a long and restless day. Namine finally arrived at her house and closed the door right behind her. She was deprived of sleep and slowly dropped to the floor, already feeling comfortable despite her odd sitting position. "I just… wanna sleep…" She let out a yawn. She couldn't believe it was already the end of March. Ever since she started working, she had filmed five episodes total. Three of them have already aired on TV with an announcement of another break to give the cast and crew some time to finish filming and editing the remaining episodes. For the day, she finally finished her last scene with Roxas on episode seventeen and was immediately handed the next script titled, "Two More Lonely People," and it was in her hands. She didn't groan like the other times she did because she was getting pretty used to it all, but missed a normal life. The one with nothing, but school and friends; friends whom she missed dearly and barely contacted. She didn't want to be one of those people who barely talk to their best friends because they moved away or met new people. Too bad it wasn't one of those reasons. It was her job.

"Namine dear, you should go to your room and sleep. You've been working since four in the morning," her mother told her as she came to find her about to fall asleep.

"That's ok. I'm quite comfortable on our beautiful floor," Namine groggily responded. "Good night," she yawned.

"I would to love to carry you up, but you're not a little girl anymore."

"Then get dad."

"I guess I should tell Xion to call back tomorrow then…" Namine's eyes shot open at the sentence. She immediately got up the floor and rushed upstairs to her room. "I knew that was going to work." Her mom smiled and then her dad came into the picture and looked at the direction where Namine ran.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Oh nothing. Just some tired girl falling asleep right on our doorstep."

Namine busted into her room to open up her laptop to start a video chat with her friend. She begun calling her knowing her raven haired friend was eventually going to pick up the call no matter what time it was back in Twilight Town. After about three rings, her call was answered and her best friend showed up except Namine screamed at the terrifying green face mask Xion had on with her hair tied behind her head in a ponytail. "Ha ha. Very funny Namine," Xion said. "And when I meant for you to call back, I meant a phone call. Not a video one, so you don't get to see my wicked face."

"Yet you answered," Namine replied.

"You're my best friend. You don't have to care how I look… unless we're going somewhere nice then I need a girl's opinion. Riku sucks at it since he's a guy."

"So why did you call me?"

"Because of tomorrow."

"What's tomorrow?"

"I see your new life has made you forget." Namine didn't have a clue what she was talking about. There was a small moment of silence until she gasped at the thought. "Yep, tomorrow is our prom. You know, the one you paid for before you auditioned? And I was wondering if you were still flying over here tomorrow for one day."

"I don't know…" Namine trailed off. "You know work has been keeping me busy."

"Ugh, work, work, work. That's all I know you're doing," Xion complained. "Listen. I love you and I'm happy for you, but you need a complete day off. If I could come over there and kidnap you, I would, but I don't have the money," she continued while applying more cream to her face. "Besides, didn't you bring the dress you bought over there." Namine got out of her bed and over to her closet to search for the dress. She kept looking through each hanger one by one until she finally saw the bag her dress was in and stared at it. "I know you want to come," Xion said over by the computer. "Don't you remember when you asked out Riku to come with you?"

Namine sighed and turned around with the dress still in her hands "That was as friends. I didn't have a plus one."

"Then your plus one will be just one. Don't make me add him to the chat because I can with the press of a button."

"You wouldn't?" She really thought Xion was joking, but immediately saw her adding Riku and he gave a hi and a smile. "Hi Riku, whatcha been up to? It's been a while. Work has been killing me as always and I'm going to sleep. 'Kay, bye now."

She was about to hang up on the call until Riku stopped her. "Hold it right there Namine! I know there has to be a good reason why Xion added me to this video chat, so talk," he asked her while Xion smirked.

"Prom is overrated. I mean, I'm going to be in one later anyway."

"Oh my god! What's gonna happen in this prom episode!" Xion yelled, but Riku cleared his throat. "I mean, what episode? W-who cares about it? Your friends are important than work."

"I find that hard to believe," Riku pointed out.

"Our best friend knows everything before us! Of course it's important. I wanna know what's gonna happen with her and Sora! You guys have such great chemistry!"

"I do? Most of my scenes have been with Roxas."

"Yeah, don't care. Let him drown in his relationship with Kairi even though he's pinning for you too."

"Can we back to the actual subject?" Riku said. "Namine, you are coming back for one day. Don't leave me alone with her."

"But you've been doing so well these couple months," the blonde smiled. "Ok, if I do this, what am I gonna say to my parents and the others."

"Don't. Just come on down. Buy a plane ticket tonight and get on a plane in the morning."

"But I need a sign!" Soon enough, her phone got a text and it was from Roxas where it read, "Good news! We get the whole day off tomorrow! :D" Right there was her sign and she needed to take it or something may throw it off. "Ok. I'm gonna do it! I am going to fly back to Twilight Town tomorrow! I'm off tomorrow!" Xion and Riku cheered to hear the news. "You guys better be at the airport by the time I get there! But I need to tell my parents to actually get to the airport."

"Why don't you bring the cast with you?" Xion happily suggested with sparks in her eyes.

"No," Namine quickly shot down. "Let me use this one day to spend time with you guys alright. Now, let me purchase a morning flight to Twilight and I'll be on my way back home."

~ Our Life is Not a TV Show or Maybe ~

Namine slowly woke up from her slumber and saw the sun shining down on her through the plane window. To her surprise, her parents happily approved of her going back to their hometown for prom, but had to pay it herself since she was a working gal. She had to wake up early in the morning again to catch a seven o'clock flight to make it in time for her to hang with her best friends and then junior prom. She was planning on telling Roxas the news, but thought it was best she didn't because she had a feeling he would follow her, which she didn't want to happen. She had packed a nice amount of belongings in her luggage for a day while her dress was in another alone. She had to keep it safe at all costs because she didn't want to spend out of pocket again for another one.

Hours Later

She arrived in Twilight Town and got out of the plane to meet up with her friends. She went to get her luggage once she left the gate and waited for it to come along her way. She saw her blue luggage coming down to conveyor belt and when she was about to grab it, someone else took it. "Hey! That's mine!" She saw it was none other than Riku. "Riku!" She dropped her belongings on the floor and threw herself at him to give a hug. "It's so great to see you! I missed you and—where is Xion?" she asked.

"Right here!" Xion shouted and the girls screamed at each other. They hugged one another and let go of each other. "Now let's get the heck out of here because I'm hungry! I haven't ate breakfast or lunch." Namine looked a nearby clock to see it was past one in the afternoon. "Riku! You're our personal driver!" The three of them walk on out the door and head to the parking garage to leave and to find a place to eat.

Moments later, they entered in a small restaurant that looked a little beat down and old, but still felt comfortable. The girls sat next to each other while Riku was across the table. The menus were at the corner and each grabbed one to look at the menu. "If I had all the money in the world, I would eat each piece of food on this menu."

"I see nothing has changed," Namine giggled, looking at the menu.

"Yep. She eats, and eats, and never gets fat," Riku added.

"Hey! I resent that," Xion replied. "It's not my fault. I just love food! Maybe I should become a chef!"

"You will be eating more on what you cook more than your own customers," Namine told her and Riku agreed. "I know what I want now. I don't like airplane food, so I need this."

"Me too," Riku replied, putting the menu away.

"Welcome to Heart's Diner, how would you guys like to start your meal?" a waiter asked with a note pad ready in her hand.

"I'll start off with water and I would like to try the chicken and waffles," Namine told her.

"And I'll take the hamburger steak with some water," Riku said. Then the two look at Xion who couldn't seem to make her mind as she kept looking at the menu. "Xion, hurry up already."

"But everything so looks good! I can't decide!" she shouted in joy and looked at the waiter. "What would you suggest me to try?"

"How hungry are you?" she asked.

"Really, really hungry. I could eat a cow."

"Then I'll put down for our delicious meat lovers omelet and fried rice."

"Yes! That sounds delicious! And I'll have some coke with that." All three of them give her a thanks and she left for them to talk while they waited for their food. "Where do we begin to talk? The show or your life on the show? You pick."

"I'd rather get into my personal life rather than my work," Namine replied. "The others have been getting enjoyable to hang out with. Kairi was whatevers as usual and Roxas has been a great guy to be around with. I slowly started going out more with Olette after all of us had that dinner while Pence takes me to some places to eat out. I still have yet to do anything with Hayner, but we barely see each other."

"What about Sora?" Riku asked.

"I've been slowly in getting to hang out with him more now as we continue filming. I read the script while I was on the plane and I nearly shrieked because I knew where it is heading."

"The prom episode!" Xion remembered. "Tell me! I need to know!" she yelled in excitement, shaking her friend for answers.

"Calm down! I am not going to tell you anything." After that, her raven haired friend got an idea.

"You read the script on the plane… which means it is in your carry on! Riku—!"

"I'm not giving you my keys," he interrupted and she pouted. "For just one day, can you stop talking about her show."

"Fine. How do you think the others will feel about your sudden absence in the islands? You did just took off without a word."

"I don't want them following me because if they do, then paparazzi will be all over us when I just want to be with my friends and enjoy prom," Namine claimed. "I'm still in disbelief that I'm part of that life. How do you both feel when you see me on TV?"

"Xion screams at every episode you're in," Riku told her. "Always shouting 'Oh my god! Namine is on TV! I hate her so much right now' or something like that," he said, trying to imitate her voice.

"I do not sound like that," their friend denied.

"You hate me?" Namine asked, sounding concern.

"You're on my favorite show."

"Aww… I feel so loved," the blonde happily said, laughing it off. "Sometimes I feel like you're more of a hardcore fan than I am. I've done a great job in raising you."

"Girls," Riku blurted, rolling his eyes, and eyed to see a TV hanging off the wall in the corner. It was on, but not a sports channel like any other place. Entertainment News was on and it showcased the opening theme to Destiny Islands. Riku wanted to face palm himself since he can't seem to dodge the show even if his friend was part of it. He signaled them about the segment and the girls looked over their shoulder to see it all.

The black shoulder length haired female newscaster was displayed sitting at a desk and looked straight at the camera. "And that there was TV's number one teen show Destiny Islands. Before we end our segment tonight, we wanted to talk with the lucky fan girl who got to be a part of one of TV's phenomenal show. Her name is Namine Hamasaki and I got the chance to interview her on set as they continue to film new episodes."

"Oh no, what did I say at that interview now? I did that two days ago and I don't remember anything," she thought out loud. "I don't really think before I say anything. It just comes out of my mouth. Plus, I was deprived of sleep."

"You've only done a couple and you did fine on them," Xion said. "And you should stop looking up yourself on the Internet." The three look at the TV to see the setting changed of the two females sitting in chairs facing each other.

The Interview

"Hi Namine! It's great that you've made time to see us. I know it's been crazy here at work, but you must be enjoying yourself. How's it been going around?" the newscaster asked her.

"Yeah, um, I'm pretty tired right now," she laughed. "These past few months have been a whirlwind for me, but the cast and crew have been great, so it's, um, becoming an enjoyable experience in working with everyone. Everyone's been so welcoming and supportive that I'm so grateful of what's happened to me so far."

"Ok, three episodes have aired and we did a recent survey on what fans and people thought on your character."

"Oh no, what were the results?" Namine smiled, not showing she was worried, but she was a little.

"About ninety one percent have said they loved your character."

"I guess we can forgot about the other nine percent," Namine joked and the two bursted out laughed.

"Yeah. People are loving your character and it's been reported that the ratings of your show have been slowly improving with each new episode. Now, with a show that is already in its fifth season, you would normally expect viewership to go slightly go down. Why do you think people tune in live compared to just watching it online or recording it on their DVR?"

"The awards can do all the talking," Namine joked again and continued. "No, but as a fan of the series, I, um… always tuned in for new episodes because I cared about these characters and wanted to know what was going to happen next without being spoiled. Man, I hate that."

"I'm sure we all hate spoilers."

"It's also nice how the show manages to have very relatable situations and add in humor to balance it all, so it doesn't seem it is taking itself too seriously."

"As you've just mentioned on being a fan, do you think the contribution of the fans themselves have led this show to be successful for five years?"

"Definitely." It was a no-brainer for Namine to answer this question. It all came out naturally for her to answer. "I want to say many of us are loyal followers because I feel like this show has connected with so many young people who have grown attached to these characters since this is a coming of age show. It's like we're all growing up together and I can say that from personal experience because we are playing characters that are exactly our age. It teaches people lessons about family, friendship, love, school, and many other things rather than it being about what the kids are gonna do for fun or some crazy situation they have to deal with."

"Very well said. The last time I interview the cast together, which was like—I don't know— three years ago? I asked the same question and they never could answer it. They couldn't believe the success."

"I can vouch for that," Namine giggled. "I like to say the cast is rather sheltered and I had to tell them why they're so popular. They know it, but maybe not the whole extent of it."

"Now, people have speculated that your character was namely brought in to sort of complicate the love lives of the show's famous love triangle. What's your take on that?"

"I wouldn't really say 'complicate,' but as a way to end that complicated relationship that is of Sora, Roxas, and Kairi. For me personally, I was actually getting tired of Kairi going back and forth with the two guys in her life. It's like, um, make up your damn mind! You can't have both!" The two women laughed and Namine continued. "At the end of season four, I thought she didn't deserve Sora after going behind his back in seeing Roxas after all he's done for the two and how he was still recovering. At the end of the day, he's the heart of the show and people do feel for him. Sora did a wonderful job in portraying his character."

"There was a lot of buzz about the season four finale that some even deemed the characters unforgiving and traitors. It certainly showed when ratings were down for the premiere of this season, which was lower than the finale."

"Luckily I stayed. I can understand why some wouldn't want to come back to watch because that finale caused a lot to lash out or leave. I literally wanted to pull my hair out." Namine laughed again at the thought and continued. "But the creators, Jake and Marlene, who are also our executive producers, did tell me that they wanted to play off that feedback by giving those three consequences. We can't just have some quick story to have them on good terms again because they already had that, so reconnecting is going to be harder than before."

"Can you reveal with kind of consequences will there be?"

"I have no clue. I'm just as much in the dark as every viewer out there, but I can tell I will find out soon enough, whenever that script comes in."

"Perhaps in the special one hundredth episode that happens to be the finale too?"

"I'm sure our writers have big plans for it."

Present Day

"And from there we just go on and on about the show," Namine said. "But enough about that, I saw online that our beautiful prom is going to be at the Sunset Hotel."

"It's pretty nice and right on the top floor. It even has a nice balcony that over looks the side of town its facing. It'll take your breath away."

"It feels nice to be back home," Namine admitted, looking at her two friends. She had only been in Twilight Town for only a couple hours now and she felt right at home. She may have been gone for only a few months, but she already felt homesick. She never told anyone though because she thought she should keep it to herself till she came back. "Makes me remember everything that I have here."

~ Our Life is Not a TV Show or Maybe ~

Roxas was in his house trying to get a hold of Namine, but she wasn't answering any of her calls or texts. He was starting to worry a little bit because she usually replied quickly to him. He thought it was odd especially when the cast got the whole day off from work. He stared at his phone and nothing. He was thinking of taking her out for breakfast, but that didn't happen. He was hoping lunch would happen instead for the two of them since Pence was taking her out to eat at some places. Then, he started to wonder if he was going overboard because they weren't in relationship yet here he was planning some kind of lunch date with her. He had to admit, he was growing attracted to her. It was already showing, but wanted to stay calm and collected about it. Then he heard his doorbell ring. He went on down to open the front door to see Kairi. "What are you doing here?"

"Why to hang of course," she answered, letting herself in while Roxas closed the door. "It's our day off and I want to relax and have some fun."

"My hearing must be off. Did you really say 'relax' and 'fun' in the same sentence? I know you would prefer to work today."

Kairi raised an eyebrow. "I'm not always about work Roxas. We're friends. We hang out, talk, eat, and have fun like other teenagers do."

"So why did you really come to my house out of all places?"

"To take you out for lunch. When's the last time we did such a thing?"

"Look, I know we're in a fake relationship, but we don't have to keep up with the act all the time."

"Not for buzz you idiot. As friends."

"I find that hard to believe."

"It's a two-way street, so are you coming or what? My car is right outside and I am feeling something fruity." There was a small pause before she came up with an idea. "Acai bowls! We shall get some acai bowls and I know just the place!" Roxas rolled his eyes and went to his room to get his stuff. While he preferred it was Namine knocking on his door, he decided to go along with Kairi seeing how she already drove to his house. In a way, he hoped she was paying for him since she was taking him. The two get inside her red Infiniti G37 where Kairi popped the top open and it turned into a convertible. "You're treating me right?" Kairi gasped.

"What kind of man makes a woman pay?"

"A friend who will happily pay for another friend," Roxas smirked. "That's what we really are." He then looked at her "Right?"

"O-of course! Friends! I will gladly pay for you!" she hesitantly responded despite still resenting the idea of her paying for him.

"Why thank you because that's what friends are for," he smiled while enjoying in mentally torturing her. He checked his phone once again and no response for Namine. "Hey, have you heard from Namine? She's not responding to any of my calls or texts at all today."

"And you're asking me out of all people?" Kairi sneered, hating the blonde girl for making Roxas think of her. She wanted him to be thinking of her. "Maybe she's sleeping? Our poor little newbie doesn't have the energy like us yet."

"Can we drop by her house on the way? I want to see if she's home." Kairi's left eye twitched at those words, but Roxas never saw it. She never responded for a minute. "Kairi?"

"Y-yeah! Of course we can get her! I mean, she probably hasn't tried the best acai bowls in the islands," she lied through her teeth even though she had to uphold her end by actually going to Namine's house, so she tried to get out of it. "Aww, but I don't remember where she lives. I guess I can't—."

"I do and I'll tell you. Now stop trying to get out of it," he interrupted, getting a bit irritated by her attitude.

"Why do you like her? It's not like she's anything special," Kairi snapped, keeping her eyes on the road.

"And why do you hate her? She hasn't done anything bad to you either."

"Yeah, well, some things are better left unsaid."

"You're unbelievable."

"And talented."

"Just go to her house okay." Kairi scoffed and stepped on the pedal as Roxas' guided to her house. Minutes later, the two arrive at the front and Roxas got out of the car to ring the doorbell. He pressed it a few times and no one answered. He was growing a little frustrated and kept pressing the door bell until someone finally the door. It was Namine's mom. "Oh, hi Mrs. Hamasaki. Sorry about the doorbell," he nervously said, scratching the back of his head. "I was wondering if Namine was home." Her mom was about to answer until she recalled what her daughter said before she went through the security check-in. She was told specifically not to tell her co-stars about her whereabouts unless it was someone from the network or the crew of the show.

"Namine? S-she's sleeping," her mom lied. "She told me not to disturb her slumber because you know how work has been pushing her to her limits."

Roxas felt relieved. "Good to know. She wasn't answering her phone earlier. I was starting to get worried."

"That's nice to hear your concern about her."

"I was wondering if Kairi and I could stay inside until she woke up?" At this point, Namine's mom didn't know how to answer his question because she wanted to get rid of him in the nicest way possible.

"Oh, I don't know about that. She just wants time for herself today," she lied again and Roxas bought it since he felt sad to hear the news. He didn't want to be with Kairi the whole time or go to lunch with her.

"Okay. Can you tell her I stopped by and to call me when she wakes up?" he asked.

"Of course. I will make sure to do that." And from there, Roxas left the front doorstep to head back to Kairi's car and Mrs. Hamasaki closed the door and immediately felt relived as she let out her breath. "That was too close. Namine is for sure going to owe me a favor now."

Twilight Town

The three amigos were off in the mall killing more time before Riku was going to take the girls back to Xion's house to get ready for prom. After eating at the diner near the airport, the three started going through a few stores with Riku being dragged into most retail stores that featured female only items. He prayed that the two didn't buy some merchandise because he knew he would be carrying all of them. While most of the time they were window shopping, Namine remembered something. "I forgot I need something to wear for my feet tonight," she said.

"What?! You got a dress way before the dance and didn't bother to buy shoes?!"

"What? You know me. I'm not crazy about shoes like most girls."

Xion gasped. "Who are you and what have you done with my bestie? I need to fix this issue right now! I will be your Fairy Godmother!"

"Please don't get me glass slippers. Those look painful to walk in."

"Let's go!" Xion immediately took Namine's wrist and took her to her favorite shoe store. Along the way, she said something. "And yes. Glass slippers are painful to walk in."

"Don't tell me you actually—?"

"I saw it in the front window once and just had to try it… and pay for the damages that I caused… because they got stuck." Namine couldn't help, but laugh at the story since it resembled the famous fairytale. "Don't laugh at me! Those glass slippers may look beautiful in 2D animation, but they're a nightmare to wear!"

"And what kind of damages did you have to pay?"

"One of the employee's medical bill…" Xion shamefully admitted. "When he was trying to get the slipper off me, his hands slipped and he fell backwards onto a shelf, which he broke and sustained many injuries. But don't worry! He's totally recovering and the doctor said he'll be fine!"

"Uh huh…"

"It was the talk of the town last month," Riku pointed out happily once he entered into a shoe store with the girls. At the entrance, people immediately stared at them, but namely on Xion. "And it still is," he laughed until Xion punched him in the chest. "Oww!"

"Shut up! You send one guy to the hospital and people suddenly become afraid of you," she shouted and went to the section with all the high heels. "We have the same shoe size, so this should be easy. After all, we have the same taste."

"We do?" Namine wondered.

"You don't like shoes that much so my taste is your taste too. What was your dress again?"

"A white long back, strapless dress that's light on the ruffles. It has a silver belt with some bedazzled gems of the same color along the rim of my chest."

"Silver heels it is then. Maybe I'll get you very tall ones to match Riku's height," her friend joked.

"Suurree and while I'm at it, I can click them three times and say 'There's no place like home. There's no place like home' and arrive at my destination. Oh wait, I already am home," she laughed.

"But I thought Dorothy's slippers were ruby in the movie?" Riku wondered.

"They were originally silver in the book," Namine answered. "And changed them to ruby for the movie to take advantage of whole color thing in movies."

"Here ya go!" Xion shouted, shoving her the heels in her hands. "Now go pay for these lovely heels—hey…" Xion stopped for a moment and looked around the store. Namine and Riku both looked glanced at her and wondered what she was going to say next. "Since you make more money than us, can you—!"

"I am not buying you a life supply of shoes with my money," Namine quickly shot her down as she pouted. "I may have fame and money, but I'm still the same old Namine."

"And that's a great thing to hear," Riku rejoiced, putting his arm around her. "You don't let fame change you."

"Besides being home schooled and working everyday, I still can take care of myself."

"With all the work you do, do you even have time for school itself?"

"Sort of. We don't necessarily get homework, but I'm still learning at a good pace at our grade."

"You don't get homework?! I want to be part of your job now!" Xion screamed.

"Just promise you won't turn into some troubled teenager as you grow up there," he asked.

"I promise." Namine intended to keep it since it was coming from him. She took the heels and made it over to the register and found out the shoes came at a costly three hundred dollars. While the price barely made a dent in her bank account, her eyes bulged at the price, and couldn't believe her own gender spend that much on shoes. She made a small comment about it when she was paying for it and the cashier mentioned how other brands can go over one thousand and that made her even more surprised. She paid for the shoes and thanked the person and three headed off. Right when they left the store, they were swarmed in by fans of her show. "Whoa! What the heck?!" They were all shouting her name, taking pictures, and asking for an autograph. "Um… ok," she said to one person as she was given a pen and started to hand out her signature to people on paper, their shirts, and sometimes their arms. One fan actually asked to her to sign his shoe and she did. It was strange to her, but she felt joyful that someone asked her such a thing.

"Can you please take a picture with me?" another fan asked. She agreed and slowly she took a photo with almost each person or group of friends. In the midst of this, she couldn't tell if she should feel happy or frustrated about all of her current status. A part of her knew she wanted space and privacy, but at the same time, she wanted to generate a friendly vibe toward the fans because she understood how they felt since she was one herself. She too would ask if she could get an autograph or take a picture. Xion and Riku were bystanders as they observed how calm their blonde friend looked.

"How is she so calm about this? And she looks like she's enjoying it," Xion wondered. "She could barely stand the attention by a huge group of people."

"Maybe it's because she's one of them? Xion, you know how those fans feel," Riku said.

"I know," she sighed. " And I just love how I get to know everything before them!" she cheered with passion in her eyes. "And they don't how special I am." With that, Riku crossed his arms and cleared his throat to get some sense into her. "I mean, how special we are!"

"Oh boy…" Riku rolled his eyes and heard Namine shouting for them. He saw her in the middle of a huge group of fans with people taking the picture. He knew she wanted the two to be in the picture and took Xion. The two managed to squeeze themselves to get close to Namine and the picture was later taken.

"Thank you guys!" Namine rejoiced and all of the fans thanked her. As they were leaving, she shouted, "And don't forget to tune in for new episodes! I'll post the photo on my Facebook! You can all take it once it's up!"

"Aren't you just a humble celebrity?" Xion told her.

"I can barely breathe right now!" Namine admitted, breathing heavily. "I think I threw up in my mouth back there, but… never mind. I don't want to think about it! Let's go and get some Starbucks or something."

"So much for calm," Xion said.

After getting drinks, Riku dropped off the girls at Xion's house to get ready for junior prom because it was only a few hours away now. The two helped Namine get her stuff out of the trunk and into the house to prep for tonight. Xion's parents were surprised and happy to see Namine again ever since she left and vice versa. The two went upstairs to Xion's room and Namine saw that nothing had changed except for one thing. "Oh my god, you have that?" she said, looking at a huge poster plastered on her friend's wall. It had the main cast of Destiny Island with Namine in it this time. "You don't find this weird?" she continued. "It's like I'm watching over you."

"No," Xion replied. "Reminds me how I have a great friend living the dream."

"That may be, but sometimes I do feel homesick."

"Speaking of home, tell me how much did you love seeing Riku again?" Xion smirked.

"A lot. I missed him."

"I know you do. Maybe you can use this as an opportunity to kiss him."

"Always playing cupid huh?" For as long Namine could remember, Xion always played that very role. She even once charged her services to build a reputation on getting people together and she had a fifty, fifty rate amongst people. The only couple she had yet to do was Namine and Riku because she knew how sensitive the two were, especially Namine. "It's just a crush."

"A crush that you had on him since you guys worked on a school project together." When Namine thought about it, she couldn't help, but noticed how it somewhat resembled to what was going on in the show itself. She found it to be another big coincidence that a scene from the show reflected another moment from her life. It was as if she didn't have to become an unexpected actress to be part of Destiny Islands. She was already living one of their own storylines. "C'mon. You auditioned in front of huge crowd, so confessing to Riku shouldn't be any harder." Xion snapped her out of her thoughts and needed to reply to her friend.

"I don't know Xion."

"Is there another guy?"

"W-what? No!"

"Who have you been hanging out with the most since you got to the islands?"

"Roxas," Namine casually said.

"How much?"

"Everyday."

"I see…" Xion trailed off.

"Your tone. I know that tone. What are you thinking?"

"Did you develop feelings for Roxas? And I'm not talking about your typical fan girl kind of crush here. Since you get to be his friend personally, you don't think you unknowingly got over your crush of Riku because of him?" Xion really needed to test her friend just to be sure about everything and get some info. "Who usually sets up the hang outs between you two?"

"Rox—" Namine stopped for a moment because she just became aware that her answers always related back to him. "—as." He was the sole person she got to get close compared to everyone. If she were to rank her relationship with her co-stars, Roxas would be number one on that list. And Kairi at the very bottom, but that's besides the point.

"I think he likes you," Xion smiled. "Man, I would love to be you right now. Maybe if I grow my hair a little longer and dye my hair to yellow, I would look like you for me to take your place."

"Please don't. I would be creeped out to see a doppelgänger of myself."

"Are you still gonna acknowledge of me calling out Roxas' possible feelings for you? Because if you feel the same way, then I don't see no trouble."

"You're forgetting one thing."

"Oh right. I forgot he was in a fake relationship with Kairi. That could damage some things."

"Yeah."

"But would you pursue him if you could?"

"Can we not talk about this and get ready for the big night?"

"You're not going to dodge this question as long as I'm the one asking it."

"Maybe. I don't know!" Namine desperately wanted to get on another subject because she didn't think about any romantic feelings. She didn't feel it was important to think about at the moment.

"Alright. I'll leave the topic alone… for now. Maybe it is too early to tell anything anyway."

"Thank you."

"Which is why I need to see him and your whole friendship in person!" Xion added.

"Are you saying that as an excuse to meet and hang with him?"

"In a bit, yes." Namine just sighed. "By the way, do—."

"Just go through my carry on and you'll find the script to the prom episode," she finished.

"You know me so well," Xion smirked. "After I go through it, we can get all beautiful!"

~ Our Life is Not a TV Show or Maybe ~

Riku later came back to pick the girls in his tuxedo where he was stunned to see how beautiful the two looked. He noticed how both their dresses contrasted from each other as Namine's dress was white while Xion's dress was black. He was mainly stunned more on how stunning Namine look though because he barely got her to wear such clothes since she was always wearing very casual clothing. "Ladies," he sweetly said, guiding them to his car. "You are all very stunning tonight."

"Why thank you," Xion said.

"Ow! How do girls wear stuff like this all night?" Namine complained, referring to her heels. "My feet are already killing me."

"But you look beautiful!" her raven haired friend complimented.

"And in pain." Namine was almost close to Riku's height while struggling to walk in her new fond shoes. Her legs were shaking that she almost tripped, but Riku caught her before she had a chance to hit the ground. "Can't I use sneakers or something?"

"Your legs aren't used to them yet. You'll be fine," Xion lauded.

"Ohkay, but if something bad happens to me, I'm sending you my medical bill," Namine squabbled, recalling her incident with the store worker.

"Enough about the shoes and her in," Riku lamented.

"Yes. Let's." Riku opened the front door for Namine as she tried to bend down to get in her seat while Xion opened the door to the back. "I hope I survive the night. Or try not to fall." Riku closed the door and got into the driver as the three head for the Sunset Hotel. It was already the famous twilight hour with the sky painted yellow, red orange, and purple. The sun was setting and the sight took Namine's breathe away as she looked out the open window while Riku drove to their destination. She missed looking at the sky. Sure, Destiny Islands had tons of beautiful sceneries throughout the whole place, but there was something Twilight Town that made her feel at ease. The lights of buildings, street lamps, and walkway were lit up, but they weren't too bright to blind people. They were subtle.

"How much do you miss it here?" Riku asked, keeping his eyes on the road. He knew what she was feeling because at the corner of his eye, he saw her smiling, admiring the view.

"More than you know," she replied. "There's no place like home."

"Kind of early to be saying that when you haven't been gone that long."

"Yeah, but it feels like forever. I have lived here my whole life. I thought I was gonna live here forever. I mean, I have thought about traveling, but I would always find my way back here."

"Can't say the same for me," Riku admitted. "I'm going to be graduating soon."

"That's right! Did you pick a college to go to?"

"I did. I'm going to Radiant University."

"But that's the other side of this country!" Xion shouted from the back.

"I want to explore! Maybe going this far out isn't a bad idea. I get to meet new people and see new places."

"But everyone you know is here," Xion added.

"That is true, but seeing Namine make a big decision in going to Destiny Islands, I thought why not. Why not study far away from home and see where my life will take me." Namine felt flattered to hear she was his inspiration to make decision in the next step of education and life. She never thought she would do such a thing. "Besides, you guys can use me as an excuse to visit me and I'll show you guys around."

"Namine," Xion called out. "We are going to one day visit Riku and have him drive us around like always to every place to eat, drink, play. Anything to burn his money!"

"Hey!" Riku complained to her.

"I mean our money," she retracted, making Namine laugh.

"Oh yeah, what about that Sora kid?" Riku asked.

"What about him?" Namine replied.

"Didn't he live here too before?"

"Hey, you're right!" Xion recalled. "He lived here when he was a kid and left to do a movie. But I didn't come to Twilight until middle school. Did you ever meet him Namine?"

Summer 1999

A young Sora and Namine were in the back of the car, strapped to a seat as Namine's parents were in the front with Mr. Hamasaki driving. They were driving along the coast after coming back from the beach and it was the twilight hour now. Namine was staring at her window as her eyes stared at orange sky and nothing else. "It's so pretty," she sang. She rolled down the window and quickly felt the wind blowing through her hair while closing her eyes, taking in the refreshing air. She looked over at Sora to see him playing with the window on his side as it kept going up and down.

"Sora dear, please don't play with the window or you'll break it," Namine's mom said and he paid attention.

"Shorry…" he pouted as he stopped pressing the button and the window closed halfway.

"Isn't the sky pretty Sora?" Namine asked him. He looked above to see it and thought it was a pleasant sight. "Tell me why do you have leave again? Don't you like it here?"

"I do, but my dad said he got me a job." Sora stopped, thinking what his dad meant before. "But I don't know what a job is. He says I have to be like my big brother Leon."

"But I'm gonna miss you!" Namine then looked at her mother. "Mom! Can't we keep Sora forever?" she begged.

"Now Namine, you know we can't do that. We agreed with his parents to watch him the whole day since it would be your last day to see him." And that it was. Ever since the morning, Sora was dropped off at their doorstep in order for him to spend his last day with Namine. It nearing the end of summer and they were bitter about him leaving to who knows where. Apparently only his parents knew the answer. It made Namine feel sick to her stomach that she wasn't going to see him again because she always hung out with him than the other kids. The

"But he's my friend! I don't want him to go!"

"He may be leaving honey, but he'll always call this place his home."

Sora gasped as he had an idea. "I can give all my Toy Story toys! That way, when we see each other again, we play like we used to!"

"But what if we don't see each other again?" Namine sadly asked.

"Don't worry Namine. I will always be your friend. Till infinity and beyond!" he shouted in joy.

Present Day

"No, but it would've cool if we were friends before. Then we would've been reunited by working on our show." Little did she know, that was exactly what happened. She just didn't know it yet.

Aww… wasn't that sweet of little Sora? While the Sora/Namine flashbacks are a small recurring element, the overall plot of it all will end by the thirteen chapter. And don't you worry Roxas/Namine fans! He too will get his chance to shine overtime!

Thanks for reading and leave a review or any thoughts if you can!