Hello lovelies! Here's a much faster update to make up for that three month hiatus! Things are about to get very interesting at Destiny High… Also, I hope you guys don't mind the cheesiness of having High School Musical as the school production. It was the production at my own school when I was in year 9, so I thought it would be cute to include.

Thank you again for your lovely reviews, and enjoy!

x-x-x

"Okay Roxas, it's time to get serious."

The boy in question found himself looking up at Naminé's stern expression. He was perched on the couch in her rumpus room, having only just arrived for their private dance lesson. There were CDs scattered all over the floor, and Naminé also had her tablet open to Spotify. He raised his eyebrows at her. "Er, Naminé…? Since when has dancing not been serious?"

Naminé rolled her eyes and smacked the blonde boy over the side of his head with a rolled up piece of homework. "It's already term three and we haven't chosen a song for our duet! Do you have any idea how serious this is!?"

Roxas couldn't help but smirk. "For a normal person? Mildly concerning. For you? Oh dear god the world is ending."

This sass earned him an extra smack. She sighed dramatically before scrolling through a playlist on her tablet. He saw that she'd named it 'Duet ideas'.

"Okay, I've narrowed it down for you, but you have to help me pick. We both have to enjoy dancing to this song because we'll be repeating it a lot," she reminded matter-of-factly, but she was smiling. He knew she was excited about this. "So I'll play some tracks and we'll work in the choreography we've already started. Ready? Let's go!"

What happened next was something Roxas couldn't quite describe. As they went through the songs and added their own moves, hilarity ensued – some songs were too fast to match their pace and they toppled over. Some were so catchy they just ended up lip-synching the songs and falling into fits of laughter. One song was too slow so Roxas started doing the moves in slow-mo, making Naminé double over with giggles. They were having the best time – and it was a feeling he couldn't quite pinpoint. He didn't know if the music was elevating the emotion, but he felt like he was in a daze, and his idea of getting over Naminé flew out the window during those songs. Just the two of them, mucking around and singing and dancing – it was the last thing he had imagined doing with her at the start of the year, but it was perfect.

After sifting through the whole playlist, the two teens decided on '4 Minutes' as their duet song. It was the perfect blend for the two, with lyrics from both a male and female artist perfect for a bit of dance roleplay. Naminé made sure to incorporate some of Roxas' favourite hip hop moves and made them work well with the song – their blend of synced moves and individual flair made the dance high-energy and exciting.

"Phew!" Naminé sank to the floor for the umpteenth time to stop the music. "I think it's working really well. We're on our way to a great score!"

Roxas smiled, leaning back on his arms as he breathed deeply. "After seeing what you can do, I'm sure Miss Lockhart will barely be watching. She'll just mark us a 100 and move on."

Naminé pulled a look of disbelief and he chuckled heartily. "Don't make me whack you again," she giggled, then sunk down to the floor to check her phone. She scrolled through her social media apps and smiled at Selphie's… well, selfie, of her pouting over her homework. Then she saw a post from Kairi… she and Sora were posing for a photo and eating sea salt ice cream inside their favourite parlour. She felt her heart hammer and she started to twirl her hair between her fingers.

"What's wrong?" Roxas asked, noticing her usual nervous habit. She looked back at him with hesitance in her eyes.

"Oh, nothing… it's just Sora and Kairi. See?" She held up her phone as proof. Roxas gave a sympathetic smile, but all the happiness from their previous fun seemed to wash away in that moment.

"You think he'll ask her out soon?" He asked.

"Maybe…" She sighed, studying the photo. "They do make a cute couple, don't you think?"

"Maybe," he echoed her. We'd make a cuter couple, he thought listlessly.

Naminé put her phone to the side. Out of sight, out of mind, she supposed. "I did the right thing... I know I did. I'm just being stupid."

Roxas shook his head. "But did you do the right thing by you? Were you ready?"

She bit her lip uncertainly. "I thought I was. Sometimes I don't even know anymore. But… I want to be. And… I will be." She nodded then, the certainty back in her eyes. "They're meant for each other. I know he'll make her so happy."

Roxas shook his head despite himself. "You really are amazing, Nam."

She stood then, ready for another round of dance. "Maybe, but you're also amazing for helping me through all this." She reached out for his hand to pull him up. "Thank you, Roxas."

He took her hand and stood, reminding himself to get back to reality. All that dancing back there… she only saw that as friendship. He didn't know why it was so hard to get it out of his head. He didn't know why he couldn't just stick to his resolve and forget about his feelings.

"Don't mention it. Let's go through the dance once more."

x-x-x

Sora was having problems of his own. It was after school on a mild Friday afternoon, and the drama theatre was empty. But Sora's head was buzzing with thoughts – thoughts of Kairi.

He thought wistfully of the dream date he had organised during city centre. He wondered if he could recreate it somehow – but how would he get the two of them to the city? Surely she'd realise it was a date? Maybe he should take Roxas' advice and ask her out during the Create Festival… but that was so far away, and he wanted to shout his confession from the rooftops at this point. No, he wanted it to be as soon as possible… but he wanted it to be meaningful. After all, this was Kairi! She meant the world to him… he would do anything for her. So how could he make it special…?

He paced the room, ignoring the script left haphazardly by his feet. He had spent the week nailing his lines with his redhead compatriot, and Miss Lockhart had been very impressed with their work. Sora had lost count of how many times he got lost in Kairi's gaze as she acted, though, and he knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate until he just told her the truth.

He let out a long, drawn out sigh. "I should just tell her…!"

"Tell her what?" Came a voice from the doorway. Sora turned and almost tripped on his own feet – Kairi was standing there with a curious expression. She giggled at his shocked expression. "You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of craziness…"

Sora laughed nervously, running his hands through his brunette locks. "Aha, I guess I've been practicing too hard…"

"Well I hope not," Kairi started, and Sora noticed she had her script in her hand, "I was hoping we could finally get that practice time in!"

"Oh," Sora faltered for a moment, wondering why she had suddenly had a change of heart. It was Kairi that had rejected every offer he made to her for extra practice… before Naminé revealed her feelings, that was. But now… "Of course! Not that you need the extra practice, but I sure do."

Kairi shook her head with a smile. "You're so silly, Sora. Let's start from the locker scene, okay?"

They began to read their lines, trying not to use their scripts and remember as much as possible. Although Kairi was still sensitive to Naminé's feelings, she knew she couldn't avoid Sora forever – they really did need to practice for the show. The entire school would be seeing it! Besides, she was beyond proud of Naminé's progress – she was definitely getting back to her old self, and she didn't even act weird around the brunette boy anymore. Surely it wouldn't hurt to hang out with him? She even felt bad about getting ice cream with him the other day, but she knew Naminé was dancing with Roxas. She hoped the blonde boy was at least trying to get across his feelings to her.

Before the two teens knew it, they had recited all the way up until the final scene. They stopped to get a drink and rest, so they sat atop the stage, their legs dangling over the edge. There was a comfortable silence between the two as they enjoyed each other's company… a comfort Sora knew all too well.

He was teasing her in a quiet tone about her role as the nerd and she was giggling in return, and Kairi knew the tension in the air was palpable. Every second they were together, she felt more and more compelled to believe her gut feeling was true…

"So… do you think we could practice more often?" She asked then, focusing on her dangling legs.

"Of course," Sora said immediately, with that usual cheer in his voice. That's what Kairi loved most about him – his inexhaustible cheer, his indomitable will. He never failed to put a smile on her face. "I've really wanted to for a while… but I wasn't sure, you know…"

Kairi bit her lip nervously. "Yeah… I just had some stuff I needed to work out first." She wondered if Sora knew that Naminé must have told her about him. Maybe he thought it was just between the two of them?

Sora was staring into her eyes now, unabashedly. "It's okay. You're worth the wait…" He let the words slip before he could stop them, and Kairi's eyes bulged. What exactly did he mean by that? Her heart fluttered at the possibilities. Sora looked away suddenly, his cheeks ablaze…

He was thinking… no, he was deliberating. They were sitting so close, their thighs grazing each other's ever so slightly, their faces kissing-distance apart. She was looking away shyly, almost guiltily. He wanted the reveal to be special, but at the same time… he just wanted to do it right here, right now. But could he? Was this really the right time? Was there a right time? He didn't think he could wait another second to tell her. Despite all his failed plans, all his grand schemes… he really just wanted to tell her that… that…

He did it. He turned to her with a glazed expression. "I don't just mean for drama, Kairi."

Her breath hitched in her throat, and no matter how much she wanted to turn away to collect herself, she couldn't tear her gaze away from his eyes. He was so serious… so… passionate. "Oh…?" was all she could muster, and she mentally slapped herself for her terrible comeback, but she couldn't dwell on it for long – because Sora closed the distance between them and captured her lips with his own.

He leaned in close, gently pressing her back towards him as he repositioned his lips against hers, fitting them snuggly. All his worries about an awkward kiss washed away – it felt so right to be this close to her, to feel her warm breath against his cheek, to feel her soft lips moving carefully – timidly – against his. He deepened the kiss, never wanting it to end, never wanting to let her go – but finally he pulled back and both teens gasped slightly. Sora couldn't help it – he cracked the biggest grin imaginable because this was everything he'd wanted and more, despite it not being planned perfectly. Kairi couldn't help but smile too, and they both let out a small chuckle.

"Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to do that?" Sora whispered, nuzzling his face against hers, meeting forehead to forehead. Kairi closed her eyes, breathing in his familiar scent, and sighed contently.

"Kind of," she said with a knowing smile, and Sora replied with a flutter of kisses to her lips and cheeks. She couldn't help but let herself become giddy with happiness. Her gut feeling had been true... For so long, they had timidly exchanged moments of tumultuous flirting, but finally she knew. Her entire being was exploding with tingles. They shared another kiss, but through it all Kairi could barely stop smiling. All her wishes for her future with Sora were becoming a reality.

They didn't know how long they'd spent in the drama theatre until the cleaner came in to vacuum – they quickly scurried out, red-faced and giddy and absolutely in love.

x-x-x

Kairi arrived at Naminé's house early on Saturday morning, armed with a tupperware container of her grandma's yummiest passionfruit tartlets. She had barely slept the night before – the early hours had been filled with Sora's hushed voice through her phone. It was like the pieces had finally fallen together and they were where they were meant to be this entire time. But one conversation stayed at the forefront of her mind…

"I think… I should talk to Naminé about all this."

"You know?"

"Yeah, she told me."

"Mm. I wasn't going to do anything about us… but…."

Kairi cut him off, understanding - the heat of the moment was something even she couldn't resist. "Don't worry, I'll talk to her about it."

Sora didn't answer for a moment… was he deliberating something? "Er, I think there's something you should know…"

"Don't worry, Sora. I actually kind of saw her confessing to you. That's why I was avoiding you… but I'll set all this straight."

She heard him chuckle – was he hiding something? "Alright. Let me know how it goes, okay?"

A quick text to her blonde best friend told her she was free to hang out, and Kairi was thankful. In truth, it was all she could think about at the moment. She wanted things to be just right… for everyone involved. She knew she couldn't be completely happy with Sora if it made her best friend suffer.

She didn't hesitate as she knocked on the door and was greeted by a familiar face. The two girls headed to the rumpus room, and promptly claimed the couch to gorge on the tartlets.

"Your grandma didn't have to do this," Naminé was shaking her head, but she wore a grin from ear to ear as she gobbled down the treats. "I mean, she's more than welcome to!" she giggled as she took another bite.

"What's a get-together without grandma's cooking?" Kairi laughed, taking a bite herself, but she chewed with much less vigour. "Okay, Nam… I have some pretty big news."

Naminé swallowed quickly, noting her serious tone. "Oh…? What is it?"

Kairi sucked in a deep breath. "Okay… Um… Well…" She hadn't exactly planned out this conversation beforehand, but perhaps she should have. "Last night, I was practicing my lines with Sora… and… what…?"

Kairi faltered as Naminé's eyes widened, realisation dawning upon her. To her surprise, the blonde girl's lips quirked up into a smile. "Did he… ask you out!?"

Kairi blinked dumbly. "Um… yes…? But…?"

Naminé dropped her tartlet. "You said yes, right!?"

"Wait a minute, why are you getting excited!?" The redhead spluttered. Why wasn't she sad or angry?

Naminé flapped her hands in a very Selphie-like fashion. "Well I- I figured it out! I knew Sora liked you! That's why I told him… to ask you out!"

"You told him to!?" Kairi repeated, feeling like an absurd parrot, but she truly didn't know what else to say – Naminé had told him? Actually encouraged him, even though she was getting over him? "But… why? Aren't you still…?"

Naminé shook her head. "When I realised he liked you… I also realised that you liked him too." She took a deep breath to calm her excitement, feeling the conversation turn serious. "I mean, all those moments between you two… there was something more. And… I'm sorry I didn't see it for what it really was. I was so focussed on getting him to like me that I didn't even notice he only had eyes for you. And I didn't even notice your feelings…" She looked down, shame washing over her. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?" Kairi's eyes bulged even further if possible. "I'm the one who lied to you about my feelings!"

"But you were only doing it to protect me!" Naminé reasoned.

"But if I had've just told you the truth you might not have gotten hurt!"

"But if I didn't get rejected you two might not have gotten together!"

The two girls realised their reasoning was absolutely crazy – and they fell into fits of giggles.

"Oh Nam – I'm sorry we had to go through this mess," Kairi finally said as the laughter died down. "All you did for me… you're truly the best friend I could ask for."

Naminé reached forward and pulled Kairi into a tight hug. "You're the best friend I could ask for! You supported me even though you liked Sora… Oh!" She pulled back, the excitement back in her voice. "I'm so happy you two are finally together! How did it happen? Tell me everything!"

They spent the rest of the morning discussing last night's make-out session in a play-by-play fashion, while eating every last passionfruit tartlet and filling the room with laughter. Kairi was so happy the truth was finally out, and Naminé was bursting with pride… she was genuinely happy for the two, and that was all she wanted.

x-x-x

Monday arrived, and Naminé suddenly had second doubts about her resolve.

"Guys, we have some news…" Sora announced to the group, having just walked up to the usual spot with Kairi. Everyone looked up with interest. Sora hesitated for a moment, rubbing his neck sheepishly.

"Well, what is it?" Hayner asked impatiently, nibbling on a protein bar.

"W-well…" Sora decided words wouldn't cut it, so he simply reached down and grabbed Kairi's hand. She blushed madly. There was silence for a moment, and then a familiar sound filled the air – the long, drawn-out gasp of a surprised Selphie.

"OH MY GOSH! YOU GUYS ARE DATING!?" She jumped from her spot and the lamingtons that were in her lap toppled to the dirt, but she was too busy squealing and jumping to notice. "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! THIS IS SO EXCITING!"

Naminé giggled, knowing Selphie's idea of Kairi and Roxas was definitely out the window now. She watched everyone's reactions: Olette smiled widely and jumped up too, joining the girls in a group hug; Pence nodded his head proudly, as if Sora was his kid brother; Hayner pulled the most grotesque face he could muster.

Roxas looked over at her with a slight panic in his expression, but as soon as he saw Naminé smiling and joining the group hug, he knew she was confident in her decision.

"Whyyyy?" Hayner finally drawled, and everyone turned to him. "Why didja have to go and get a girlfriend? Now everything will be ruined!"

"Hayner, grow some balls and get over it," Selphie quipped, causing the entire group to fall into 'oooh's' and hysterics. Hayner turned red with embarrassment and crossed his arms like a sulking child.

"Don't worry Hayner, things won't change. It's not like we're disappearing or anything," Sora smiled, but the light-haired boy continued to scowl.

"This is so exciting! When did it happen?" Olette asked, causing Hayner to groan again. Sora and Kairi quickly told the story of how they'd always liked each other and finally confessed last Friday.

"Now the production will be even more romantic! You're actually dating!" Selphie could barely contain her excitement. "This is so great!"

"Whoa, calm down, Selph," Kairi tried to hush the brunette girl. "Just because we're dating doesn't mean we're gonna make out on the stage or anything."

The excitement reigned between the group for days afterwards – Selphie commented on their adorable hand-holding antics daily. Soon, the rumours spread and every senior student knew about it. Axel and Riku were teasing Sora to no end, like proud big brothers. Everywhere they went, people were commenting.

"Aren't they so cute together?" Marlene would say in the hallway.

"They're cute, but we'd make a cuter couple," Zidane would tease Garnet, earning him a book in the face.

"Aw, just like when we started going out!" Aqua giggled to Terra.

By Friday, Naminé was slamming her head against her locker.

"You okay?" Roxas asked at the end of the day, noting her sour mood. He followed her gaze over to where Sora and Kairi stood by the door, sharing a few chaste kisses before they said goodbye.

"I know I brought this upon myself," Naminé prefaced, hauling her bag over her shoulder, "but I just didn't think it would be… like this! All the time! If it's not in front of me, it's all I hear from other people!"

Roxas smiled sympathetically. "I know, but… they are pretty-"

"Don't say cute. Don't say happy. I've heard enough from Selphie," she sighed.

"Sounds like you're kinda jealous," Roxas teased, and Naminé swatted the air near his face.

"I'm not! It's just… it's beginning to get old! Okay, yes, they're extremely cute together, and it's like… a perfect fairy-tale scenario. And yes, it's the exact kind of relationship I've always wanted…" Naminé faltered under Roxas' stare, and she sighed again. "Okay… I'm jealous."

He chuckled. He had hoped she wouldn't dwell on it, but the fact of the matter was that she was still moving on. And he needed to move on too. "It's okay. I'm sure this isn't what you imagined."

Naminé nodded. "Exactly! I'm fine, really… it's just the whole, 'what could have been' kinda thing… it's not Sora I'm sad about. It's about… that kind of passion. I'm happy for them, but… I want that too. And I'm sad I missed out on it. But I'm happy. I am."

Roxas raised his eyebrows.

"Okay, I'm 90% happy and 10% jealous. Happy, now?"

"Very. Don't worry, I get what you mean… but it'll happen for you one day."

Naminé scrunched her face in doubt. "I don't think anyone can beat that kind of happiness, not even Terra and Aqua."

"You don't know that. The right guy's just waiting for you is all…" He trailed off, clearing his throat. "Anyway, it'll die down by next week."

She laughed. "The only way that will happen is if Selphie is off sick all week."

x-x-x

Sadly, Selphie was not off sick. "Oh my gosh, did you see Sora carrying Kairi's books this morning? That's like, every girl's dream!"

Naminé smiled wanly as she put on her dance shoes. "Yeah, he's a great boyfriend. Kairi's so lucky."

Selphie sighed dreamily. This girl seriously needed to start auditioning for movie roles. "I know. Although I was so sure she and Roxas were a thing. Even if it was in secret, you know?" She giggled, and Naminé rolled her eyes.

"Your imagination needs a reality check, Selph," she laughed, and the girls quickly warmed up together. Selphie went to practice with Ventus, and Naminé was left alone yet again. Roxas had another drum lesson – his exam was in just a few weeks.

"Naminé!" Miss Lockhart called the blonde over. "Have you and Roxas practiced your lift?"

"Um, not much…" She admitted, "there's not a lot of room at my house for a lift."

"Hmm…" The stark-haired teacher clucked her tongue in thought. "Well, if those drum exams don't end soon, we might need to scrap it."

"N-No! We can do it! Roxas has been working really hard – I know he's strong enough," Naminé pleaded, the fire back in her eyes. Miss Lockhart smiled.

"Alright, but I suggest you guys practice here when you can. It's a tricky move," she warned, and Naminé thanked her profusely. She definitely wouldn't miss out on this lift – it was the most exciting dance step she'd taken this year next to pointe shoes.

After school, Naminé put her books in her bag and set off – Roxas was still in drums, so she would walk home alone. On her way out, she ran into Sora and Kairi in the study hall. Sora was sitting on one of the tables and Kairi was standing in front of him – they were holding hands sweetly and speaking in hushed voices. Naminé couldn't help but smile. When all the buzz went away and it was just them, being happy together - she knew they really were meant to be.

"Hey, you two. How was science?" She asked, watching them reluctantly pull from each other's gaze.

"Boring – Mr. Hojo is crazy as usual," Sora sighed. "Where's Roxas?"

"In drums. His lessons are getting longer and longer."

"Uh-oh, you don't sound too happy about that," Kairi teased, and Naminé sighed dejectedly.

"It'd be fine if it wasn't for this lift we're doing. Although I'm still surprised he got so good at dancing so quickly."

Kairi smiled. "That's because of all those privates you did."

Sora joined in with the teasing. "Yeah, but he only sucked because he was nervous."

Naminé giggled. "He just didn't believe in himself at first. All he needed was some confidence. Although he's really nervous about the lift."

"Why?" Kairi asked. "I mean, he's strong enough, right?"

"Well yeah, he hasn't got a problem lifting me… but every time I run at him he looks really scared."

Sora snorted. "Classic Roxas."

Naminé shook her head. "I mean, he looks kind of scared throughout the whole dance, too… maybe he should taking some acting lessons from you two," she joked, "we have to pretend we're in love and breaking up, so…"

"Oh, well no wonder he's finding it so hard!" Sora laughed, but immediately realised his mistake. Kairi thumped him in the back, but the damage was done.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Naminé furrowed her brow, and Sora positively panicked.

"Um… W-Well, you know… he's just completely stupid with girls, and… uh… yeah! He sucks at being romantic." He looked to Kairi for help. "Right, Kai?"

But Naminé was shaking her head. "Is there something you two aren't telling me…?"

"No!" They said in unison, and Naminé raised her eyebrows.

"Why would Roxas find it hard to pretend to be in love?" She asked again, much sterner this time. Sora wiped his hand over his forehead nervously. "Guys…?"

"Like I said, Roxas is really bad with romance…" He tried again, but his tone suggested anything but certainty.

"That doesn't make any sense..." Naminé said slowly. Roxas had never shied away from gently rejecting a girl before, and although she'd never seen him hit on anyone before, she didn't vouch him as the nervous type. He was always calm and collected… except in dance. And the way Sora was acting...

"Doesn't it…?" The brunette boy stammered nervously. "Well, you haven't seen him Nam, he's terrible at asking girls out…"

Naminé shook her head again. "Sora… tell me the truth. What did you mean by that?"

Sora's eyes bulged and he looked just as scared as Roxas did at the prospect of a lift. He buried his face in his hands. "Oh, god, Roxas is gonna kill me!"

The blonde girl looked to Kairi for help, but she wasn't saying a word either. "Are you saying that… that Roxas…"

Sora slowly pulled his hands away from his face, his expression remorseful. "He… he's kinda madly in love with you."

x-x-x

Askopfpjdfoh this chapter. THIS CHAPTER. This was the crossroads. I had two different paths this story could take but ultimately I think this is the right path for these two. I had SO. MUCH. FUN. Writing this chapter! But the next one is going to be even more dramatic. How will Naminé react!? You'll find out soon!

The song Rox and Nam chose for their duet is 4 Minutes by Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake. I hope you guys enjoyed this chap! Don't forget to review on your way out!