Ack, I'm so sorry for the delay with yet another chapter! School has been absolutely crazy! But your amazing reviews and messages keep me motivated, so it's thanks to you this chapter is here :) Things are going to get even more interesting, so hold onto your hats!

x-x-x

Sora was sprawled on his bed, his basketball costume crumpled against him, and his hair even messier than usual. Despite his dishevelled look, he was still wearing his signature grin as he talked on the phone to Kairi. Even though they'd just had drama practice together, he had called her the second he got home. He was chuckling softly as she talked about Selphie's antics when he felt his phone vibrate. He put Kairi on speaker.

"Sorry Kai, Roxas is messaging me… Oh, wow. You have to hear this."

"What? What did he say?"

Sora was laughing as he spoke. "He says 'oh god Naminé and I just had this really like close moment but I don't know if it meant anything'… and he added a confused emoji. Man, those two are hopeless."

Kairi laughed. "I wonder what happened? Naminé is thinking about saying yes to him, you know."

"Really? Can you imagine how Roxas will react? He might explode from happiness."

"He'll be so happy. Also, I really want them to go out so we can double date!"

Sora snorted. "I see you have your priorities straight. Alright, what should I send back to him?"

"Say if he thinks it was something it was definitely something."

"Okay… 'If you feel like it meant something it probably does.' Aaand send!"

"As much as I was mad at you for being a doofus and telling her, I really think this might work out!"

Sora pouted even though she couldn't see him. "It's not my fault!" He could practically feel her glaring at him from the silence. "Okay, it kinda was, but it was an accident! Oop, he just messaged back. 'I'm sure I'm just being stupid because I know she doesn't like me. I just need to get over her'. Ugh, he's right about one thing – he is stupid!"

Kairi giggled. "Tell him that!"

"Nuh-uh, no way. I'm not letting it slip twice. Besides, you said Naminé was thinking of saying yes to him. It's not like he's really gonna get over her anytime soon."

"Yeah, you're probably right. But I just want them to go out right now! I'll try and coax her into talking to him sooner rather than later."

"We could be professional matchmakers, you know," Sora said matter-of-factly.

Kairi faked a laugh. "If we were professionals, they'd already be dating. We're honestly the worst matchmakers in the world."

Sora chuckled. "You'll see! They'll be together in no time."

x-x-x

Naminé was absolutely dreading seeing Roxas at school the next day. She'd spent the better portion of last night reliving that heated moment… they had been so close she could still remember the warmth he radiated and how he held her close to him. Most of all, she couldn't get his expression out of her head… the way his eyes had relaxed on hers, and how his eyelids had drooped down, and how for a teeny, tiny moment, it almost felt like they were going to…

The blonde girl shook her head as she increased her walking speed. She had left without Roxas that morning. She wondered if leaving him behind would send the wrong message, after all the words of encouragement she'd given him yesterday… but she just couldn't face him yet. That moment was too heady, too giddy… She didn't even know if she really wanted to give him a chance yet. She was constantly torn between destroying their friendship and forming a possibly amazing relationship. Even after Kairi's encouragement, she was still riddled with doubt. But every time she saw him, her answer always leaned closer to a yes... She needed some space to figure it out.

Okay, breathe Naminé, you'll have to see him soon so just relax…He has no idea! Even if you two almost leaned in to each other yesterday… and danced to romantic songs… it's fine! Totally fine…

Naminé was never very good at convincing herself.

When she arrived at the year 9 block, she found it was packed as usual. She was stuffing her bag into her locker when she heard a familiar voice from the other end of the corridor.

"Hey, shorty!"

She turned to see Axel's flaming red hair obscuring the person he was talking to. Honestly, Axel was so tall he even towered over Riku, so whoever this 'shorty' was could easily be hidden by him. She couldn't even make out the whisper of the voice who responded to him. Was Axel being mean to someone? He was a good guy, but he could have his moments of brashness and jealousy every now and then.

"Axel, are you being a bully?" Naminé called out in a teasing tone, and Axel turned with his tongue between his teeth, clearly elated someone had caught him out.

"Who, me? Never!" He said with a mischievous grin. "I was just giving shorty here some good 'ol upperclassmen advice. Gotta look after the kids, y'know?"

"Who are you…?" But just as Naminé was about to ask, Axel moved and revealed the stark haired girl she had seen the other day. Her black hair was cut in a stylish bob. She looked rather shy and slightly embarrassed by Axel's antics, her mouth twisted into a half-smile, half-grimace.

"If he's bothering you, I can get him suspended for you," Naminé joked, and she was delighted when the dark-haired girl smiled slightly in return. The girl dropped her eyes to the floor immediately after, still embarrassed.

"I'm not bothering her! I helped pick up her books the other day and now we're best friends," Axel laughed, swinging one arm around the girl's shoulders. The bulk of his weight was so much that she almost toppled to the ground, letting out a small 'eep!'.

Naminé put her hands on her hips. "I'll tell Roxas you said that. He'll be devastated you've replaced him."

"Yeah, you've broken my heart, Ax!"

Naminé almost froze as she heard Roxas' voice from behind her. He walked up to her with a wide grin, still wearing his backpack. She made a conscious effort to keep her eyes on Axel.

"What, I can't have two best friends?" Axel tried, but the girl clearly looking bewildered. Luckily for her, the first bell rang and Axel suddenly looked pale. "Ack, I completely forgot about Mr. Fair's homework! Gotta run, kids!"

He bolted out of the year 9 building, leaving the girl standing there awkwardly. Naminé felt a strong pull to say something to her, but their first class of the day was maths with Mr. Highwind, and lord help anyone who was late for that class.

"Let me know if he troubles you again, okay?" Naminé smiled at the girl. Though still looking startled, the girl gave a good natured nod in return.

"T-Thanks," she smiled back.

Naminé left Roxas' side then, adamant to prolong direct contact with him for as long as possible. Even looking at him was too hard anymore! She had to make a decision and soon, or else their friendship really would suffer.

While Naminé ran to her locker, Roxas turned back to the girl and smiled as well. "Don't worry, Axel is harmless, really. But if he annoys you, I'll take care of him."

The girl smiled nervously and nodded, then quickly turned back to her locker. That done, Roxas ran to his own locker, moving as fast as he could to avoid a scold from Mr. Highwind. He couldn't help but try and catch Naminé's eye, but she had left him behind and headed for class. He sighed as he grabbed his pencil case and followed her trail to class.

x-x-x

"Hmm… What do you think, Olette?"

Naminé held up her large canvas in the brunette's direction. Paints were sprawled all around her and the class was buzzing with chatter as they created.

Olette looked up from her own painting and smiled at Naminé's first layer of work. "Wow, that's amazing, Nam! I love the colour scheme."

"Are you sure?" The blonde asked, uncertain. Dancing had always come easy, but when it came to her second passion, she felt her style was too simple.

"Definitely. Everyone will love it at the festival," Olette assured her.

"Aww, thank you! They'll love yours too!" Naminé leaned over to gaze at the brunette's brightly coloured piece, splashed with vibrant oranges and yellows. "Very you!"

"Thanks!" Olette puffed up with pride. Naminé couldn't help but giggle when she noticed bright yellow splotches at the ends of her friend's hair. She decided not to say anything for now.

The two got back to work. Naminé focused on finishing her first layer of colours. Once that was done, she sat and waited for it to dry, but grew restless and stood up to stretch. Naminé loved the relaxing and casual atmosphere of art class – people were free to wander around as they pleased, and Miss Heartilly always played music for the class to listen to.

Naminé decided to walk around the room. She found everyone's pieces so inspiring. Marlene's piece was full of pastel shades and adorable drawings. She especially admired Garnet's intricate oil pastel painting. Just as she was marvelling at Serah's beach painting, her eyes fell upon a strange face at the back of the room.

It was that new girl! Her short, black hair was shadowing her face so you could barely see her eyes. She looked extremely closed in on herself as she tentatively sketched. Her eyes would flick up every now and then, making sure nobody was peeking at her work.

Why hadn't Miss Heartilly introduced her to the class? She had already been at the school for a few days, and yet she blended into the background so easily. Still, Naminé felt a rush of anticipation as she walked up to her. She could finally get to know her and help her out!

The black-haired girl looked up as Naminé approached, a look of nervousness springing to her features.

"Hi! I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier. I'm Naminé."

She waited for the girl to respond, but she hesitated, fiddling with her pencil. Naminé noticed she was subtly trying to hide her sketch with her arm. Finally, she spoke, barely above a whisper over the noise of the classroom. "Um… I'm Xion."

"Xion, nice to finally meet you!" Naminé smiled, then pulled up a nearby chair in front of the table. "It's nice to put a name to your face. I wanted to say hi a few days ago, but I didn't get the chance. Oh, sorry about Axel this morning."

Naminé felt like she was babbling like an idiot, but she saw Xion's lips slowly curving up into a smile. "It's okay. He did help me pick up my books when I dropped them the other day." She pursed her lips for a moment. "He's very… energetic."

Naminé giggled. "That's our Axel. You'll get used to him." Xion kept smiling, and Naminé beamed at the progress she was making. There was a slightly awkward silence before she continued. "Um, you're new, right?" She mentally slapped herself for stating the obvious.

Xion nodded. "Yeah, I just moved here last week. My mum got a job here so we moved from Twilight City."

"Oh, that's awesome! A few of my friends used to live there too, but you'll love it here," Naminé assured, but Xion seemed unsure, crinkling her nose slightly.

"I'm not really a fan of the heat," she admitted, and Naminé noted how she was wearing pants instead of a dress or a skirt. Another awkward silence. "Um… thank you for saying hi, but you don't have to stay here with me…"

"I'm having fun!" Naminé said instantly, and Xion's smile widened even further. "I know it must be hard moving schools this far into the year. If Axel didn't scare you away, I'm sure my friends would love to meet you. What do you say?"

Naminé marvelled at how Xion's eyes lit up with happiness. She had tried to turn her away, and yet she clearly needed a friend. Naminé was counting this as a win.

"Really? I don't want to annoy you guys…" she said, almost inaudibly. She had the softest, quietest voice Naminé had ever heard.

"Of course! Here, come with me, my friend Olette is right over there…"

Naminé ushered Xion over to their table and Olette looked up with a smile as she was introduced. The poor girl looked terribly nervous as she spoke, but she slowly relaxed her shoulders as the girls asked her questions and told her about themselves. They found out that Xion quite liked science class, and that her mother was a doctor. Naminé felt a swell of pride welling up inside her.

"Yeah, we hang out every day at our usual spot," Olette was explaining, and Xion's eyes widened in awe. "You can come with us today!"

She looked abashed for a moment, but her smile remained. "Thank you… I'm really happy I met you guys. Even if I had to put up with Axel's teasing."

The bell rang over the sound of the girl's laughter, and they quickly packed up their art supplies, excited to show Xion the usual spot. Naminé hoped nobody would mind an extra person. In truth, the gang had stayed the same since year 7 with the occasional visit from Tidus and Wakka, or Riku and Axel. They'd never added a new friend to their group before, but she was sure it would be okay. She just hoped the boys wouldn't mind the serious disproportion of girls and boys in the group.

Xion followed the girls to the spot, holding on tight to the yoghurt she'd brought for snack. She always seemed slightly hunched in on herself and incredibly quiet – definitely not the type to stand out and make friends.

"Everyone, this is Xion," Naminé introduced when they made it to the group. Everyone looked up with a smile, but poor Xion looked spooked from all the attention. "She's just moved here from Twilight city and she's in our art class!"

They sat down and Xion clasped her hands tightly around her yoghurt, still hunching in on herself. Everyone gave a good natured hello, and Pence immediately perked up with a "Hey, Hayner, Olette and I used to live there too! Is the cranky old man that wanders around the mall still alive?"

This lead to a hearty conversation between everyone and although she didn't speak much, Xion's shoulders began to relax and she was smiling the entire time. Every now and then she'd look to Naminé for support, and the blonde girl happily helped her navigate this new group of people. She suddenly felt like a proud mother watching her child make new friends. Now that she'd introduced Xion to the group, she felt she needed to protect her.

"So be honest, what's better – Twilight city or Destiny islands?" Hayner asked, eyeing Xion mischievously.

"Um, I don't know… I haven't seen much of the islands. I haven't really been anywhere yet."

"Not even the beach!?" Selphie's eyes bulged dramatically. "Oh my gosh, we have to show you around! And the pier, it's so much fun. And oh my gosh, the shopping!"

Kairi rolled her eyes. "Don't overwhelm the poor girl. But I agree – we should all have a beach day and show you around. It's getting warmer now, so it's perfect timing!"

Naminé was about to jump in and say that Xion didn't enjoy the heat, but the dark-haired girl was nodding happily, so she decided to let her take the reins. Everyone agreed the beach was a great idea, and decided to head there on Saturday. Xion looked over at Naminé with the biggest grin, and Naminé smiled back. It truly felt wonderful to help her make new friends in this strange new school.

That, and looking after Xion meant she didn't have to look at Roxas once that day.

x-x-x

"Woooo, beach day!"

Naminé wondered if inviting Axel was the best idea for Xion's first day at the beach. For one, he wouldn't leave the poor girl alone, teasing her quiet nature and height at every opportunity. She hoped Roxas and Riku's presence would distract him somewhat. Luckily, the girls had taken a liking to the shy girl and were taking her under their wing. Selphie didn't even stop to draw breath as she explained every must-see location.

"There are soooo many shops along the wharf, you'll be here every weekend. And there's the arcade and the skate park, and our favourite spot on the beach near this little cove-y area… and over there is Uncle Scrooge's Ice Cream Parlour, you HAVE to try sea-salt flavoured ice cream, OH and paopu of course, and OH MY GOSH do you know the legend of the paopu fruit here!? They say if two people share one…"

She wouldn't have been surprised if Selphie passed out from all the talking.

They somehow made it safely to their favourite spot on the beach, further away from the busy shopping spots along the wharf and nestled along a curve of gold, where outcroppings of rocks and palm trees provided plentiful shade. Here, the girls set up their towels and umbrellas while the boys ran straight into the ocean, seemingly trying to drown each other. The girls happily settled down and chatted before deciding to go for a swim.

Xion looked slightly out of place, wearing long white shorts and a swimming t-shirt that covered her shoulders, compared to the other girls who were in bikinis and shorts. She seemed to be the type that liked to be clad in warm clothing – no wonder she hated the heat. She stuck close to Naminé, laying her towel between hers and Olette's.

"Thanks again, Naminé," she said shyly as the other girls started putting on sunscreen. "I thought I'd never meet anyone at school, and now I'm here on the beach with you guys." Her warm smiled lit up her face, normally concealed by her dark hair.

"No problem at all," Naminé smiled in return, "The more the merrier. I used to be really shy too. If it wasn't for Kairi, I probably wouldn't have made any friends at high school."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, and Naminé couldn't have been happier about her decision. After the girls slapped on their sunscreen, they joined the boys in the fray. Xion stuck close to the shoreline with Pence for a while, where they combed the foamy sand for sea creatures.

"Ahh, Sora!" Kairi screamed as the brunette boy picked up his girlfriend, lost his footing and launched them both into the sea. They emerged giggling and holding each other close, although Kairi made sure to slap him lightly. Selphie huffed then.

"Another Summer is coming up and I'm still single," she sighed. "I want what they have!"

"Now, now, Selph, I'm sure you'll meet someone," Olette patted her on the back, but the mousy brown haired girl wasn't placated.

"Too bad Wakka couldn't make it today," Roxas let slip before he could stop himself, and he and Sora fell into fits of laughter while everyone else looked confused.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Selphie pursed her lips, glaring daggers at Roxas.

"Yeah Roxas, what are you talking about? Selphie totally likes Riku," Kairi teased, and Selphie turned beet red.

"Kairi, shush! I do not!"

Unfortunately, Riku was in earshot and Axel hooted into the air: "Ooooh, Riku, go for it!"

"Huh!? Shut up, Axel!" Selphie shouted, but Riku had suddenly grabbed her around the waist in a similar fashion to Sora and they both fell into the water. Everyone burst into mixtures of laughter and anticipated remarks as they emerged; the sun was shameless for Selphie's completely blushing cheeks and Riku was laughing boyishly.

"S-Stop teasing me!" Selphie wailed, but Riku splashed her and she chased after him, eventually succumbing to girlish giggles.

"Oh, Selphie…" Naminé said to herself, bemused. Eidolons help them if those two ended up getting together. Soon the whole group would be paired up…

Which brought her thoughts whirling back to Roxas. She looked over and saw him wrestling in the water with Hayner, both boys laughing. Helping Xion had been a great distraction, but in all honestly, she couldn't get him out of her head. She kept reliving their dance lesson and grew more embarrassed and giddy with every recollection. She also felt terrible for avoiding him again these last few days. What kind of signal would that send? She knew she was acting out of character around him again. She just wanted to be completely sure of her feelings before she went and got his hopes up…

She found herself staring. She hoped nobody noticed – she was turning as red as Selphie was a few moments ago and quickly slapped her cheeks. She'd seen Roxas shirtless plenty of times before… they went on beach trips every summer. But now that she was thinking of him like… like that… she couldn't bring herself to look at him without getting embarrassed. She felt tingles rush down her spine and she focused on Kairi and Sora off to the other side, but this didn't help either. It just made her think about how they might be just as happy as those two were… and it also reminded her of what Kairi said.

"Hey," a voice sprang to life behind her, and Naminé squealed as she jumped and turned to Roxas. He was chuckling. "Geez, you're jumpy! Did you think I was Riku?"

Naminé relaxed slightly. "Well, I wouldn't wanna be tackled unexpectly like that! Especially by Riku."

Another laugh. "I'll tell him you said that. Hey, listen, I just wanted to tell you something," he started, and Naminé felt a wave of butterflies in her stomach. She prayed to the Eidolons that he wouldn't mention their dance lesson. "I think you did a really nice thing for Xion. Without you, she never would've approached us, even with Axel teasing her. You're amazing, you know that?"

Oh, how compliments from Roxas were so not helpful right now! Naminé faltered under his gaze, but she felt warm from his genuine words. "I-It was nothing. I know what it's like to be shy, so I just wanted to help her out. Once you get to know her, she's really nice."

Roxas nodded with a smile. "It may be nothing to you, but I'm sure to her it means everything." They both looked in Xion's direction and found she had braved further into the water, splashing with Olette and Kairi.

"Yeah… it makes me really happy," Naminé smiled, then felt the unpleasant feeling of wet on wet skin as Roxas patted her shoulder.

He pulled away then, looking a little awkward. He wanted to say something about Naminé avoiding him, and if it had anything to do with the other day… but how would he bring it up without sounding selfish or ungrateful? He was confused enough as it was without her dodging him the past few days. It just seemed to convince him that she was uncomfortable or didn't like him in that way. No matter how many times Sora or Kairi encouraged him to give it a chance… he just didn't know what to do.

So he did the only thing he felt he could in that moment: he sent a large splash of water her way, and revelled in the way she giggled and retaliated, chasing him in the water as they had done every time they went to the beach. At least this way, staying just friends, this would always be a constant. Spending time with her and making her laugh. Even if she never knew about his feelings…

The day wore on and people slowly started to get tired and rest on the beach, under the shade of the palm trees. Selphie and Kairi were sunbathing on the rocks, while Riku and Axel seemed to have boundless energy and played marco polo. Xion was showing her seashell collection to Naminé, and Sora and Roxas were traversing the shoreline, chatting. Out of earshot from everybody else, Roxas had to open up about his feelings.

"She's been avoiding me…" he said slowly, looking back at the group where Naminé was talking with Xion. "I freaked her out. She must think I was coming onto her or something and now she can barely look at me."

Sora's brain was bursting to tell him the truth, but he restrained himself, hurling a jellyfish leg into the ocean. "She's just been busy showing Xion around, that's all. I'm sure it's got nothing to do with your dance lesson. You guys were messing around just before!"

Roxas nodded. "You're right… I'm just sick of feeling like this. Like I'll be stuck liking her forever and worrying about wrecking what we have. You know?"

Sora sighed. "I know. But I'm sure even if the worst happened and she found out and ended up not liking you," he said at lightning speed, hoping Roxas wouldn't pick up on his nervous tone, "she'd still be your friend in the end. So… just go for it!"

Roxas looked away, still unsure. Even if they stayed friends, it wouldn't be the same ever again. There'd always be that awkward tension… No, unless he got a clear sign from her, he wasn't going to act on it.

"I've already decided to get over her, Sora. I need to… for both of our sake's." He said with finality. Sora's eyes bulged with panic.

"But what if-"

"Sora, come here for a second!" Kairi called out from the rocks, and Sora almost swore under his breath.

"Coming!" He called out, then turned back to Roxas. "I'll deal with you later. Just – don't give up, okay?" The brunette ran off to see Kairi, but his words still hadn't convinced Roxas. The blonde boy kicked at a shell absently, but he heard a soft gasp behind him.

He turned to see Xion, her hand outstretched and a look of shock. He realised she had been reaching for the shell.

"Oh- I'm sorry! Here…" He picked it up and handed it to her, and she took it delicately in her hands.

"Sorry… I want to keep some shells to remember this day," she said quietly, her voice muted by the rush of waves against their feet.

Roxas smiled. "Well, that shell's nothing. I'll find you a proper one."

He waded further along the shore towards the rocks, where the ocean met the tiny pools and sea creatures found their refuge. He searched for a while, Xion watching curiously as he expertly navigated the water. Finally, he pulled out a large and beautiful white shell, perfectly shaped and clean.

He dusted it off before turning to her, the light from the midday sun shining on his hair. "Here – this is a real shell."

"Thanks, Roxas," she smiled as she took it, admiring its beauty.

"It's great living near the beach. You'll never want to go back to city life after this," he said warmly, and she met his eyes. "You're a part of the group now, so sadly you'll have to put up with our shenanigans. That okay?"

Xion giggled slightly, holding the shell close to her. "I think that'll be okay."

Roxas nodded with a smile. "Good. Take good care of that shell, okay? That symbolises our friendship, you know."

She looked away, suddenly nervous again, but nodded. "I will."

"Yo, shorty! Stop trying to steal my bestie!"

The tender moment was torn asunder by Axel floundering towards the two, but they both laughed.

"I thought you said you could have two best friends? So can Roxas," Xion teased Axel in return for the first time since they'd met. Axel was nearly floored by the reaction. He looked so shocked that Roxas burst into laughter.

"You're getting too cheeky for my liking, kid. Go back to being scared and nervous!" He splashed her then, and she ran away with a scream. Naminé watched from the beach, smiling at how well Xion was adjusting to their crazy group. She simply knew that Xion would bring wonderful things to the gang.

x-x-x

The weekend disappeared quickly and the school week began anew. Everyone was getting excited about the year 9 create festival - posters were beginning to pop up all over the walls, including the poster for the 'High School Musical Jnr' play. Every time they walked past one, Selphie would beam with pride and say "Don't you just love Sora and Kairi's pose? This was so much fun to shoot!"

Namine and Xion had become fast friends. Although she got along well with everyone, the stark haired girl felt most comfortable around her blonde companion. Namine marvelled at how much Xion actually liked to talk - she'd seemed so quiet and reserved, but get her talking about a favourite hobby and she just wouldn't stop talking! Namine was also happy to see Xion holding her own against Axel; every day he would visit her at her locker and tease her to no end, which often resulted in Roxas or herself jumping in on the fun. She wondered if she and Axel would eventually become close.

Unfortuantely, Xion only shared art class with Namine and spent most of her other classes with people outside their group. This was disappointing for two reasons: she got to spend less time with Xion, and she had to sit next to Roxas.

Actually, she'd been doing a pretty good job of not sitting next to him. She always tried to park herself next to Kairi or one of the other girls, leaving Roxas to sit somewhere else. She could tell it was bothering him... He looked so disappointed every time she rushed to find a spot away from him. But she just couldn't face him right now! Every time she looked at him, she got embarrassed remembering their dance lesson, and her mind would wander into territories she'd never imagined before... Such as what it would have been like if they had stayed in the moment, and she had just leaned in a little bit closer until...

She felt herself growing hot and shook her head, despite being in the middle of English class. Kairi nudged her arm.

The redhead ripped a piece of paper from her book and quickly scribbled a note, passing it over to the blonde.

you okay there? you're pulling some weird expressions... thinking about someone in particular? ;)

Namine smirked despite herself, then screwed up the paper and threw it at Kairi's head. Kairi simply laughed. She had to credit her best friend... She could read her mind.

She leaned forward and mustered up the courage to sneak a glance at Roxas. He was chatting animatedly with Sora and wearing his usual grin... She quickly looked away. Argh, she couldn't stand it! One minute he was her best friend Roxas, and now he was... Roxas. This incredibly amazing guy she could potentially date. She couldn't believe she was thinking about this... About telling him. What if they started dating, and then they broke up? She couldn't imagine life without him. Yet Sora and Kairi were taking that risk, and they were so happy...

Her thoughts were torn asunder as the bell rang. She almost breathed a sigh of relief... Until she realised the last lesson of the day was dance.

Stupid Roxas, being all cute and liking me... You've really confused me, you know that?

By the time they were putting on their dance shoes and getting ready, even Selphie had noticed the slight tension between the two. Roxas would reach out to talk to her, but Namine barely look at him. When he went to chat to Neku, Selphie nudged Namine.

"What's going on with you and Roxas?" She asked, and for once she wasn't suggestive or teasing, but genuinely worried. "Did you guys have a fight or something?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that!" Namine shook her hands quickly. If Selphie thought they might be fighting, how must Roxas feel...? "I'm just not myself today. Must be getting nervous about the festival."

Selphie looked dubious. "You always spook yourself out, Nam! Honestly, you're the most prepared out of all of us. Don't worry!"

Namine nodded, and reminded herself just to ask normal around Roxas. Making him think she was angry at him would make things much worse.

Of course, acting normal was easier said than done when she had to look him in the eyes like they were in love. She suddenly realised this feeling must be what Roxas had been experiencing all along. Looking at him like this was torture! It only reminded her further of their private last week and made her feel weak at the knees. Even Miss Lockhart noticed she wasn't her usual self.

It was even worse when it came to the lift. Namine felt so stupid for not being a professional about it - she felt so averse to pressing herself so close to him that she made it awkward for Roxas to lift her up. He had to put her down before she could pose, and Miss Lockhart turned off the music impatiently.

"Alright, five minute break, everyone!" She called to the class, then waggled a finger at the two blondes, ushering them over.

"Look guys, I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but the festival is in just a few weeks. Will you both be okay to do it?" She asked sternly. Namine swore she was getting grey hairs from the stress of it all.

She nodded vigorously. "Yes, we will! I'm sorry. I'm just having an off day."

Namine's serious expression convinced her... Barely. "Alright, take a break and be ready to ace this dance!" She patted them both on the shoulder before leaving them be. Namine turned towards Roxas, looking down awkwardly.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me today." She said simply, then walked away towards her bag to get a drink. Roxas opened his mouth to speak, but it was too late.

The blonde boy ruffled his hair with both hands, wondering how one simple dance lesson could have ruined their friendship. He couldn't believe how stupid he'd been.

That's it... I bet she figured it out and now she's freaked out. Why did I have to hold her like that!? I can't believe I messed this up.

x-x-x

Gaaah, I hope this chapter doesn't feel rushed, but I wanted to get it to you guys! Plus this was the perfect spot to end the chapter. Sooo, what do we all think of Xion? ;) I actually love her haha. Heads up, you guys: there are only a few chapters left! Most likely three or four. It's about to get real dramatic up in here. How, you ask? I will reveal all in the next chapter! Send me lots of reviews and I might update in less than a month this time, haha! Much love lovely readers!

P.S. Want to help me choose what story to write after this is finished? Go to my profile and answer the poll! Thanks lovelies!