Author's Note: To my reviewer Kai, the line was in the context of Yamato's feelings, and him looking for things in Yoshio that he could find faults at (not that being Asian is a fault, I'm racially half-Chinese with said typically Asian eyes). It's a petty, offensive thing Yamato had thought (he'd probably be kicked by Mimi on the shin had he voiced that out), but I wanted to put that to express how ridiculously competitive he felt at that time. It's kind of funny because the irony there was, Yamato's Japanese, like Yoshio. I know it can come off politically incorrect so I won't explain further as it does have repercussions despite good and hate-free intent. Whether or not people will take that as Yamato being racist because of a thought, will no longer be in my hands, and will be just as how people will take it. But again, I think the point there was not him being actually racist, but being ridiculously and out-of-bounds competitive. This chapter will slightly reveal a bit of Yamato's offensive attitude (unintentionally, of course), in spite of being cool-headed and 'mature'.

I thank you for reaching this far with my story, though. And no, I don't even think there's an ideal for good Asian eyes because of the diverse standards of beauty among Asian countries. I'm sorry if I have offended you or anyone. :-)

Now, onto chapter eight~~!

Salad Days

Chapter Eight
Pressure

Spring, 2015

Mimi turned around to check her back. She smiled, amused to see herself wearing a uniform again. Now, if only it was a better shade of blue.. she thought, looking at the mirror. It was her seventh day in Odaiba High School, and it was lunch break.

"Sora-chan, do you think I look good in this uniform?" she asked. Now she thought the skirt had too many pleats.

"You look beautiful as always, Mi," replied Sora, who was inside a cubicle.

"I look so booooriiiiiiing, Sora-chan!" whined Mimi. She had her pink hair fade back to brown due to the high school uniform code. "If I have pink hair right now, my eyes would pop out from the blueness of this uniform!"

"Mi-chan, I honestly think you look better," told Sora, as she recently got out of the cubicle. She started to brush her hair.

"It's easy for you to say Sora-chan. Your ginger hair is such a good contrast from the blue," the brunette grimaced, now missing the pink hair she let go of.

"The pink looks unnatural, Mi-chan!" exclaimed Sora, who was now laughing at her.

"But that's what I want Sora-chan, I wanna be punk and piiiiink!" Mimi then buried her face with her messed up hair. The redhead giggled and started to brush back her best friend's hair.

"Oh Mi-chan," Sora lamented. It had been a month since Mimi had told her about her past. On a snowy Sunday morning, Mimi came ringing on her door. Surprisingly, with her was Yamato. Mimi had come in already spilling out her dirt to her; Sora felt as if she was being buried alive along with the heavy earth. Up to now she still couldn't believe it, still felt weak about it, but she had to feign her strength. Mimi needed her more than ever now.

"Taichi-kun thinks you look much more intimidating with pink hair," said Sora.

"Sora-chan," said Mimi, calling out to her best friend. She knew what Sora really felt. Despite Sora giving her unwavering support, she knew that Sora felt betrayed, despite her denial. Fortunately Taichi hadn't really seriously acted up on her yet, but if he ever did, she would have to confront him and reject him.

"It's okay, Mi-chan," said Sora, faking her assurance. "What would you do if he does become serious, though?"

"I don't really know," said Mimi. "He doesn't really show it.."

"Don't be surprised," replied Sora. "It's unlikely of him to talk about his feelings,"

"I think the guys in our groups are really weak and lame," added Mimi in a joking manner.

Sora laughed, agreeing to it. She also remembered that day Yamato telling her about Taichi's little plan and Koushiro's secret crush. He was shocked to find out that she already knew, but none of the events that came after had really helped their relationship. Their last fight was about his meddling between Koushiro and Taichi's issues. Telling their secrets to Mimi, who was struggling to move on, was already enough. Anything else that followed would damage his friendship with them. Have they known what Yamato had done, would be a much larger complication.

If Koushiro and Taichi have feelings for Mimi, then they should go for it, she thought, now getting fueled up by her anger. She didn't like that Yamato always assumed he had the better judgment than anyone in the room. Since then, she asked for some time away from him.

"I'm remembering Yamato again," blurted out Sora, rubbing her temples. Mimi quickly came over to her side, patting the redhead's back.

"You should really make up with him," suggested Mimi. "He's been messaging me and asking me about what you're doing. Of course, I keep telling him you're fine and dandy without him,"

"Well I'm glad to know he hasn't stolen my best friend yet," chuckled Sora. She did take notice of Yamato and Mimi's friendship, feeling a little envious of their very natural banter. It was the sort of friendship that she and Taichi used to have, before all of this.

"You know where my loyalty lies, Sora-chan," winked Mimi. Shortly after, they went to the cafeteria to meet everyone else. Already there was Yamato and Taichi. Mimi, while avoiding Taichi's eyes, had caught Yamato's. She recalled their personal conversation back on a cold February night:

"I think you should talk to Sora-chan and stop running away from the problem, Yamato-kun," she told him, rubbing her gloved hands for heat. Tonight was the coldest night in Odaiba.

"Yeah.. I'd talk to her when the idea of breaking up with me has already left her mind," he said, taking out a box of cigarettes from his pocket. She shook her head in disbelief.

"Since when did you become so paranoid?" she asked, getting rid of the snow in her eyelashes. "You're just making things worse for yourself," He rolled his eyes.

"Said by a druggie who dated fellow druggie," he mocked. She threw him a dagger of a look. Had he not been smoking and stressed, her palm would have already met his face.

"How very mature of you, Ishida," retorted Mimi. She realized he played really dirty when he was frustrated, and it was probably what ticked Sora off a lot.

"Why don't you talk to your best friend and fix this for me," he said in a sarcastic tone. She sensed his frustration again.

"I've been doing what I can.. she just doesn't seem to see my efforts.." he added in a whisper. Sora hates me now.. he thought.

Mimi sighed, not knowing how else to soothe him as she let his offenses slide for now. His stubbornness was just as impossible as her best friend's.

"So what do you plan to do?" he asked, his mood changing. Mimi found it an unusual sight for her to see him with a cigarette on his hand. "Taichi will ask you, and Koushiro might confess, sooner or later,"

"Why did you tell me this, Yamato-kun?" she turned to him, curious of his motives. "Aren't you supposed to be supporting either or both of them in pursuit of me?"

"Don't get it in your head, Tachikawa," chuckled Yamato. "I got worried, especially after you told me your story. I think you know the reason behind Taichi pursuing you," he continued, now lighting his cigarette.

"I know he's my best friend and all, and Koushiro's also my friend – but they're still guys without any relationship experiences. It's just something you have to keep in mind.. so you won't have to commit stupid mistakes again," he said, barely audible as the cigarette was in between his lips.

"I'm not saying you should completely push away the idea of going out with them, though. I just wish you'd be more careful." he scolded, hinting on Yoshio. He threw her a dangerous look.

The pink-haired Mimi weakly smiled, appreciated his concern, and not liking how he seemed to have figured it all out.

"You're right. I should be more careful with these things," she admitted. Anyone who could sweep her off her feet, with a few chivalrous gestures and sweet talk, can easily make her fall in love, and it was a flaw she knew very well of herself. Hence, Yoshio, she told herself.

"So, what do you plan to do?" he asked, now exhaling out smoke from his mouth and nostrils. It's been a year since his bandmate Shinji had talked him into trying nicotine. Today just happened to be one of the days he needed it.

"Tai-kun or Kou-kun?" he teasingly added.

"Neither?" she chuckled. "I don't know what to do, really," They were standing on front of the Rainbow Bridge. The smell of nicotine had stoked her cravings. "I should act like I know nothing,"

"Suit yourself," he replied. "but now that you know, if anything happens, at least you can plan ahead to do something about it."

She nodded. "Yeah, I know," she grabbed the cigarette from his mouth and took a puff. It was Seven Stars, the same as what Yoshio usually smoked.

He immediately took the cigarette out of her hands and threw it off to the ocean. She felt embarrassed as he glared at her. "What the hell is the matter with you!"

"You're sounding awfully like dad," she spat, but then realized she was at the wrong side of her reason. "Sorry. The smell just makes me crave,"

"Didn't you get yourself to rehab or something?" He asked. He didn't like being the only one to keep her secret.

"I wasn't an addict," she defended. She was an occasional user, only having to use it when she and her ex were together; but right after she and Yoshio had broken up, the smell of nicotine made her want to smoke. She did her best not to give in.

"It kind of just reminded me of him."

Yamato minded his own rice box at the sight of Sora and Mimi coming over.

"Yamato-kun, do I look okay?" asked Taichi, who had become very conscious of his bushy hair.

"You look fine. Don't fuss, you're not wearing anything special," he replied bluntly. He caught Mimi looking at him, as if she was anxious. He just smirked. The two girls sat on front of them.

"Where'd you want to go later, Mi?" asked Taichi, expecting he and Mimi to be together later. Taichi thought it was a nice front, especially now that Sora and Yamato are witnessing it. Before the brunette could reply, Koushiro had already sat with them.

This would be interesting, speculated Yamato. Taichi had gone stiff, and Mimi, obviously more nervous. He noticed that Sora was also watching. Like a telly drama,

Mimi breathed deeply after drinking her soup. She had promised to act completely oblivious of Taichi and Koushiro; though she just couldn't help but be wary of Sora and Yamato – especially Yamato – who seemed to be making fun of her as he kept glancing and smirking at her.

"Hey Koushiro-kun," Sora broke in the silence.

"Sora-chan," he greeted back, completely oblivious that all of them knew.

"So.. Mi-chan? – Ow!" exclaimed Taichi as Yamato had nudged him hard by the elbow. Sora saw this and glared at the blond. Mimi, who had caught Sora, thought she needed to reply – and quick.

"I'm sorry, I promised to be home early today," she excused. It had been two weeks since her parents had come back.

"Oh. That's too bad," he sounded very disappointed. For days he had been subtly asking her to go with him somewhere, but something would always disrupt. "Next time then?"

"Okay."

Yamato stood up from his seat, his empty rice box with him. "Taichi-kun, can you help me with something?" Taichi had followed, bringing along his spotless plate.

Mimi sighed in relief, as if it was the first time she had breathed air. This is going to be hard. Since she started going to school with them, lunch had always been this tense.

"I'll just go to the bathroom, Sora-chan," she stood up and excused herself.

That was close..thought Sora as she ate from her porridge. Taichi seems to be really serious, too.. It felt like a slap on her face. Taichi haven't fought for her feelings at all. 'I'm in love with you', so he said..

"Sora-chan,"

"Yes, Koushiro-kun?" He was calmly eating his own porridge.

"Does Taichi-kun like Mimi-chan?"

"What were you doing?" hissed Yamato. They were in line for returning dishes.

"I was asking Mimi out," he replied. His nonchalant mood turned dark. "Why? What's wrong now?"

"Koushiro's there," he retorted. "Since you know about his feelings, maybe you should be more sensitive about his,"

"He doesn't know I know his feelings,"

"That's not the point," groaned Yamato. Taichi rolled his eyes and sighed. It frustrated him that so many things had been hindering his way in asking Mimi out, or having to ever get her out, mostly for the same reasons Yamato had told him before. But he had no other choice but to trust his best friend's expertise.

"Yeah, yeah. I get it," admitted Taichi. "I'll be more careful,"

"You better be," replied Yamato, as he returned his dish. "Mimi will not like it if she finds out you and Koushiro are suddenly not talking to each other,"

Taichi agreed, remembering how she looked out for him and Yamato when they were at their rift. He felt a bit discouraged, realizing he now had to fight. "Do you even think I should pursue this? It feels wrong now," he lamented, now returning his bowl.

"I don't think it's something that's wrong or right, Taichi-kun," said Yamato, remembering what Sora had told him. "Is Mimi worth the fight?"

Taichi felt taken aback. What he had been facing now was exactly what Yamato had done before – choosing between a girl and a friend. Yamato had made his point clear. I would have done the same.

Sora dropped her spoon, shocked at Koushiro's query. How did he know?

"I don't really know, Koushiro-kun," she admitted, picking up the utensil from the table. There was a fine line of Taichi between actually being interested in Mimi and just taking her as a rebound. "He does seem like it, though,"

The other redhead sighed, despaired. He pushed his porridge away from him. "I see,"

"Is there something wrong, Kou-kun?"

"Ahh.. No.." Taichi was still a competition – a tough one nonetheless. And he didn't know how a video-game-playing and comic book-loving geek like him can ever be liked by Mimi. Back then, the thought of being friends forever was enough, until now.

"You're lying,"

He smiled at her. "Yeah, I am." He had always liked Mimi. Always. He didn't know it would have grown into something more. Much more, didn't know Taichi would go for Mimi. Whatever his friend's motives were, it only meant one thing for him – he had to choose.

"I think you should just tell Taichi."

"Yeah, I should."

Not long after, Taichi and Yamato had returned. Sora had left the table to check up on Mimi. Koushiro braced himself to face his dear friend Taichi..

"Koushiro-kun, can we hang out later after class?"

It looks like he didn't have to ask Taichi anymore.

Ahh. What do I do.. she thought. They'd find out soon enough, she was frantic, walking back and forth in the girls' lavatory. She had a lightened cigarette in between her fingers, yet to meet her lips, battling her craving.

Mimi liked playing games of courtship with strangers and men obviously attracted to her just for the looks, but this was definitely something else. She sighed, imagining what if she went out with one of them. She didn't want to hurt both of them either. The door opened, revealing Sora.

"Sora-chan," She was having a withdrawal, having to remember the feelings she had for Yoshio, and the pain that came with it, had made her feel more vulnerable.

Mimi was greeted by Sora's surprised face. Do I smell nicotine? She came over to her side.

"Mimi-chan.. are you oka—huh? What's this?" she hastily took the cigarette from her fingers and pressed it down the sink. It wasn't until now Sora had fully come to realize what Mimi had actually been going through. I guess Yamato's right after all, she thought.

"You can't do this, Mi-chan, if you really want to be okay you—" the brunette had cut her scolding off.

"Sora-chan, I can't do it," cried Mimi. She started walking back and forth. "I'm not ready, Sora-chan. I don't want to get my heart broken again,"

Sora took her by the shoulders, trying to calm her down. After a few minutes she had soothed Mimi. A gush of fear came over, not liking what she had seen earlier. But she needs me now..

"I think I need to tell them," said the brunette, sniffling. She didn't like the conflict, much more the pain it might bring to Taichi and Koushiro – all because of her. "But I'm scared that they'll judge me,"

"If they judge you, then none of them deserves your love, or your friendship," said Sora, recalling what Jyou had told her before.

After fixing Mimi up, they went back to the group. Mimi had politely asked Koushiro and Taichi to be with her after school. With nothing much else to say, Koushiro and Mimi went back together to their room, as Yamato, Sora, and Taichi did too, as soon as the lunch bell rang.

Classes after lunchtime had been nothing more but pensive and reflective. When the sky had finally turned orange, and when the school bell sounded its final ring, Taichi waited on front of Mimi and Koushiro's class. No one else went along with them, or had known where they went off to.

"Yamato-kun,"

The blond turned to her redhead, hands frozen from packing his school stuff. This was the first time they had talked in person since their fight.

"The cherry blossoms are back," she said, looking outside, where a branch of a sakura tree was framed by the classroom windows.

"Yeah, they are," He was looking at it too, unusually feeling peaceful.

"Can you walk me home today?"

The blond noticed the hint of dreading in her voice that came along with her child-like, confident face.

"Okay," it was the last time they walked together, hand-in-hand.