This ended up being a really long chapter somehow... I hope it doesn't drag...

Thank you to those who reviewed the last chapter! :D

Hopefully, there should be another update in April. I'm sorry about the long gaps between the updates, I really can't help it!

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter! xD

"You don't find love, it finds you. That's why it's called falling in love because you don't force yourself to fall. You just do."

Chapter 6

Everybody knew. When Atem put the flower on Mana's desk it made it evident to the whole gang what his feelings were. Mana was the only one left clueless. It was completely obvious in a way he wasn't aiming for and Atem wasn't sure how he felt about that.

Yugi's and Kaiba's plan didn't work and he wasn't sure what else to do, except maybe bury his feelings and treat them as a thing of a past. But how could he? He was in love with her in the sappiest way possible, his heart invested in her and refused to love anyone else. He knew he was perfect for Mana and that Mana was perfect for him. He just needed Mana to see that.

Mana's ideas of romance were simple, much like the rose he gave her. Love and friendship. But Mana's true desires, the unspoken desires of her heart were alien to him. Did Mana want a dangerous romance that made her feel alive? Did she want someone who would keep it slow and dedicate themselves to her? Did she want everything?

He is what she needs, but maybe, possibly, not what she wants. With Mana it had been her heart's desires first, her wants. Her needs were an afterthought, she retreated to them afterwards. How long would he have to wait until he could have her?

"It's okay man, fallin' in love a part of life," Joey consoled, and pat his back. Atem grumbled. "She's our age, she's your best friend, you can't get any better than that."

After initially laughing and snickering, Joey decided to sympathise with Atem. He too was struggling to win the affections of the one he loved. It was harder for him because of his age and lack of experience, but for him love is love. He loved Mai and tried to show her it whenever he could. He understood that she was incredibly insecure and anxious. She was a wanderer as she often said, but Joey made her stick around in Domino. She saw something in him that she never seen in anyone else she'd ever met. She wanted him to grow up and seriously consider what it would be like to be with her. Mai didn't want to be heartbroken by Joey if he found someone more appropriate for him. She wanted him to be certain about her and vice versa. What she didn't understand that once Joey commits, he commits.

"That's the problem, she's my best friend. What if I'm only that?"

"Well you gotta let her see that you have something she can't find in anyone else! You've known her for a long time man, she's dependent on you - everyone knows that. She needs you in her life. You just have to make her see that."

For once Joey was making sense and was suggesting good ideas. Atem thought that was because he often thought about Mai and how to win her heart. By using Joey's principle, Atem should be able to ignite something inside of Mana. Atem smiled, hope blossoming in his chest for the first time in a while.

"Then what shall I do to make her see that?"

"First, you need to pinpoint what makes you different from her friends. You have to know what you have that no one else does. Got that?"

The two were walking out of school after a long day. Atem had to come up with numerous, sometimes rather pathetic attempts, to get Mana away from Duke. He knew that he shouldn't, but Duke's overly flirtatious behaviour and cockiness drew Mana in somehow. That or he was reading all the signs wrong.

"Right."

Atem thought over what he offered to Mana as a friend. He gave her support, he was always there for her, he understood her, he gave her advice, he often and sometimes rather reluctantly went with her plans to sabotage Mahad's day, he was a shoulder to cry on, he looked after her, he accepts her craziness and wouldn't want her any other way, he allows her to be her with all her geekiness, dorkiness and sometimes nerdiness... He kept her on track and out of hospital... the list was endless. He was her comfort zone and she was his. However, a lot of what he did for her, her other friends did too. She was very close to Tea and Kisara, they shared inside jokes and secrets Atem did not know about, although Mana did like letting him in with some of them.

What was so special about him for Mana? They just went together, like peanut butter and jelly. Atem never tried questioning it. There was no need to.

"So what is it?" Joey questioned.

Atem shrugged. "We're best friends. There's nothing specific that I can pinpoint."

Joey crossed one arm over his chest and used his free hand to stroke his chin. "I see." He continued to think for a couple of more minutes, saying 'Ah!' a few times indicating he had an idea but he quickly dismissed it.

"Take her somewhere, on a date, where she won't expect to go!"

Atem gave him a sceptical look. Mana was always looking for new places to take Atem to, they had already experienced the weird and the wonderful. If Atem did suggest somewhere unexpected, Mana would jump at the opportunity.

"Oh c'mon! Atem, this is a wicked opportunity for ya! I'm going somewhere with Mai on the weekend. I finally persuaded her to come on another date with me. Tag along, it'll be a double date. You won't get another chance like this man."

Atem narrowed his eyes. "Where are you taking her exactly?"

"Details, schmetails! Just make sure you have money for the attractions. So, you in?"

Atem took a deep breath. He knew that Joey had taken Mai on some pretty interesting dates. Afterwards, Mai swore to never go on another one again, despite the content smile she had on her lips. She always did though, she enjoyed them a lot more than she would ever say. She always did agree to go on another, although it took Joey a significant amount of time, persistence and corny pick up lines.

"I'm in."

Asking Mana was easy, the mention of a 'surprise' trip already had her accepting the invitation. She was persistent to know where they were going exactly but Atem kept his lips sealed, saying it was a surprise. What Mana didn't know was that it was a surprise to Atem as well.

When Sunday arrived, Atem woke up early. He was anxious about the plan but more importantly he and Mana had decided to do some maths work before they went out for the day. Both of them wouldn't be in the mood afterwards especially as they had school the next day. She had a test coming up soon and still needed all the help she could get.

When he arrived, still rubbing the sleep away from his eyes, he found her snoring softly in her bed. He prodded her awake but she wouldn't budge, still away in dreamland. He tried again but all she did was groan and cover her face with her blanket whilst mumbling in her sleep.

"Five more minutes Mahad..."

"I'm not Mahad."

"Five more minutes... stranger."

"I'm offended Mana, how long have I known you for?"

"For..."

"Ever?"

"For never..."

"Mana!"

"Shhhhhh! I'm sleeping. Gosh, you're so rude."

"Mana."

No response.

"Mana!"

Again, no response.

"MANA!"

Still no response.

"Fine then. I'll just have to do this." He grabbed the blanket and ripped it away from her, making her scream loudly in protest. She jolted upwards and started to rub her eyes.

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?" She lowered her hands to glare at the persecutor but it softened when she saw who it was. "Atem, what are you doing here?"

Atem smiled at the sight of her. Her hair was mused all over the place, her eyes drooping, she had no traces of make up on her face and had a trail of drool running down her chin.

Yes, he still loved her.

"Good morning sleeping beauty, I'm here to help you with your maths."

Mana's face contorted in confusion and her voice slurred. "Maths? But why?"

"We decided yesterday?"

"But why in the morning?"

"I don't know Mana, it was your idea."

"Why would you agree to such a thing? I don't want to do maths now!" Mana threw herself backwards onto her bed and closed her eyes.

Atem chuckled, his eyes involuntarily trailing down her body. She always slept in an oversized t-shirt and pyjama shorts but this time she was more alluring and he knew he should distract himself before his admiration became visible.

He sighed and leaned forward to poke her sensitive spot on her waist which caused her to jerk. Luckily, Atem moved back in time so her head didn't bash against his.

"Temmy... why are you doing this to me? I thought we were friends..." She rubbed her droopy eyes slowly, trying so hard not to melt back into her bed.

"Mana you're not going to pass your maths test if you don't revise, " he scolded, trying to put on a stern tone but it sounded as if he was smiling.

"I could try."

"Mana," he whined. "C'mon, I woke up early on a Sunday for you, plus we have plans later. Please get up."

Mana pouted and nodded, slowly getting off the bed and rubbing her eyes again. "Okay, fine. Only because you came, I will wake up. Next time we'll do Maths in the evening or on a weekday."

"Agreed. Now get ready."

"Okay, okay! Can you tell Mahad to make me some breakfast?" Mana grumbled and stretched her arms out to elongate her body, reminding Atem of a cat.

"I will," Atem agreed. Mana shot him a lazy smile and lumbered out of her mismatched room towards the bathroom. He watched her behind shamelessly before calling out to her. "By the way you have drool on your face!"

Even though, he couldn't see her, he heard her shriek and imagined her vigorously wiping her chin. Atem smiled, was she always this adorable in the morning?

He knew he would love to get used to it.

He went downstairs and told Mahad of his sister's order. Mahad grumbled, knowing that she would throw a tantrum if he didn't do what she wanted this early in the morning. He also didn't want Mana to try cooking something for herself, that would be a disaster waiting to happen.

Mana took her sweet time upstairs. She slowly took a shower and took extra precision in how she washed herself. Afterwards, she strolled to her room in her towel and took unnecessary time deciding whether she should wear a printed skirt and plain top or plain skirt and printed top.

Oh decisions, decisions.

Eventually Atem came back upstairs, knocking on her door pestering her why she had to take so damn long getting ready. At this rate they weren't going to get anything done before they have to go to the station. Mana hushed him and did as she pleased. After having her breakfast she finally started on the maths revision, much to her surprise Atem didn't seem the least bit annoyed at her for being so lazy.

Kisara was right he did do a lot for her, especially lately. Mana knew she took it for granted but it wasn't as if she didn't do anything in return. Their friendship wasn't about doing favours, it was about being in each other's presence. Mana remembered the conversation she had with Kisara and Tea just under a week ago, when she received that beautiful rose from Atem. It wasn't as urgent as she made it out to sound but she couldn't keep things bottled in. She knew Atem was acting a bit more than a little weird lately, she knew he had a crush on someone but that didn't have anything directly to do with her - right?

So why was he being strange? Mana knew when people were in love they often thought about that special person, maybe she caught Atem off guard a few times so that's why he was a little uneasy... but still Mana didn't like it and hoped he would have the guts to ask her out. She knew a lot of girls pined for him and hoped that the mystery girl would be worthy of his love. She wanted him to be certain of who he chose because she knew that once they were together, Atem would be spending less time with her. The meeting was to console her insecurities but Tea and Kisara seemed to share an inside joke that Mana didn't get. She hated that she was sometimes slow.

She returned back to her work, she wanted to make Atem proud by getting a decent grade in her maths test that was in a few days. She understood the subject a lot better now that Atem was tutoring her and she was listening for once. Had she done so sooner, she wouldn't have been so bad at the subject.

After working for an hour and a half, there had been some distractions while they were doing it, it was time to go.

When Atem and Mana arrived at the train station, they started to locate the other couple. But the hustle and limited phone reception meant they missed the train they had originally wanted to take. Fortunately, they were able to find each other in time for the next train.

Mai stood in a stylish pose, almost as she was the one giving significance to those around her. She wore her signature purple and white attire, looking as gorgeous as ever. Joey stood by, trying to be on his 'best' behaviour. Mai never requested it because she knew he was going to be a moron whatever she said. He did it to prove he could be mature, even though it only lasted around 5 minutes.

"Hey guys!" Joey greeted as he saw Mana and Atem walking towards each other. Mana grinned when she saw the almost couple and missed the wink Joey sent Atem.

"I didn't know you were going to be here! Where are you off to today?" Mana questioned as she came to a halt in front of them. She was bouncing on her feet and had a giddy smile on her face.

"Well Mana, you're coming with us today. We're all going together."

Mana nodded thoughtfully, but before she could comment Mai spoke. "Are you two dating? Is this a double date?"

"'Course Mai," Joey said with a grin.

Mana furrowed her eyebrows. "Atem and I aren't dating. He's in love with someone else remember?" She clarified as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Joey shot Atem a are you kidding me look. Atem ducked his head down. "Mana..." he groaned. Mana turned to him, her eyes widened when she realised that she was meant to keep that a secret.

"You're so obvious Temmy. I bet everyone knows by now. Joey, you knew right?"

Mana gave Joey a hopeful grin, she didn't want Atem to get annoyed at her. If he knew, Mai probably knew as well. "... Yeah, yeah! I did!"

Mai eyed the trio, she knew she was missing something and she hoped that today she would find out what that was, or she could just ask Joey, both would work. She had gotten mixed information from Joey, she assumed today was a double date but it seemed like the other couple wasn't in with it.

"We should get going, we don't want to miss another train," Mai suggested. She wanted to avoid an awkward atmosphere, especially as it was just the start of the day.

"Yes, we should. Where are we going anyway? Who planned this?" Mana inquired, her eyes darting from Atem to Joey. As Atem was being so secretive and that they were third and fourth wheeling on Joey's and Mai's date, Mana wouldn't be surprised if Joey was the mastermind behind all this. In her opinion, he did need some help in courting Mai.

"It's a surprise, only I know," Joey announced in a smug tone. Mai gave him a sceptical look, hoping the date would be as good as he was making it out to be. Knowing Joey, it was probably not even the last thing on her mind.

Joey led the way to the correct platform, with guidance from Mai, and they waited for the arrival of the train. Mai and Joey were bickering as usual, Joey had managed to grab Mai's hand in the process making Mana grin maniacally. She loved the lovely dovey air around her friends and often wished she were a part of it too.

She looked over to Atem, who appeared to be deep in thought. "You know, I really think you should've invited your mystery girl, it would've been more of a double date then. But I don't mind pretending if it brings the mood for Joey and Mai."

Atem had only heard half of what Mana had said. She managed to capture his attention by grabbing his hand in hers and then swinging them. Atem watched their perfectly fitting hands, thinking he had brought his 'mystery' girl along. She just didn't know. He hoped that this would be a great story to tell his kids and grandkids one day.

"Yeah," Atem agreed, showing Mana that he was, in fact, listening. Naturally, his fingers slipped between hers so they were interweaved. "I really hope Joey planned something good."

"Even if it's not I'm pretty sure we can make it fun. Plus, Joey's pretty creative. I just hope this isn't a repeat of ice skating over the lake again," she added and then shuddered at the memory. She hadn't fallen victim but Yugi had. It was a nightmare for everyone and they all agreed never again!

"Don't worry, I won't let that happen," Atem assured and squeezed Mana's hand softly.

A gust of wind flew across the platform indicating that the train was coming. The people standing too close took steps back so they weren't taken with the train. When the train stopped, passengers exited before those who were waiting stepped on.

"Hey Atem," Mana whispered, turning to Atem and looking around cautiously as if she was going to spill a secret.

"Yes?" Atem replied in the same hushed tone.

"Are we chaperoning Joey and Mai or something? Is that why we're tagging along to their date?" She asked.

Atem blinked and resisted the urge to face palm. To any normal person, Mana would be delusional not to see the reality of the situation. It was obvious, by far, what Atem's and Joey's intentions were, but people didn't know Mana. Since Atem had told her about his affection for a mystery girl, another girl, the idea of Atem doing something even remotely romantic for Mana wouldn't even occur to her. She had a devout and fierce belief that Atem liked someone else and that person only. Therefore, she perceives anything Atem did as normal. Mana didn't want to get the wrong idea or make things weird by making stuff up.

"Not really, but I suppose, if you like, we can. It's an opportunity to have a day out so I thought why not?" Atem answered, pulling Mana towards the train. He didn't see the sceptical look that she shot first but noticed her nod. Once they were on the train, they looked for four available seats.

"I need the window seat!" Mana announced. She let go of Atem's hand and slid past Joey and Mai to get what she wanted. Mai sat next to her before Atem had the chance, leaving the two boys to sit opposite them.

Mana pressed her face against the window like an excited child and waited for the train to start its journey, when it did she faced the others, who all started a conversation about Duel Monsters.

Typical.

Mana prattled with her clothing, her jewellery and the best friend key ring she had, hoping they would start a conversation that she could contribute in soon. She had nothing against the game, instead she loved and even had her own deck. She wasn't a competitor like Joey, Atem and Mai were, so she didn't have much to talk about. But, she did try to mention dark magician girl whenever she could. She absolutely loved that duel monster.

Soon, the conversation did disperse into something else. Mai, wanting to know if there was something between Mana and Atem, covered her mouth and whispered into Mana's ear.

"Are you sure there's nothing between you and Atem that I should know about?" She questioned.

Mana chuckled. Mai was always speculating when it came to her and Atem. Mana supposed she couldn't blame her. Mana and Atem were basically an unofficial couple without the romance, although sometimes they did hold hands.

Mana copied Mai and covered her mouth and whispered into Mai's ear. "Nope, not a thing. I did promise I would tell you if there was something."

"Are you sure?" Mai whispered back.

"Yes. Completely and utterly. Atem fancies someone else remember!"

"Who is it?"

"I don't know, he won't tell me."

Mai paused. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Atem and back at Mana. Mai loved Mana like a little sister but sometimes she was as thick as a brick wall. However, Mai knew not to make assumptions just yet.

"I thought you were best friends."

"We are best friends."

"Then why hasn't he told you?"

"Because he wants to tell her first. I thinks he's completely and utterly in love with her. Isn't it adorable?"

Mai paused again before whispering back. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Aren't you jealous that he likes another girl more than you?"

"It doesn't matter if he does. We'll always be best friends."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know Atem and he knows me. We'll be best friends forever."

"Best friends often turn into lovers."

"But not all the time."

"I think you two are secretly dating..."

"You always think that Mai."

"Because people who are as close as you two are end up together."

"I suppose Atem and I are an anomaly then!"

"Oh my god Mana."

"What?"

"You're impossible."

"I'm not impossible! I'm stating the truth -"

"Are you girls okay there? Your whispering has become aggressive," Joey interrupted, looking between the girls with a concerned look on his face. Joey may have been clueless to what they were talking about but Atem was sure he had gotten the gist of it. He knew that later Mai will give him the exact same interrogation.

He knew Mana was denying there being anything between them because of the look on Mai's face. She desperately wanted to wring the younger girl's neck for not accepting that the two were meant for each other.

"We're fine," Mai answered.

"We're finished anyway. What I really want to know is how you two lovebirds are doing," Mana announced and rubbed her hands together. She leaned forward and waited with keen interest for them to spill some details about their relationship.

There was silence.

"Oh c'mon, you're out on a date today. How did Joey persuade you this time?" Mana turned to Mai with an expectant look.

"He said it would be somewhere I wouldn't expect to go on for a date," she answered and carelessly flicked a stray hair over her shoulder.

"Isn't that with all your dates? I mean, once you went to a chicken farm. That's not exactly a typical date," Mana reminded. Mai grimaced at the memory, many things went wrong that day and she swore to Joey that she'd never go out on a date with him again.

But he never gave up on her which she both hated and loved about him so within a fortnight she agreed to give him another chance.

"You'll like this one!" Joey assured, grinning widely. Mai gave him a sceptical look and then sighed wondering why on earth she had to fall for this moron out of all the people in the world.

"You've got to be kidding me," Mai exclaimed and pinched the bridge of her nose. She wasn't sure whether she should rip Joey's head off or laugh in disbelief.

Mana had her head tilted her head to the side as she stared at the building in keen interest and bewilderment and Atem face palmed. This is why Mai hasn't accepted being Joey's girlfriend.

Joey was the only one excited, he had been waiting for an awfully long time to come here. It was heaven for him, especially as he got to share it with the one he loved.

"C'mon let's go inside!" Joey cheered and grabbed Mai's hand and tugged her towards the entrance. She didn't resist because of the shock. Atem and Mana were motionless.

"I thought places like this only exist in dreams..." Mana trailed and averted her eyes to Atem.

He pursed his lips before speaking. "I thought this place was a myth... A museum for cup noodles? Really?"

Mana giggled and linked her arm with Atem's. "C'mon let's go keep an eye on those lovebirds." She skipped towards them, ignoring Atem's protests to walk normally so he didn't have to worry about her discordant pace. Due to their height and stature it was easy to slip past the tourists and perch behind Joey and Mai. Mai looked as if she was reconsidering every decision she ever made.

"You can't shoot this place down before entering Mai! Who else is gunna take ya to a place like this?"

"That's the point Joey."

Mana chuckled. "On the plus side, you two could have a romantic lunch of hot cup noodles together!"

Mai shot Mana a wry look, not at all pleased that she had to spend her day here out of all places.

"If ya really don't want to Mai, we can go to the parasite museum instead if ya want?" Joey suggested.

Mai's eyes widened in horror at the thought. She quickly settled with the noodle museum, although she was still rather miffed.

Luckily, the four were allowed to wonder around as they pleased instead of touring in groups. They were greeted with a statue of the founder of cup noodles and followed through the exhibitions. At first there was the work shed where the noodles had been born. Mana being Mana insisted on exploring the inside and dragged Atem with her while talking erratically about anything and everything. Several other attractions followed like the theatre of the history, creative thinking boxes, panorama of the inventor's life and making chicken ramen by hand.

Mana couldn't cook for the life of her and when she attempted it, it often led to catastrophe, but that didn't stop her. Out of pride or maybe he thought it was a way he could do some matchmaking, Joey challenged Atem and Mana to a cook off. Mana hastily agreed and grabbed Atem by the hand and to a station. They suited up as instructed by the supervisors and washed their hands.

Atem knew he would have to pay close attention to everything Mana was doing in hopes she wouldn't blow anything up or knock something over. Not that he minded. She was the reason he was swift to act in certain situations and that meant super fast reflexes.

"Why is kneading so weird?" Mana questioned and squished the wheat flour with her hands. Atem didn't know a lot about cooking himself but he knew the way Mana knead was incorrect.

"It's not weird. You're doing it wrong."

"Am not! When did you become an expert?"

"I'm not an expert but I don't think punching it like that is correct."

Mana pulled her away, the sticky mixture adorning her small hand. "Why don't you try Master-know-it-all," she teased.

Atem stepped forward with a smirk on his face, first he was about to do as she said but then he had a better idea. He skirted around Mana so he was on her right side and stepped close to her so her back and his chest were brushing.

Not the time for perverted thoughts Atem, control yourself! He reprimanded and grabbed Mana's doughy hand. "Let's do it together," he said simply. Mana didn't protest and let him guide her hand. Soon, they started using two hands, meaning Atem had completely cradled her. Unknowingly, his chin rested on her shoulder and he only realised once he pulled away after doing a pretty decent job at the kneading.

The intimacy had no effect on Mana, as expected, but Atem had to stop himself from pulling her into his arms again.

Instead of washing their hands immediately, Mana raised her hands to smother Atem's face. At first he was taken aback but then realised Mana's intention and glowered. He raised his hands and started to rub her face - trying desperately not to let his fingers linger in an attempt to memorise her features. Their laughed chorused, catching the attention of the stations around them. Joey raised his dough covered hand mischievously and wiggled his eyebrows at Mai, who retaliated by giving him a death glare. He scowled but then leaned close for a quick peck instead.

Atem and Mana were both asked to stop by the supervisor who had a hard time hiding their smile. The two complied, still laughing as they washed their hands and face.

They spread the wheat flour afterwards. Mana, having completely forgotten the competition against Joey and Mai, decided it was a good idea to be silly and poke the mixture instead of letting it lay straight. Atem didn't mind though, the point of this wasn't to end with wonderful chicken ramen but to have fun with Mana.

After steaming the wheat flour and drying it with the hot oil drying method (Atem made sure Mana was well away from the oil) and adding the finishing touches, they were done. They packed it up, ready to test out when they took a break for lunch. Joey and Mai, surprisingly, took longer than the other two but that was because of their bickering. Joey didn't listen and Mai wasn't a big fan of cooking.

Next, they followed through to the next hall which had displayed on the walls the instant noodle history boxes. The 3,000 variations struck Joey and Mana in awe and had them frenetically taking in each one.

Mai rolled her eyes at Joey's childishness but smiled at the same time. She turned to see Atem watching Mana in a I like her more than a friend way. His eyes were soft and crinkled so it looked like they were smiling. His lips curved up ever so slightly, only if you squinted and maybe tilted your head to the left would you tell he was smiling.

Mai smirked. "You have some drool on your chin."

Atem's immediate response was animated. His eyes widened, he turned to the side and wiped his chin hastily. His confident composure disintegrating momentarily before he regained it and faced Mai.

He realised what had just happened by looking at her face, making his gaze harden. "Very funny Mai."

"I knew there was something between you two. Do you two have a secret relationship that I should know about?"

I wish. Atem thought to himself. "No, we're not dating. Whatever Mana told you is true."

"Except the part that you don't have a crush on someone else?" Mai inquired, even though she already knew the answer. He didn't respond apart from a small shrug. "You know she has completely deluded herself into thinking it's another girl. If you told her it was her, she's going to get the biggest shock of her life." Atem's shoulders slumped and he ran a hand over his face. Mai's smirk softened into a smile.

"I know."

"Why didn't you just tell her?"

Atem lowered his hand from his face and looked at Mai. "She's never going to love me like that."

"How do you know she doesn't already?" Mai asked, raising an eyebrow. Atem shook his head, she had brother and friend zoned him and he really couldn't see any way of getting out of it. "Mana strikes me as the kind of girl who'll fall in love without realising. You know how she is, she's like an unstoppable force of nature - in a good way - I don't think she's going to stop to take in how she really feels about you."

Mai had a good point. Atem knew that their love was, as sappy as a sounded, meant to be. Whether it was now or in 50 years, they'll end up together. He wasn't sure if Mana felt the same way. He couldn't risk it.

"If I told her now, I'll just lose her."

"You're her best friend. You should tell her. If you lose her because of your feelings what does that have to say about your friendship?"

"It's not like that," Atem answered and pressed his lips together. "If she finds out now, she's going to distance herself. She's going to disappear for a while and think about things. I suppose that'll be a good thing but..."

"You don't want to feel like you're losing her," Mai finished and crossed her arms over her chest. "I get it. I guess all you can do is give her time."

Atem nodded, his stoic mask on his face. He wasn't very close to Mai but she was a good friend and understood things better because she was the older than the gang by a few years. She'd been in and out of love.

Atem thought about how Joey was doing the same thing but didn't voice his thoughts. His eyes flickering over to the blonde. He and Mana were tallying how many versions of the instant noodles they had tasted.

He smiled. He admired Joey's persistence, he was a bit of an idiot but dedicated nonetheless. He had the patience of a saint when it came to Mai.

A fond smile graced Mai's lips, thinking about her Joey. He was a moron and the most unpredictable component of her life. She then frowned, something had been bugging her lately about said moron and it was making her question everything in her life.

"How can you be sure?" She asked suddenly.

"Hm?" Atem's eyebrows quirked up, beckoning Mai to elaborate.

"How can you be sure that Mana's... the one? I mean, you're still young. You haven't experienced heartbreak and on top of that you're best friends... what if it all falls apart?"

Atem paused, sensing Mai's questioning meant something more personal. Mai and nearly everyone else had been vouching for Atem and Mana to become a couple and had no doubt that they were meant for each other.

"You just know," Atem answered simply. "With some people you just do. Joey just knows that's why he runs after you. You won't lose Joey, you don't have to worry about that. Joey may be young, but love is love isn't it? If it falls apart, it'll fit back together again."

Mai nodded at his wise words. He was right. She had to fight with her own insecurities before loving Joey in a way that he deserved.

They lapsed into a silence, watching their wacky loved ones. The hum of the other tourists aided their thoughts. Mai was thinking about taking Joey a little more seriously and Atem was trying to be more patient. He needed to give her time. He fell in love with her out of the blue and couldn't expect Mana to do the same. In the meanwhile, he'd just have to appreciate the time he spent with her.

They had spent half the day in the museum and much to Mana's delight it did end up with Joey and Mai kissing at the side. When they had lunch, which was them ordering unique instant noodles with their favourite toppings and sauce and trying out the ramen they made (both surprisingly turned out tastier than they looked so they decided to call the competition a draw).

When they walked back to the train station Mana gave Atem a t-shirt she had secretly bought him from the gift shop and showed him she had bought herself the same one but in a different colour. That answered Atem's previous question about whether she had gotten over matching stuff for the two.

He didn't mind though, he wore t-shirts often even though they were usually plain. Mana's enthusiasm made him promise that he would wear it in public. It was a good thing he almost always wore a jacket.

They got back on the train, this time Atem and Mana sat together and opposite sat Joey and Mai. Mana got her window seat, once again pressing her face against the window before turning to Atem with a massive smile on her face.

"I absolutely loved today, thank you for bringing me here. It was a lot more fun than I initially thought," Mana told him and leaned closer. "You've been so wonderful to me lately, is there anything you've been meaning to tell me?"

Atem paused, stunned at what Mana could be implying. "I... uh... what Mana?" He questioned, trying desperately hard not to let a blush consume his cheeks.

She burst into giggles and pressed her face to his shoulder. "I'm kidding! Gosh, Temmy you're such a dork!"

Atem laughed and sighed in relief. Opposite him Joey and Mai gave him both looks of disbelief, both of them were disheartened that today didn't help as much as they hoped. At least, Atem was certain about Mana.

Reviews please! :)