"You like her, don't you Neku?"

Purple headphones covered the orange-haired teen's ears, attempting to block out the noise. He tapped buttons on his mp3 untill music was playing as loud as he could stand it.

"Nice try but that's not going to help."

Neku sighed aloud. Of course the only noise he wouldn't be able to escape had to be the annoyingly snarky voice of his former game partner, Joshua.

'What do you want?' Neku thought after removing his phones and placing them around his neck. That familiar bothersome laugh echoed in his head.

"I think the question is, what do you want?"

Ignoring Josh for a moment, Neku glanced up to see Shiki and Rhyme admiring clothes selections, specifically skirts. The brightest smile claimed the brunette when she spotted a perfect denim miniskirt. Her eyes drifted upwards to see ultramarine pools staring back. A timid smile took over her expression as she went back to scanning for outfits and discounts. Neku looked around aimlessly before replying to the Composer's pestering,

'I don't know what you're talking about,' he smirked. He wondered if Joshua noticed the action. An annoyed rebuttal answered his question.

"Stop grinning and playing dumb. I'm being serious."

Neku chose not to reply and instead took a sip of soda he purchased before coming in Natural Puppy.

"That is, unless you're still waiting on me, Neku dear."

Neku choked on his drink, gaining him some odd looks from a couple of customers and a sales clerk. There was that laugh again. Neku swore Joshua only existed to piss him off to no end.

Wiping his mouth clean, Neku answered, "In your dreams."

"Neku," the slender boy looked up to see two girls with shopping bags in their hands, "wanna go get some ice cream? I hear there's a new stand that has a bunch of flavors!"

"Sure," he agreed with an involuntary smile. Rhyme decided to walk ahead of the older kids, saying something about how she couldn't wait to try it. Shiki held out a hand to which Neku took and stood up with her help.

"Let's go," She said, still holding his hand. He prayed that she couldn't see the blush on his face.

"I knew it." Joshua stated proudly.