Once more I caught my attention drifting far out across the sea horizon. Beyond that watery expanse, the line to split apart the ocean and sky was absolutely indistinguishable. So indistinguishable that the longer my eyes linger upon that horizon the more I feel drawn into something...familiar, hypnotic maybe. I fiddled with the charm attached to my purse, giving it a comforting squeeze. At least that unknowable distance doesn't seem quite so scary any more. Not like being requested to visit the principal's office at the end of school with absolutely no notice or reason. That was definitely still scary.

I sighed and tapped at one of the colorful stickers decorating my pencil case a few times as I tried to refocus on Mr. Fulton's lecture. As if that was really going to work. I just kept flipping scenarios over in my head. It can't be that serious, right? It's not like either of them were asked to come with me. What could he even want? I have way too much nervous energy to concentrate on the...'wonderful life of tax budgeting' I scanned up on the board. Not only that, but Mr. Fulton always made me feel a little uneasy. Something about him just doesn't, how to say, match up correctly. Almost like how the sweet old woman at the corner store stuffs her incredibly grouchy cat into a bumblee bee outfit. It's cute and Leonard definitely hams it up for treats, the little minion, but he really doesn't enjoy it much. Mr. Fulton feels like the human version of that poor cat; not a bad man but obviously unhappy and steadfastly refuses to acknowledge it. Not to mention the...strained enthusiasm he forces to hide it. It's just a little distressing to see someone so miserable every day without really being able to fix anything. I honestly wish he would just take the advice and switch to a career that actually makes him happy.

I shifted again in my chair, really not able to get comfortable at all. Why did they tell me about this meeting with the principal at the very beginning of the day? Now I have to stress the whole time about what could possibly be wrong, who could be in trouble…I guess that's why it's so tempting to keep looking back out this window…I felt a light nudge at the back of my shoe. Hmm...wonder which trouble-maker that could be. As stealthily as possible, I glanced further over my left shoulder at the obvious culprit. Behind me, Riku was leaning on his left hand, lightly flicking his pencil between his fingers, obviously trying to look inconspicuous and failing. He had that same oddly mischievous look on his face when he was up to something…

He dipped his head over to the right quickly, trying to signal for me to look over. Without even turning, I had a pretty good idea this was related to our mutual little slacker. Twisting back around I glanced over to where Sora was sitting. Or at least, where he was supposed to be sitting. Slumping, maybe is more accurate. How he managed to actually get so comfortable in these desks is a miracle to say the least. And with that same sweet goofy look on his face…I wonder what he dreams about all the time? I noticed the slightest amount of drool pooling beneath his open mouth onto his notebook. It's probably something about lunch. I hastily threw my hand over my mouth and tried to feign my sudden laughter as a cough or two. It worked...maybe. The teacher gestured over in my direction grandly.

"Exactly! What fool would go through with a daily purchase without a receipt!? What if you have an issue proving where all your hard-earned munny went? How will you do it!? You can't!" He slammed his fist onto the table, sending the whole first row of students reeling backwards.

I halfheartedly tried to nod along, grabbing for my pen to scribble some looping squiggles in my notebook until the teacher stopped making eye contact.

"Now, let's once again review the proper way to craft a record for a transaction done..." Mr. Fulton turned back towards the board and started drawing something ridiculously large up on the board, flinging his whole body into it.

I adjusted my posture in my chair. Still uncomfortable. Sora remained snoozing away peacefully, making me seriously jealous now. If I strained my ears I could barely pick up his unmistakably adorable light snoring. I never really thought something like that could sound cute but it always makes me smile when I hear it. His foot shifted a bit to the side and he sighed a bit more deeply, his own smile twitching on his face. If anyone deserves to relax its him. When he is able to rest so peacefully...I know everything is alright.

I picked up slight waving out of the corner of my eye and noticed Selphie doing her best to silently catch my attention. Tucked under her left arm she was dangling what looked like a folded piece of paper. She gave me a quick wink and released it, letting it fall to the floor. She spotted where the teacher was before slipping it over to me with her shoe. I trapped it under mine until it was safe to grab up.

It was just a small note, folded over a few times with a simple '-Kairi' scribbled on the outer side. What was most unusual was actually the way it was folded: all four corners bent into the center then halved, almost like origami. I pulled the edges out and stared at the message cradled inside: 'Meet me. 13h. Tree by Sports Building. Alone.' I'm not like a magical handwriting sleuth but I can tell it was distinctive enough to know I had never seen it before. It almost looked like it was written by someone who was still learning to pen characters properly. While my name was crafted clearly with obvious care, the actual message was sloppy to say the least. Maybe rushed? Many of the letters were strangely sized and shaky. And...sports building? Did they mean the gym? Also why were so many people wanting to meet with me today, anyway? I turned my likely clueless face over to Selphie and gestured at the note trying to mouth to her.

Where did you get this?

It takes me a couple tries but she finally understood me. She just gave me an unsatisfactory shrug and pointed over in the direction of Tidus' chair. He was eyeing us at this point and just shook his head aggressively mouthing something that looked like not me. I returned my attention back to the mysterious note. It had all the markings of a typical secret admirer confession but there was definitely something...off about this one. I considered passing it back for Riku's opinion but according to the clock on the wall there was only a minute or so left of class. Besides, there's no way he won't sneak after me like some kind of shadow spy bodyguard or something if he knows a mysterious stranger has asked to meet me alone. I puffed out some air in frustration. Dealing with confessions was bad enough but I definitely wanted to keep those two as uninvolved in that stuff as possible. Can you imagine how intimidating that would be trying to pour your heart out to someone you liked and see a stern face like his glowering down at you from the corner? Ugh...why is it so impossible to hide things from him? Getting stuff past Sora? That's easy.

Speaking of Sora, I checked and he was still resting peacefully away. I marveled again at how he was able to pull that off. Even if I wanted to, or was able to get comfortable enough, I could never sleep during school knowing that she could be lurking around any corner to-...

SMACK

I gasped a little bit in surprise even though I saw it coming. A heavy teaching planner was resting mere centimeters from Sora's nose, held down by Miss Trepe's stern arm. His eyes snapped open and he froze, focusing on the brown notebook in front of him.

"Mr. Takahashi. I understand this might not be your favorite subject..." She raised the planner and let him groggily attempt sitting up, apologizing, before she swiped it cruelly down against the back of his head. He winced at this but took it without complaint. I know he has a hard head but I still can't help but worry...

"Every subject isn't his favorite..." Riku mumbled just loudly enough for me to hear. I quickly put my finger up to my mouth to try and hush him.

Sora yelped his apologizes a little louder and she narrowed her eyes at him. "On my honor as an educator I'll not sit by idly while you snooze away what precious little time you manage to squeeze in between your adventures gallivanting off wherever." She prodded him a little in the forehead. "I don't know what manages to get into that head of yours but I hope it's at least something. I feel like I always have to keep tabs on you."

For some reason, despite the threatening lecture, this goof started to smile.

"And what is so funny? This is very serious!"

He hastily shook his head, smile broadening. "No, no, no, nothing is funny it's..."

"Hmm? Speak up!"

"Well...I don't enjoy getting scolded, but..." He rubbed his injured head tenderly. "At the same time I appreciate you care enough to do it. Or...something like that. Not that I'm trying to be trouble on purpose or anything!"

Always unexpected things with this one.

She gave him a playful tap on the shoulder with her planner. "I've never given up on a student yet and I'm not about to start today."

"Sorry..."

Seemingly satisfied with his apology, our homeroom teacher then approached the front, having already gotten the attention of the room. Sora waited until she was a few steps away and flicked an eraser at Riku who was still giving him a bit of a gloating look. His eyes darted over to where I was sitting and met with mine. He waved a bit sheepishly, then suddenly averted his gaze down to the floor. Is he embarrassed? What could he possibly be so embarrassed about? He's always oversleeping.

"If you'll note the time, Mr. Fulton, I'm sure you'll find we are due for homeroom announcements." Just as Miss Trepe finished speaking, the town chime started up its peaceful melody, indicating the lunch hour had begun. Mr. Fulton sighed in relief, stumbling so quickly from the classroom that he almost forgot his folders on the front podium. Wasting no time, Miss Trepe flipped open her notebook, adjusted her glasses and scanned her notes. "I see all we have today is a brief announcement from a student council represent-"

"-That's me!" Selphie bounded up from her seat so fast the chair shot back behind her and nearly collided with Sora's foot. Undaunted, Selphie started her speech. "So, as you all know Kono Fes is going to be a little unique this year, and it is predicted to be extra crowded with all the new visitors likely to come check it out. I'm sure you also know I founded the Island Greeting Committee for the big tourism boom and all predictions say this is going to be a huge hit this year so let's get ready to impress!"

Miss Trepe rolled her fingers impatiently at her.

Selphie immediately sped her voice up. "Ah...um...so any volunteers who want to lend their skills are appreciated! Any talents are welcome from the wonderful to the whimsical! In particular, we are still in desperate need of musicians! You can come sign up with me at lunch this week! First rehearsal will be on Friday!"

Miss Trepe waved at her to sit and cleared her throat. "I guess that is it for today, have a good lunch- and once again please refrain from any further..." she rolled her eyes "crab chopstick battles." A moan rose up from the other side of the classroom before it was summarily shut down with a sharp look. "Everyone should report back to classes awake and ready to learn."

"Aye aye captain!" Sora piped up cheerily and I covered my giggle up with my hand.

Snapping her book shut she turned away on her heel and marched back to the teachers room. As soon as she left Selphie gave an apologetic nod over to me, gathered up her folder covered in inspirational stickers and raced out to meet with the other student council members. It was like a wave breaking up on shore as the silent tension of the classroom immediately dissipated once the teachers were gone.

Riku gave Sora a shove in his seat. "She's got you pegged. Better behave the rest of today or she'll add something extra to your remedial work on Wednesday."

"I know, I know! I had a late night last night, okay?" Sora shoved his friend back.

Riku leaned forward, feigning interest. "Oh, really? Something I should know about?"

Sora waved him away and avoided my eyes again. "Secret! Totally secret!" A brief wash of panic hit his face as he noticed the ink smudging in a few places from the small drool pool on his papers and he immediately began the somewhat futile effort of wiping it down. I couldn't help but feel the corners of my mouth twist up at the adorable panic of him attempting to dry out his notes. There was something helplessly cute about it.

"Don't worry, you can borrow my notes later if you are missing something."

"You really shouldn't spoil him like that." Riku pursed his lips in that silly disapproving way that made him look like a fussy nanny.

"You're one to talk!" I reached out to give him a little smack on the head but he ducked backwards to avoid me. I just jabbed my tongue out at him instead. Can't dodge that one, can you?

"By the way, what was that message Selphie passed you? Something about the festival she roped you into doing?" He eyed me up and down, judging every move.

"Ah...um...no, I don't think it's festival related..." Darn, I can already tell he is getting suspicious. Maybe if I change subjects quickly..."Anyway! I've been antsy all day so let's get outside already!" I spun around and bent over to rummage through my purse. Why does the useful stuff always fall down to the bottom... "Aha!" I wrapped my fingers around my wrapped lunchbox and lifted it aloft, spinning back to see both boys were now inexplicably mesmerized by the ceiling. "Um..." I tilted my head up but just saw the same dented ceiling tile from when Sora thought it was a good idea to try practicing juggling again. What were they looking at? Unless...Oh no… "Don't tell me the two of you forgot your lunches again…?" Yep, they were definitely still avoiding eye contact with me. So that was why Sora has been so nervous around me today.

"Uh well..." Sora started doing that same little tick of his: laughing and scratching at the side of his face. Meanwhile Riku just shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Still too cool for excuses, I see.

"Ugh, you're both mooching bums you know that?"

Most all of our classmates had already found their preferred lunch spots so we had to dodge around a few groups on the stairs to get over to the courtyard and down to our bench. Well, not that it was actually ours but I think most of us tend to stick to the usual places. It's like some unwritten school etiquette rule. I sat down quickly and unwrapped my lunchbox flipping the lid open with a relish. "Tada!" I would definitely be lying if I said I didn't get at least a little enjoyment out of their oh so polite compliments towards my box arranging skill set. Obviously they are just vying for favors to get the good bits.

After a few rounds, I hushed them. "Okay, okay that's enough of that. You two are worse than the gulls sometimes." I pulled out the extra box and passed it over to Sora next to me. "Here, these are some extra sandwiches for the two of you to split."

He opened the box and I saw his eyes sparkle. "Kairi this is...how did you know to bring this much?"

I just rolled my eyes at him. Seriously? "You're the one who forgets about twice a week. I always bring it." There's usually at least someone who has forgotten some food for the day, so even if these boys do remember their lunch, my spare stuff is rarely left uneaten.

"He probably does it on purpose to take advantage of your good nature."

"Says the guy also mooching off her right now!" Sora snapped back then gently set my lunchbox down on the bench behind him and stood up, stretching. "I'll go grab us something to drink from the cart." He gave us a quick wave and jogged off to find where it was this afternoon. Shelinda had been so kind to take over the little drinks cart after her grandmother passed, but she was still getting used to things and often ended up just meandering about rather than follow any set route. But her heart is in it, which is the most important thing.

"Make sure you get a record of your transaction so you can properly do your taxes later." Riku joked after him, imitating our teacher's voice from the lecture earlier today. It obviously flew right over his head, as Sora just gave him the most baffled expression over his shoulder. I split my rolled egg cut into a heart shape into three pieces and divided it up between the boxes, watching him shrug off his confusion and bounce off happily. I also made sure to note the time on the school clock above the courtyard. I really should head off to meet my secret note writer soon…

"Um, so, I need to go take care of something really fast. Can you watch the food to make sure the birds don't steal anything?" I stood up and smoothed down my skirt, noticing Riku eyeing me suspiciously. "What? It's rude to stare, you know!"

"Mm." He hummed in agreement but didn't. stop. staring. "I thought your meeting with the principal was at the end of the day..."

I started to feel a little uneasy and avoided his look. "It's just girl stuff, okay?"

He stared sharply. Yeah, he definitely knows something is up. Ugh, those eyes. I stomped my foot at him and shooed him away. "I can take care of it. Seriously." I backed up, keeping locked on him the whole time just in case he tried anything funny. He leaned back into the bench and waved me off lazily with this hand. Yeah, try and sit there looking cool like you don't care. I don't trust it one bit…

Just as I turned to run off I passed Sora coming back from the other way. He skidded to a halt, tilting his head to me in confusion. Before he could ask I just gave him a quick wave and the most reassuring smile I could manage. "Be right back! You two had better not eat all my apple bunnies. I counted them!"

I breathed a sigh of relief once I made it past the archway. Okay so far so good...but now is the actual hard part, having to deal with this secret message writer. I know it didn't explicitly say it was a love confession but...something about it seemed so suspect. The care with which this person wrote my name...I slowed my steps as I drew closer to the large palm tree near the side of the gym. With each step I just felt more and more dread filling me up like a balloon. This was never easy. Just seeing someone spilling their heart out, looking so hopeful...it hurts. I know it hurts them more, but still…I knew no matter what I was going to have a rough night thinking about it. I lightly smacked my own face a few times. Come on, don't lose focus, this person deserves to be heard out, weird note or not. I stopped by the tree, spun around and clicked my heels together with determination. Maybe if I kept my body language strong I could pull through this.

It's odd though...usually they meet me first. I might bump into them pacing and practicing what they are going to say. Yet here I am standing alone…I gave it a while before I leaned over and tried to check the time from behind the leaf blocking my view. Whoever it is, they are late...I sighed and started fiddling with my charm bracelet. Jeez...if this turns out to be a prank…

Something ice cold brushed against my back and I froze. It felt like someone walking their fingers up from the small of my back up my spine. But it was so cold. Threatening. The sensation left my spine briefly, until I felt it brush through my hair. Gripping my fist I whipped myself around to see...nothing.

I was still all alone.

The touch against my back was gone and I was left feeling completely foolish. Maybe it was just a leaf brushing against me but...no...there was something too familiar about it. Despite the air being quite warm I began to shiver, my arms prickling. This was a bad idea. Something was definitely wrong here. I slowly backed up from where I was standing, back towards the courtyard where I could hear the laughter of my classmates. Just as soon as I made it far enough away I turned to make a run for it. Hopefully I can fi-I stumbled backwards from the unexpected block in my path. An arm clutched around me to save me from dropping into the dirt.

"Whoa there! What's the hurry? It's only just past one o'clock, plenty of lunch time left."

Oh, it's Irvine. I hastily apologized and adjusted myself, noting that he still had his arm tightly wrapped around my waist. I tried to shrug it off but he pulled me in a bit closer.

I leaned away. "Are you the one wh-"

"Princess, princess! I can't believe you'd compliment me so freely! Of course I am the "one"! The most princely guy you can get, ready to be your personal savior."

I sighed and tried extracting his arm again. "Irvine, we've talked about this before. Just because I am a princess doesn't mean I like being a damsel."

"And yet here you are, safe in my arms. I can take you out for a real nice time, make you forget all your troubles..."

I was starting to believe maybe Irvine had set this whole thing up and tried to scare me on purpose. It all felt just too coincidental. Though that doesn't really seem like him..."I'm fine. But I can think of one girl who actually has a lot of troubles right now. I bet she really wants the help of a nice, considerate gentleman. She's absolutely desperate."

He drew me closer. "Oh…? And who might that be?"

I playfully put a finger on the side of my chin, pretending to reconsider. "Hmm...should I tell you? I wonder if you can manage it...she's really quite a handful, you know. Needs favors all the time."

Irvine gave me a wink. "And what do I need to do to learn where this lovely lady is?"

"Move your arm, for starters."

He released me and gave me a ridiculous bow. "As you wish, my princess." Ugh, I hated when people called me that.

"Second, stop with the princess stuff." I noted that disappointed little sag and I sighed. "At least, just tone it down a little, okay? If you go to the student council room you'll find her waiting for you."

He clicked his tongue, pointing his finger in my direction. "I'll be sure to do juuust that." He turned and stumbled a bit, looking surprised. "Hm?...hey there." He bobbed his head over to someone who must have been right behind him before slipping past. Once he moved I could see more clearly. Oh, it was Sora? How long had he been standing there? He looked frozen in place, holding what looked like my handkerchief. I couldn't quite read the expression on his face. It was somewhere between confusion, shock and...maybe the fading remnants of excitement? Like he had just run over to tell me something really great but was stopped in his tracks. I wonder what he could have been so excited for?

He nodded his head back over in the direction Irvine was leaving. "Everything okay?"

"Yep. Just fine. Mind telling me why you are here?" I pressed him.

The excitement portion of his face took over and he lifted what he was holding up into the air. "I found it for you!"

"Hm?"

Yeah, it was definitely my handkerchief all right. He offered it over, but before I could question anything he was already speaking again. "So um...you're helping Irvine with something?"

I waved the question off. "No, not really. He just insists on doing favors but I had no favors to give him. So I sent him over to Selphie as a volunteer."

His eyes widened. "He can play an instrument?"

"I guess we'll find out. Once she sinks her hooks into something she's not letting go. Irvine is just as persistent. Who knows? Maybe I've just summoned chaos by mixing those two together..."

He laughed one of those bright earnest laughs that never fails to make me smile right back. It's like his happiness is a contagious bug. He bounced back and forth a bit, pointing back towards our bench. "You ready to go back? Riku's probably eating all the good parts already!"

I stalled for a moment, casting my eyes back at the darkened doorway of the gym. I did a quick check to make sure that there really was no one there. Any dark feelings that there were before had long since passed. I felt gentle pressure on my soldier and saw Sora wordlessly waiting, probably a little concerned now that something was actually wrong.

"Mm...yeah." I let it go, giving Sora a playful shove as I started running back to the bench. "Let's not let him get away with that!"

Riku lifted an eyebrow at us as we returned. "So?"

"Mission success!" Sora jumped up onto the wall behind the bench, glancing down into the sandwich box. "Aw man! I knew you'd already eat the-"

Riku just silently gestured to one of the lids that had two halves of a sandwich set aside on them. "No sandwich is worth the complaining I'd have to hear all day if I didn't leave it for you." He popped a piece of coconut into his mouth and chewed contemplatively. Oooh no, I'm not letting you get away with changing the subject like that, mister!

"So...I'm so glad that Sora found my handkerchief. And delivered it right to me. Fancy that."

"Yeah. Fancy that." Riku shrugged broadly and took a huge sip of the tea Sora had no doubt bought for him from the cart.

Sora, mouth half full of sandwich, piped up. "Yeah, he said you thought you left it up in the classroom and that's what you went off looking for, but I guess it had just gotten misplaced under the lunchbox. Lucky!"

I saw Riku twitch a little and give his friend a dirty look. Sora's oblivious earnestness pays off for me again..."Ooh, I see...and then I suppose Riku suggested you bring it over to me so I know it's been found?" I narrowed my eyes at the boy as he continued pretending to be very busy drinking.

"Yeah..." Sora's cheerfulness dimmed a bit as he began looking back and forth between the two of us. "Is...something wrong?"

Clever. Very clever. Spy on me using your friend's innate helpfulness. Riku finally swallowed, eyeing me. "Hey, you just told me to stay here and guard the food. You never said anything about him."

I plopped down onto my place between them on the bench, haughtily turning my nose up. "Geez, this is the thanks I get for sharing."

Sora slipped off from his perch on the back of the bench to sit next to me, clearly baffled. "Did I do something…?"

I gave him a playful shove. "No, silly. Riku just tried to pull a fast one and used you to spy on me. I never lost my handkerchief."

"Wha!?"

Riku clicked his tongue. "Well, you're the one being shady about what you were actually up to. I think I was perfectly justified."

"This, Riku, is exactly why we can never throw you surprise birthday parties." I crossed my arms. "Besides, nothing happened." Riku frowned almost like he didn't believe me. "I'm pretty sure the note was from Irvine. He was just trying to ask me out again."

Sora began violently coughing and Riku scowled, muttering something. I patted Sora on the back a few times, making sure he was okay as he tried and failed to splutter something incoherent.

Riku crossed his arms, and gave me that look like he was trying to cross examine me. "I figured it was something like that...but you said Irvine asked you...again? How many times has he been bothering you?"

"Calm down you two, it's fine. I'm more than capable of handling these things. Besides, you know what he's like. He asks girls out practically every day. I doubt it was completely serious."

"Why would you even go meet with him if you knew he was going to do that? Alone?"

"The note didn't have a name so I had no idea who it was from."

"As if that makes it any better? Why would you meet up with someone when you don't even know who they are? Alone!?"

I was getting a little sick of his constant questioning. "Riku, stop. I can handle myself, okay?"

He paused and unraveled a little. "You're right. Sorry."

"And I went because...if someone is taking the chance to confess to me I feel like the absolute least I can do is give them my respect, my time, and ultimately hear them out, no matter who it is coming from. It's not fair to dismiss someone just because they were too shy to sign their name."

"You...have to deal with this a lot?" Sora seemed to finally have recovered from his coughing fit. He was fidgeting, pawing at the lunchbox lid next to him. Ugh, that face he makes when he's worried always makes me so anxious too. I leapt to my feet, shoving one hand each down onto their heads, ruffling their hair. "You both are so over protective!"

They both dodged out under my hands and I sighed, digging my toe into the dirt. "But...thank you. I'm glad I have such great guys looking out for me." I pointed at Riku. "Just trust me..." I moved my other hand over to jab at Sora's shoulder. "And don't you worry! I don't mean to brag but I am a pretty good judge of character. I'm not going to jump at the first invitation that comes my way covered in all the right sparkles and glitter. I'm only..." I lowered both my hands and fiddled with the hem of my uniform. "...I'm only waiting for the right person to ask me."

Sora seemed to be avoiding my eyes again. What was up with him lately? "And...how do you think you'll know? If they are the right person, I mean."

Oh geez, what a complicated question…"Well for starters he definitely needs a good heart. To care for others no matter what shape or size they come in. Then I suppose his spirit would need to shine with just the right light. Light like... the sun that sparkles out on the surface of the ocean. Bright, unfading and shines out ever the clearer when the waves move against it. If I can see a light like that in his eyes when he tries to confess to me he wouldn't even have to say a word."

Neither of them responded.

I pursed my lips. "What? Too sappy?"

"N-no, of course not." Sora stuttered, still staring at his shoes.

Riku sighed heavily. "For you? No. That sounds just about right. Not too many guys out there who would live up to that but I know for sure there has to be at least one. I hope you find him."

"Thanks for the sentiment but don't think you can distract me from working out your punishment for meddling!" I winked at him. "Sora, you get a break today because you were made into an unwitting pawn of this mastermind here." Sora breathed out an audible sigh of relief. "Hmm...well, since you've insisted on trying to insert yourself into my love life I think it's only fair for me to return the favor."

"And how, exactly, are you going to do that?" Riku narrowed his eyes, obviously eager to see what challenge I was going to present to him.

"My revenge will be completely undetected!" I laughed triumphantly. "I couldn't even tell you the number of girls who come up to me asking for advice on how to get your attention, what sorts of things you like, what sorts of things you hate, what colors, what outfits you like the most, on and on...now I try to be reasonable and give useful advice when I can...buuuut…" I smiled devilishly towards him, waiting for him to understand what I was getting at. "I am basically a front for all these interested young women. If I tell them you absolutely adore fluffy widde stuffed unicorns? You'd better believe you're going to have a flood of them coming out of your locker!"

"Oh no..."

Sora started laughing so hard he was doubled over. "They would never believe that though! You need to come up with something small that he absolutely hates but that other people might actually believe he could secretly like. And only tell a few people so then if he does go out with one of them he will never know if or when it's coming."

"Oh now that's just evil!" I giggled. I loved how sometimes he was the perfect partner in crime when it came to making Riku's life hell. Riku leaned over and punched him in the shoulder while I twirled the end of my hair playfully. "Hmm...I'll have to give it some thought...or maaaybe just this time I'll let it go if you promise not to do any more meddling."

Riku raised his arms in a fake surrender. "Fine. I promise. Under threat of unicorns, I promise. Seriously though, Kairi, do you really have that many girls bothering you about me? I find that a bit hard to believe..."

"Pfft. Are you kidding me? You have the whole pretty boy-bad boy thing going on. Not to mention you are actually a good person. You really haven't noticed them trying to flirt with you?"

He lowered his eyes to the dirt. "Maybe...I guess I never really thought..." I sighed and rejoined them on the bench. These boys and their self confidence sometimes…

"Oh come on now. You are a sweet, caring guy. Both of you are. Why wouldn't girls want to give you attention?"

Sora bobbed his knees up and down on the bench. "I'm kinda glad I don't have to deal with that..."

Riku perked up a bit, laughing. "As if you of all people would recognize when a girl likes you. She could rattle off a whole speech about how she knew it was love at first sight and you'd probably still find a way to misinterpret it."

"Would not! Besides, you just admitted you never noticed girls trying to flirt with you."

"Flirting and confessions are two very different things."

I shook my head. "Oh, he notices. He just doesn't believe it for some reason. Honestly..."

I saw many of our classmates had already cleaned up and were heading back inside for the next round of classes and did a quick check of the time myself. It was almost time but I wanted to just sit out here and relax in the breeze just a moment longer...I leaned back and closed my eyes, feeling it ripple across my face. The wind always carried with it a sweet smell: mango. Traces of hibiscus now and again. I could hear the boys doing me the huge favor of packing the leftovers of lunch back up.

"Now that the worlds are connected again there will be plenty of chances to find that special someone, right?" I posed the question, but I could tell from their blank expressions that it wasn't something they really considered worth discussing. Oh well... "I'm so glad everything is finally at peace. The thought of all the worlds reconnecting again seemed so...chaotic and scary. But it was like they just remembered how to fit together and brought all those memories back. I hope it lasts for a long time..." Obviously we know they used to be separated, but now it seems almost impossibly bizarre that they could have ever been that way. I suppose it was like when my memories of Sora disappeared for that one year. They all just slowly started coming back, until it was almost like they should never have been gone in the first place. I glanced over at him as he sat currently pondering things with a bright smile.

I never want to forget him again. It would be too horrible.

Sora cheerfully handed me my folded up lunchbox. "It's great that so many of our friends can visit any time now. Though there is quite a bit that I still haven't gotten used to. Like, when I see someone I don't recognize in town I have to consider if they are a visitor from another place or just someone I haven't seen since I was a kid. It messes with me a little."

I giggled at the thought of him accidentally offending some old woman by offering to show her around because he thought she was a tourist when she actually lived here for decades. "True! It's also strange seeing which of our friends end up in relationships with each other. Sometimes the pairs seem...really out there. Two people who were complete opposites as kids suddenly falling in love...it's strange, isn't it?"

"They do say opposites attract." Riku murmured.

"Mm...I guess..." I'm not really sure why people say that. I guess in some ways that means the two people who approach problems differently could potentially share more solutions with each other that maybe the other one hadn't even considered? But at the same time, wouldn't they fight more often too?

"I think it's best if there is at least some common ground between couples. After all, a couple should be a super strong team! I can't imagine being able to solve many puzzles with someone who was my total opposite." Sora interjected.

I giggled at the frustrated look on Riku's face. He bonked his friend on the head and grumbled. "Your total opposite? So, you mean someone well-educated, attentive and patient? Noted." Riku scoffed and shoved him again, then scooped up my lunch box and started leading the way back.

"Wha...hey!" Sora leaped up instantly, charging after him.

Riku broke into a run; obviously they both had decided on an impromptu race to the classroom. I'd say the two of them are the strongest team I know. Obviously Sora was thinking about two people in a romantic sense, but it still could come across as slightly insulting to his current teammate who was...well...not his total opposite, but very different in a lot of ways. But despite how different the two of them were, I was still always grateful we had each other. I'll never take simple, deary days for granted ever again.

I made my slow way up after them, taking another refreshingly deep breath. What was this worry gnawing at the back of my mind? It can't just be about meeting the principal later...though I had managed to forget that for a while, thanks brain. That cold touch by the gym...that unsettling yet familiar ache in my heart…What could be stirring in the shadows? Could there be something hiding right in front of me?

I hope our peace isn't just a temporary illusion.