" Where is Kikyou?" asked Kyousuke.

" I don't know. I'll go look for her." volunteered Shigeru. He made his way through the crowd and into the corridor.

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" What do you want to talk about?" asked Kikyou to Hiro.

" I just, just wanted to give you this." said Hiro and took out a small velvet box from his pocket. He opened it and Kikyou gasped. Hiro took out what was inside and slipped it into Kikyou's left ring finger.

Kikyou adored the ring's delicate features. It was made of platinum shaped into a chinese bell flower. The flower was adorned with precious diamonds.

" It's to protect you. And give you some love when you feel lonely." said Hiro patting Kikyou's hand.

Kikyou was speechless for a moment. " Th-thank you." said Kikyou finally.

" Keep that with you always." said Hiro and quickly gave Kikyou a peck on the cheek. Kikyou turned scarlet and gently held her cheek.

A shadow slipped away, it's purple eyes were blank with anxiety.

-----------------------

" Hey, sorry I'm late." said Kikyou as she arrived at the benches where Ken, Tsukino, Kyousuke and Shigeru were sitting.

" Where were you? Shigeru was looking all over for you a while ago." complained Kyousuke.

" Really? Sorry, Shigeru." apologized Kikyou. For a moment, Shigeru's face was blank. Then he looked at Kikyou's hand.

" Nice ring. Where did you get it?" asked Shigeru without emotion.

Kikyou blushed instantly. " W-well, you see, on my way here, I passed by a shop selling jewelry and I spotted this ring."

" Ah."

" Is something wrong Shigeru?"

" Nothing."

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After the awarding ceremony, the Team Japan met up with Mr. Kirisaki and was forced to agree with his proposed tournament, Yakitate 9.

That night, the Team Japan talked about the tournament.

" We can't fight all together. We have to take turns in fighting together." said Kyousuke. " What do you think, Shigeru?"

Shigeru had a blank expression on his face and he was staring at mid-space.

" Shigeru! What the hell is wrong with you?"

" Huh?"

" Are you alright? Are you still here on earth?"

" Yes I am."

" I don't think so! What the heck are you thinking?"

" Nothing. Excuse me." said Shigeru and he stood up.

" Wait!" called Kikyou and took hold of Shigeru's wrist. " Do you have a problem Shigeru?"

Shigeru looked at her. " I said nothing didn't I?" Then he pulled himself away.

Kikyou was frozen on the spot. " What the hell happened to him?"

---------------------

Days passed and Shigeru became more distant from Kikyou. He was very warm to Kazuma , Kyousuke, Tsukino and Manager Ken but whenever Kikyou arrives, he becomes cold.

Kikyou noticed this and became more and more confused everyday.

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Then, a day came that Kikyou couldn't take it any longer. She cornered Shigeru on his way to his apartment that night.

" WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU SHIGERU? WHY ARE YOU BECOMING SO DISTANT!"

Shigeru kept quiet and looked at her with blank eyes. " Nothing." He answered coldly. Kikyou could not take this anymore and burst into tears. Shigeru just looked at her. After a moment, he pushed her away and walked towards his apartment.

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End of Chapter One