I remember the day me and Mio met, that tingly feeling that dweled up inside of me when she smiled at me... when she was happy. All those memories... they will always stay in my mind, like butterflies flying around pretty flowers. Like colours spreading itself around a sheet of paper. Like a lovestruck person staying in another's heart.

You have no idea how long i have been in love with you... for the longest time in my life. You have filled my life with happiness and emotion! Without you, i would be lost, hurt... killed. My heart would stop pounding, it would stop it's racing and just drop dead onto the ground. It would burst and spread around the darkness. I'm nothing with you, Mio Akiyama... nothing....

My name is Ritsu Tainaka, i'm currently in my second year of high school. Mio Akiyama has been my best friend for years! She has been with me through those tough times... and through those sweet times... yup, she's helped me through everything... and that's probably why i'm in love with her.

I'm a girl, in love with another girl. So what? You can't control the boundaries of love... that's how far love will go... I first found out when we started the light music club... it was like cupid struck me with an arrow, it was painful and rough at the beggining... but then i gotten used to seeing her show no interest but just friends in me. It's natural, but i'm gonna have to deal with it... deal with the fact that... i don't think she'll ever feel the same way about me...

"Ritchan!!"

I snapped up and all my thoughts were gone, i now focused on reality...

"Huh? Oh hey Yui, what's up?"

"We're going to Migu-Chan's place, wanna come?" She asked, smiling widely. "She's serving her delicious cake and tea!" Yui nearly drooled when she mentioned 'cake and tea'.

I chukled and shook my head. "Nah, i just need time to think something through..."

"That's very unusual of you, Ritchan!" Yui said, pouting at me like a cat. I laughed and nodded. "I know, right..."

After Yui left, i walked to the outside of the school, the breeze was really relaxing. My hair was blowing in the wind. I sighed and walked over to a bench, i then sat down and looked at the sky. Now... back to my thoughts. Mio Aki--

"Ritsu..."

That voice...

I turned my head, and was delighted to see a familiar face.

"Mio..."

"What're you doing here, i was certain that you would go with Yui..." Mio smiled, tilting her head. I returned the smile. "Yeah... i guess i just have a lot of things in my mind at the moment..."

"Really?" She asked, sitting next to me. I could just feel the heat rising up to my face. "Wanna talk about it with me, i mean... we are best friends, right?" She looked at me at smiled... Oh gosh... my eyes widened. The sun has just rised a little, and her face gleamed... the wind was blowing her hair... and she was smiling that smile... while the sun was shining right onto her... it was like heaven... me sitting next to her... looking at her beautiful face... i wish... i wish this moment would last forever... if only i could reach out and stroke her face... slowly... stroke it... gently... her... soft... face...

"R-Ritsu-Chan?"

I snapped up so quickly, that you could barely see my head move upward. I blushed and looked away, cursing myself silently. "I-I'm sorry, i just... ur..." I paused, not knowing what to say next. Behind me, i can sense that Mio was worriedly looking at me, a frown on her face. "R-Ritsu-Chan..." She placed a hand on my shoulder, that totally sent shivers down my spine... and it wasn't because of the cold. I looked at her and she smiled at me. For a moment there, nothing happened. Just a moment of silence between us.

"Hey, do you want to come over?"

I nodded quickly.

"Mio, it's been awhile since i've been in your room..." I whispered, looking at the gifts... photgraphs and other nicknacks on Mio's bedroom shelf.

"Yeah..." She whispered back. "...Hey Ritsu... i need to ask you something..."

I looked at her and smiled. "What's up?"

"I...I need love advice..."

I nearly fainted when i heard that. Mio asking me for love advice?? More importantly, Mio even asking for love advice??

"W-Why? Do you... ur... like someone?"

I could see her stiff and tense. So, it's true. She slowly nodded and looked at me. I guess she could see the horror in my face, cause the next thing i knew... she was stuttering and blushing.

"I-I mean, not that much... L-Like... i mean... i do like that p-person but... ur... uh..." I forced a fake smile and wrapped an arm around her, she then pushed her head to my shoulder, while i wrapped both my arms on her waist. I inhaled the scent of her... she smelled like freshly baked cookies and heaven. I smiled for real this time, and then when she closed her eyes to relax. I frowned and fought the tears that dwelled up in my eyes. I closed them and clenched my teeth. Luckily for me, Mio was enjoying her moment on my shoulder. "Ritsu-Chan..." I opened my eyes. "Yeah..." She wrapped her arms around my waist, sending shivers up my spine. "We'll always be friends, right?" I nodded. "Always..." She still didn't dare to look me in the eye. "...No matter what?" This came out barely as a whisper. "No matter what..." I said back, carresing my best friend... and crush.

That day went by quite slowly. Mio led me to the kitchen, where she made me, or tried to make me, ramen. It tasted a little off but i acted my best to make it look like i was enjoying it. Then after that, we walked back to her room and watched a movie 'A walk to remember'. I almost cried, as for Mio... she did. And half of the ending to that movie, she laid on my lap, with her face burried on my chest, while she still peaks at the movie. It was one of the best moments of my life... even if i can't have her as a lover, she's still my best friend... and nothing can change that. After the movie, we straightened ourselves up and walked to the park. Even though it was late, i insisted.

"Ritsu-Chan, you're crazy..." Mio whispered, smiling a little. The winter breeze has just come on, and it blew most of the leaves out of the way... and onto us. The leaves brushed agaisnt out clothing. Mio was by the water, looking at the moon... admiring it. While i stayed behind, hands in my pocket, looking at Mio... admiring Mio. "...You're beautiful..." I whispered, not loud enough for Mio to hear though. "Ritsu... would you do it if i asked you to walk over water just to see me?" Mio asked, turning back to face me. I thought about it for a moment, then frowned and shook my head. Mio had a look of surpise and hurt. "Mio-Chan... i would walk over water, fire AND lava just to see you..." I replied, giving her the most sweetest smile i had ever given anyone. She looked at me like i just grew another head. "...R-Ritsu..." Tears formed in her eyes as she ran to me, flinging her arms around me and hugging me tightly. "...Thank you, Ritsu-Chan..." I smiled and let her hug me, while i wrapped my arms around her waist. 'No matter what, right?' I thought.